Human Services Hearing Officer 2 - copy

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Office of Legal & Acquisition Services, Bureau of State Hearings, is hiring a Human Services Hearing Officer 2. The Bureau handles appeals from individuals who disagree with decisions about public benefits, including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Ohio Works First, Child Care, Child Support, Adoption Assistance, and Prevention Retention and Contingency (PRC). The position is headquartered at an ODJFS facility in Columbus, Akron, or Dayton, with the location determination taking the applicant’s home address into account.

The hearing officer presides over fair hearings, administers oaths, examines witnesses, weighs evidence, rules on motions or objections, and applies the appropriate standard of proof. The officer researches applicable state and federal laws, regulations, court decisions, and partnership-agreement terms, then writes recommended hearing decisions based on the record and applicable requirements. Decisions must include elements required by the Ohio Administrative Code and resolve appeals, including compliance matters where appropriate. The role also involves related administrative work, trainings, workshops, and conferences.

This is a permanent, full-time classified position represented by OCSEA. Standard workdays are Monday through Friday, with hours between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Travel is required as needed. The final candidate must undergo a criminal background check; some positions may require fingerprinting. The starting salary for non-state employees is Step 1 of pay range 33, with progression to the next step after six months and annually thereafter, subject to continued employment. Cost-of-living adjustments increase wages each fiscal year.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated qualification pathways: undergraduate core coursework in behavioral/social science, humanities, or business administration; three years of experience with human services programs, policies, and procedures; and one course or three months of experience operating a word processor or personal computer.
• Alternatively, be admitted to the Ohio Bar under Section 4705.01 of the Revised Code, with 12 months of experience with human services programs, policies, or procedures; 12 months of experience originating business correspondence and/or technical reports; and one course or three months of experience operating a word processor or personal computer.
• Alternatively, have 12 months of experience as a Human Services Hearing Officer 1, classification 63971.
• Alternatively, meet the equivalent of the minimum class qualifications for employment stated in the posting.
• Provide own transportation or have a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle, as applicable to required travel.
• Undergo a criminal background check; fingerprinting may also be required for some positions.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of human service policies and procedures and/or adjudicative hearing practices and procedures, which can be further developed during the probationary period.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and applicable ODJFS software applications.
• Ability to originate and prepare hearing records and reports and access and research information on the internet.
• Clear and concise writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Preside over fair hearings, including administering oaths and examining witnesses.
• Weigh evidence, rule on motions or objections, and apply the appropriate standard of proof.
• Research the Ohio Administrative Code, Ohio Revised Code, Code of Federal Regulations, applicable state and federal rules and laws, court decisions, and partnership-agreement terms.
• Write recommended hearing decisions based on testimony, evidence, and applicable program regulations and state and federal laws.
• Ensure recommended hearing decisions include required elements and provide final resolution of appeals, including compliance matters as appropriate.
• Complete related administrative tasks, including reports and correspondence.
• Attend virtual or in-person trainings, workshops, and conferences to stay current on applicable policies and procedures.
• Travel as needed.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed