Hearings Officer I

Hearings Officer I

This is an entry level position which presides over fair and fraud hearings for the Health and Human Services Commission on matters requiring

interpretation and application of a diverse array of state and federal laws and regulations. A Hearings Officer ensures that state decisions comply with laws and program policies.

Hearings Officers must understand the appropriate role and expected conduct of an administrative judge and the duties required to prepare for and conduct a hearing. The Hearings Officer must effectively

communicate with appellants and their representatives, with state employees, and with services providers; arrive at the appropriate facts of a case; and then render an impartial decision. Ensures due process; admits and weighs

evidence; makes findings of fact and conclusions of law; analyzes complex issues, including burdens and standards of proof; applies facts and evidence to program policies, state and federal regulations; and writes clear and accurate legal decisions expeditiously and impartially.

This position DOES NOT include a career track.

Essential Job Functions:

This is an entry level position which conducts fair hearings; limited to HHSC Program issues and administrative disqualification hearings for Recipients accused by the Office of Inspector General of committing intentional program violations. The hearings officer's docket will gradually progress to a full docket. (30%)

Admits, evaluates and interprets evidence including sworn testimony and appropriately applies law regarding procedural matters raised in hearings. Is responsible for rendering legally sufficient decisions for both fair and fraud hearings, preparing findings of facts and conclusions of law and considers testimony and evidence and writes orders establishing clear instructions to the agency and directing disqualifications from program participation, imposing sanctions and directing restitution or restoration of program benefits. Requests policy and legal clarifications, if necessary. (30%)

Completes required trainings, observes more tenured hearings officers, and meets daily with assigned mentor. (30%)

Tracks, monitors, plans, coordinates and schedules activities using outlook and TIERS to ensure deadlines, due process and legal and hearing requirements are met. (10%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of HHSC programs, policies, and procedures.

Knowledge of evidentiary issues.

Knowledge of business English necessary for the composition of legal documents.

Skill in planning and decision making.

Skill in analyzing and interpreting federal and state regulations.

Skill in communicating orally and in writing.

Skill in writing clear and concise documents using word processing software.

Skill in communicating with and controlling hearing participants from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Skill in working in stressful situations.

Skill in using agency software to track and monitor workload.

Skill and proven ability to meet deadlines.

Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with others.

Skill in planning, prioritizing, organizing, and managing workload.

Skill in maintaining confidentiality.

Ability to exercise authority.

Ability to establish clear and complete hearings records.

Ability to determine issues on appeal and question witnesses.

Ability to rule on motions and objections.

Ability to weigh evidence and determine credibility.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None Initial Selection Criteria:

Experience in analyzing and interpreting federal and state regulations and applying them to specific situations. Experience in supervising.

Experience in composing clear and concise written documents. Experience in analyzing complex evidence including financial data and medical reports. Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Experience conducting interviews. Additional Information:

Requisition # 601376

This position will be housed at 1459 E. 40th Street, Houston, TX 77022. An interview and in-basket skills assessment test will be required.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

MOS Code:

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 27, 27A, 27D, 270A, LN, YN, YNS, 250X, 655X, 04, LGL10, 4421, 4402, 4430, 5J0X1, 51JX, 44, 51. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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