Hearing Officer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Quincy, MA

About The Position

The Board of Hearings, within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Office of Medicaid, adjudicates appeals from MassHealth applicants, members, appeal representatives, nursing facility residents, and providers. The Hearing Officer presides as an impartial fact finder over Fair Hearings under 130 CMR 610.000 et seq., G.L. c. 30A and c. 118E, and Claims for Adjudicatory Hearings under 130 CMR 450.241 and 450.243 and 801 CMR 1.00 et seq. The role determines whether actions or inactions by MassHealth or its contractors and agents were appropriate. The Hearing Officer manages hearing procedures, addresses jurisdiction and representation, administers oaths, facilitates the presentation of evidence, rules on evidence and motions, and ensures an accurate record. The position conducts legal research and analysis, makes findings of fact and conclusions of law, and issues fair, independent, impartial, confidentiality-preserving decisions. The Hearing Officer may also handle remanded matters and mediate disputes when requested. Additional work includes preparing legal research, guidelines, reference materials, and reports; supporting staff education and training; answering general inquiries about Board of Hearings functions and procedures while maintaining impartiality and avoiding ex parte communications; and assisting with scheduling and related administrative work. The position requires a Juris Doctor, admission to the Massachusetts Bar, and at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional legal practice. A current, valid motor vehicle driver's license may be required depending on the assignment.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Admission to the Massachusetts Bar.
At least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience practicing law.
Knowledge of legal theory, principles, and practices, including administrative and constitutional law.
Knowledge of procedures followed in administrative proceedings.
Knowledge of technical and general report-writing methods for Board of Hearings reports.
Ability to read and interpret legal documents, including memoranda, decisions, briefs, opinions, and contracts.
Ability to understand and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing operations and fair hearing proceedings.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and render impartial decisions.
Ability to make decisions and act appropriately in stressful situations while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Ability to analyze legal data, determine its applicability, find facts, draw conclusions, and render appropriate decisions.
Ability to explain procedures, guidelines, and policies governing Board of Hearings operations.
Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
A current and valid motor vehicle driver's license may be required, depending on assignment.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of terminology, symbols, and standard abbreviations used in legal and administrative practice.
Ability to understand, explain, and apply laws and rules governing presentation and admissibility of evidence.
Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.
Ability to exercise discretion with confidential information and maintain confidentiality through hearing proceedings and decision publication.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to assemble information according to established procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
Ability to supervise, plan and assign work, identify staff education and training needs, and assist with training schedules.
Knowledge of principles and practices of supervisory techniques.

Responsibilities

Identify and rule on jurisdictional issues, representation issues, and issues for hearing; explain the procedural format to the parties.
Administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses and interpreters, and inform appellants of their right to interpretation.
Help parties make a full statement of the facts and ensure orderly presentation of evidence and a full opportunity to present claims, witnesses, and evidence.
Order, rule on, and preside over prehearing conferences to identify witnesses, evidence, and arguments and to encourage settlement.
Introduce relevant regulations, statutes, memoranda, and other materials into the record.
Receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence; conduct legal research and analyze evidence to make findings and conclusions of law.
Ensure that hearing records are properly maintained, including marked documentary exhibits and appropriately labeled recordings.
Rule on requests for continuances, reopening or reconvening hearings, and motions under applicable regulations and laws.
Render fair, independent, and impartial decisions based on the issues and evidence, formatted to preserve confidentiality.
Assign appropriate issue codes to decisions designated for public viewing.
Preside over regulatory and court-ordered remand hearings.
Preside as mediator when mediation of a dispute is requested.
Present hearing matters, legal research, regulations, and outcomes to hearing staff; review relevant court decisions and opinions; maintain regulation volumes and reference resources.
Use designated network library and decision-drive resources and establish the Board of Hearings reference library when assigned.
Answer general inquiries from the Agency and public about Board of Hearings functions and rules while maintaining impartiality and avoiding ex parte communications.
Generate reports, assist with hearing and conference scheduling, review reference materials, and participate in education and training.