HEARING OFFICER/SOCIAL SERVICES 21261

7/16/90 B

This is the first class in a series for professional positions which are responsible for conducting appeal level administrative hearings to determine eligibility for financial benefits and services under a variety of social services programs, to resolve child support enforcement and/or child protective services cases and fraud in administrative disqualification hearings (ADH), services programs which include Adult Protective Services, adoptions, foster care and day care. Positions in this class preside over hearings, deliberate and render written decisions which affirm, reverse, or modify existing decisions made by local social service agencies or state district child support enforcement offices. This class is distinguished from the Hearing Manager/Social Services by the responsibility for conducting hearings as opposed to managing and administering the agency's hearing program.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty within the decision making process, which requires considerable planning for and conducting hearings. The work typically involves reviewing data from local agency and state district child support enforcement office case summaries and any additional evidence. Determines the validity of the request for appeal hearing and schedules hearing with the appellant and the appropriate local social service agency or state district child support enforcement office. Determines the necessity of witnesses and arranges for subpoenas to be issued as required. Presides over hearings which involves maintaining order and proper decorum; defining issues; interpreting and explaining pertinent laws, regulations and policies; taking testimony, questioning and cross-examining witnesses, ruling on objections, admissibility of evidence, and other matters of law; and recording evidence and testimony. Prepares transcripts upon request for cases appealed to appropriate court. Independently researches, analyzes, and interprets evidence, laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to determine appropriate and legally sound conclusions. Prepares written decisionsbased on findings of fact and conclusions of law. May request additional diagnostic evaluations, tests or examinations by professionals.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of a Hearing Manager/Social Services or Human Services Manager. The supervisor reviews written hearing decisions for quality control purposes and may provide consultation. Decisions cannot be amended or reversed by the supervisor.

Scope: Conducts administrative appeal hearings and makes independent determinations which may affect the eligibility for financial benefits and services under a wide variety of social services programs. Conducts child support enforcement hearings and child protective services hearings and determine fraud in administrative disqualification hearings.

Impact of Actions: Erroneous granting or denial of eligibility for financial benefits and services and child support services may pose extreme financial difficulties to citizens. Decisions may affect the safety, self-esteem, and personal reputation, career, livelihood and marital relations of those involved. Failure to make consistent and appropriate decisions may result in damage to the agency's reputation. There could also be a trememdous fiscal loss of state and federal monies if proper decisions are not made. This includes administrative disqualification hearings (fraud cases) as well as collections in child support.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with appellants, attorneys, or other advocates, local social services agency representatives, other state agencies and witnesses to obtain and provide information and advice; issue subpoenas; and to schedule and administer hearings. Positions may contact the Attorney General's office to obtain and receive consultation regarding pending appeals.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the rules and regulations governing social service programs. Working knowledge of the administrative procedures for conducting hearings, due process standards, legal research methodology, terminology and writing style.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to conduct fair hearings and control the record; to ascertain and evaluate facts; to read, explain and apply related laws and agency regulations; to analyze information; to prepare and manage a caseload; to conduct legal research; to compile and organize hearing proceedings into written report format; and to prepare recommended hearing decisions based on hearing findings. Demonstrated ability to work independently; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and to work effectively with the public, members of the business community and other employees.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in social or human services, law or related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience utilizing and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledges and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program and replaces the Welfare Hearing Officer class, effective July 1990.