Temporary Hearings Officer (Temp Aide)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

1d

About The Position

The Hearings Officer works in the SNAP Hearings Unit of the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Appeals. The Unit processes appeals concerning Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, conducts evidentiary hearings, and issues Initial Agency Decisions. It provides independent administrative due process for appeals of SNAP-only actions from Colorado’s 64 counties. The Hearings Officer reviews county actions affecting household SNAP benefits and issues decisions to affirm, reverse, modify, or remand those actions.

The role presides over administrative hearings on adverse actions affecting SNAP household benefits. The work involves reviewing case files, evaluating testimony and documentary evidence, resolving legal and factual disputes, and issuing formal Initial Decisions with findings of fact, conclusions of law, and case outcomes. The position also uses and updates the case management system. Applicants must be Colorado residents when applying and remain residents throughout employment; in-state travel is required.

Requirements

• Seven years of relevant experience with administrative hearings or other legal adjudication, interpreting complex state and federal regulations, and drafting administrative decisions; alternatively, a combination of related education and/or relevant experience in these areas equal to seven years.
• Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Ability to travel in-state.
• Successful completion of required standard background and reference checks.

Nice To Haves

• Juris doctorate.
• Relevant public service experience working with federal, state, and/or county agencies.
• Knowledge of and experience with federal and state SNAP regulations.
• Knowledge of and experience with due process principles and administrative hearing procedure.
• Professional conduct at all times.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Excellent legal analysis and writing skills.
• Relevant years of state service experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct state-level fair hearings fairly and impartially concerning adverse actions affecting household SNAP benefits.
• Review case files to determine whether appeals were timely filed and proper notice was provided.
• Receive sworn testimony and documentary evidence, and determine credibility and evidentiary weight.
• Resolve conflicting evidence and contested legal questions.
• Rule on parties’ motions and objections.
• Interpret statutes, regulations, and judicial precedent.
• Issue procedural orders as needed.
• Write formal, dispositive Initial Decisions containing Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and case outcomes.
• Use and update information in the case management system.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed