Hearing Officer or Assistant Attorney 1 or 2 or Assistant Hearing Officer (NY HELPS)

Duties Description Hearing Officers will serve as Administrative Law Judges presiding over impartial hearings for applicants and recipients of social services benefit programs administered by OTDA and other Executive agencies, including the Department of Health’s Medicaid program, the Office of Children and Family Services’ foster care and childcare programs, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities waiver programs. Duties Include but Are Not Limited to the Following Reviews requests for hearings to determine probable issues and apply the appropriate regulations and sections of law. Directs the attendance of witnesses and the production of necessary books, records, and other documents. Manages hearing calendars to ensure all cases are heard and decided in a timely manner as prescribed by applicable statute. Conducts hearings to review and/or decide appeals from agency determinations, claims regarding eligibility, discontinuance, denial, adequacy, or reduction of benefits, revocation or suspension of licenses, violations of State laws, and enforcement of health and safety laws and regulations. Instructs parties of their rights and maintains an atmosphere of fairness, impartiality and due process. Administers oaths and affirmations. Elicits testimony from parties relative to the issues of the hearing and questions witnesses to obtain facts. Rules on various issues including objections by parties, relevance and admissibility of evidence and exhibits, and requests for adjournment. Organizes legal information or records; receives and identifies all exhibits produced and enters admissible evidence into the record. Maintains a record of the hearing proceeding. Applies appropriate laws, regulations and policies to the facts and evidence. Analyzes data to discover facts in case; researches laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions. Decides the issue being adjudicated as authorized by the applicable statute or rule. Drafts written opinions and decisions; when designated, may issue final and binding hearing decisions. Recommends the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions. May explain to parties how to appeal unfavorable rulings. Reviews new legislation, regulations and other developments that impact the conduct of hearings or hearing decisions, and studies court cases having an impact on the hearing process. May assist in defending lawsuits regarding hearing decisions by conducting research, drafting briefs and other supporting documents. May assist in post‑issuance review of hearing decisions by conducting research and drafting responses to review requests. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide program. For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, candidates may be hired via a non‑competitive appointment if they meet the following minimum qualifications. Non‑Competitive Qualifications Hearing Officer 1 (SG‑25): 12 months as an Assistant Hearing Officer, or Admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience in the trial of issues in courts of record or in the conduct or trial of adversary proceedings, quasi‑judicial in nature, before a governmental department or agency. Assistant Attorney 1 (NS equated to SG‑18): Law school graduation and/or eligibility for NYS Bar Admission. Assistant Attorney 2 (NS equated to SG‑20): Admission to NYS Bar. Assistant Hearing Officer (NS equated to SG‑22): 12 months as an Assistant Attorney 2, or Admission to NYS Bar and 12 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience in the trial of issues in courts of record or in the conduct or trial of adversary proceedings, quasi‑judicial in nature, before a governmental department or agency. Competitive Qualifications Eligible for a lateral transfer or eligible for transfer under Section 52.6 of the Civil Service Law by having one year of permanent competitive service in an appropriate title. Desired Competencies Fair, impartial, and dedicated decision‑makers. Strong academic background and ability to handle a fast‑paced workload. Energetic, creative, well‑organized, independent, hard‑working, personable, with oral advocacy and succinct writing skills. Experience with social service benefit programs is helpful but not necessary. Hearing Officers produce “signature‑ready” decisions after completing hearings. Training program includes administrative and substantive law, writing, and how to create a full record while presiding over administrative hearings. Additional Comments Full‑time permanent appointments will be made. Hearing Officers are expected to travel to various locations to conduct hearings, including residences as assigned. Approval is required for outside activities, including volunteer work. Applicants should include preferred office assignment(s) and highlight relevant legal experience, training, decision‑making, teamwork, and leadership in cover letters and resumes. A writing sample may be requested. Telecommuting up to 50% may be available in accordance with OTDA policy and can be discussed during the interview. Benefits Health care coverage with provisions for hospitalization, medical/surgical coverage, prescription drug benefits, dental, and vision. Generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits. Up to thirteen paid holidays per calendar year. Pre‑Tax Health Care. Voluntary enrollment in deferred compensation plans. Access to financial assistance for further career‑related study. Membership in the New York State Retirement System. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. #J-18808-Ljbffr NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance