HEARING MANAGER/SOCIAL SERVICES 21262

7/16/90 A

This is the second and managerial class in a series for positions responsible for the Department of Social Services appeal level administrative hearing program. Work involves supervising a staff of Hearing Officers/Social Services, developing and revising hearing policies and procedures, and ensuring that the hearing program functions in accordance with laws, regulations and program guidelines governing social services. This class is distinguished from the Hearing Officer/Social Services by the responsibility for managing and administering the agency's hearing program as opposed to conducting administrative hearings.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty which involves overseeing the hearing program to ensure quality and efficiency of work performed, and consistency in the application of social service laws and regulations. The work typically involves assigning cases to Hearing Officers/Social Services and ensuring cases are heard within a reasonable period of time; reviewing decisions prepared by hearing officers to ensure consistency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Reviews and prepares cases for state board review and for court upon request for judicial review. Duties also include hiring and training hearing officers, occasionally observing their performance during a hearing, and completing performance evaluations. Assures that the agency's hearing program functions according to pertinent laws and regulations, develops policies and procedures for the program, and at times recommends changes in statutory requirements or agency policies and procedures based on hearing issues and outcomes. Conducts administrative hearings for a limited number of cases.

Supervision Given: Provides directions to a staff of Hearing Officers/Social Services that are responsible for conducting administrative hearings statewide.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of a Human Services Manager. Independently makes decisions necessary to manage and direct the hearing office staff.

Scope: Administers the Department of Social Services statewide hearing program which involves overseeing a staff of hearing officers responsible for conducting appeal level administrative hearings to determine eligibility for financial benefits and services under a variety of social service programs and to resolve child support enforcement and child protective services cases and fraud in administrative disqualification hearings.

Impact of Actions: Improper oversight of the hearing program may result in incorrect or inconsistent decisions made by hearing officers which could pose financial problems to individuals; may affect the safety, self-esteem, personal reputation, career, livelihood and marital relations of those involved. Improper oversight may result in damage to the agency's reputation.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with agency management, the Attorney General's office, attorneys, the general public, the State Social Services Board, and members of the business community to obtain and provide information and advice, issue subpoenas and schedule hearings.

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

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to advise, train and direct a professional staff; to analyze case reports and determine whether laws and regulations have been properly applied; to develop policies and procedures; to conduct administrative hearings; to ascertain and evaluate facts; to read, explain and apply related laws and agency regulations; to compile and organize hearing proceedings into written format; to prepare hearing decisions; to work with agency management, attorneys and the public; and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in business, public administration, law or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience as a hearing officer, or some managerial or supervisory experience which included interpretation of statutes 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 Welfare Chief Hearing Officer, effective July 1990.