Hearing Officer (Review Examiner II)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Hearings Officer. The ideal candidate will conduct Administrative Disqualification Hearings in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and issue fair, impartial decisions within established regulatory time frames. DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): · Structure and clearly explain procedures that govern hearings. · Control testimony (including evidentiary rulings) and identify and mark exhibits. · Maintain substance and appearance of impartiality and demonstrate patience and courtesy toward all parties. · Assure the record is fully developed, and all issues adequately addressed. · Render a written decision based on relevant regulations and standards within the time frames required by law. · Conduct statewide telephonic, videoconference, and in-person hearings as assigned. · Make and store digital recordings of hearings following established procedures. · Establish jurisdiction and identify relevant issues. · Summarize evidence and identify, mark, document, and store all exhibits. · Make appropriate findings of material facts, apply law to facts, and reach reasonable legal conclusions based on relevant regulations and standards. · Sign and submit error-free, properly formatted decisions and issue clear, complete orders to the Department. · Follow assigned procedures governing reschedules, continuances, reopenings, dismissals, and withdrawals. · Confer with DTA management and other agency personnel to provide or exchange information and resolve problems. · Render decisions within 30 days of the hearing date or 5 business days prior to the decision due date, whichever comes first.

Requirements

Ability to understand, explain, and apply the laws and rules governing assigned unit activities.
Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, and opinions.
Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of data, to draw appropriate conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to gather information through questioning individuals and examining records.
Ability to make decisions and act quickly in stressful situations.
Ability to determine the proper format and procedure for assembling items of information.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare general reports.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.
Ability to prioritize work in order to complete all assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
Ability to exercise sound judgment.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships and deal tactfully and respectfully with others.
Ability to travel throughout the state using their own mode of transportation on a daily basis.
Ability to use all necessary functions of a laptop computer to compose decisions and store information in an orderly manner.
Ability to work remotely while maintaining productivity, accuracy, and accountability.
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience, the major duties of which included the adjudication, examination and/or review of claims, benefits and/or taxes; the practice of law; labor relations work; claims investigation or adjustment work; credit management or credit investigation work; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
Knowledge of the state law governing administrative hearings.
Knowledge of the legal procedures involved in conducting public and executive hearings.
Knowledge of the laws and rules governing the presentation and admissibility of evidence.
Knowledge of reference and related sources available for legal research.
Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Responsibilities

Structure and clearly explain procedures that govern hearings.
Control testimony (including evidentiary rulings) and identify and mark exhibits.
Maintain substance and appearance of impartiality and demonstrate patience and courtesy toward all parties.
Assure the record is fully developed, and all issues adequately addressed.
Render a written decision based on relevant regulations and standards within the time frames required by law.
Conduct statewide telephonic, videoconference, and in-person hearings as assigned.
Make and store digital recordings of hearings following established procedures.
Establish jurisdiction and identify relevant issues.
Summarize evidence and identify, mark, document, and store all exhibits.
Make appropriate findings of material facts, apply law to facts, and reach reasonable legal conclusions based on relevant regulations and standards.
Sign and submit error-free, properly formatted decisions and issue clear, complete orders to the Department.
Follow assigned procedures governing reschedules, continuances, reopenings, dismissals, and withdrawals.
Confer with DTA management and other agency personnel to provide or exchange information and resolve problems.
Render decisions within 30 days of the hearing date or 5 business days prior to the decision due date, whichever comes first.

Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume