Associate Hearings Officer

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Associate Hearings Officer. The successful candidate will conduct Fair Hearings in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies, and established procedures.

The Associate Hearings Officer will structure hearings and clearly explain applicable hearing procedures; establish jurisdiction and identify relevant issues; evaluate testimony and documentary evidence; and render clear, well-reasoned written decisions. The position requires the ability to properly apply Fair Hearing laws, rules, regulations, and procedures, including those governing rescheduling, continuances, reopenings, dismissals, withdrawals, and good-cause determinations.

DTA seeks individuals who are committed to public service, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Conducts Fair Hearings

• Structures hearing and clearly explains the procedures governing the hearing.
• Controls testimony and makes appropriate evidentiary rulings.
• Identifies, organizes, and marks exhibits.
• Maintains both the substance and appearance of impartiality and demonstrates patience, professionalism, and courtesy toward all parties.
• Renders written decisions based on applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards within the time frames required by law.
• Travels throughout the Commonwealth to conduct hearings at assigned locations.
• Conduct hearings by telephone and video conference as assigned.
• Accurately saves all hearing exhibits to digital appeal folders and maintains a complete and accurate digital exhibit list.

Renders Written Decisions

• Establishes jurisdiction and identifies the relevant issues presented.
• Accurately summarizes the evidence and identifies and marks exhibits appropriately.
• Makes appropriate findings of material fact.
• Applicable laws, regulations, and policies apply to the facts presented.
• Reaches well-supported legal conclusions based on relevant regulations and standards.
• Issues clear, complete, and appropriate orders to the Department.
• Writes clearly and concisely using complete sentences and appropriate organization and style.
• Use the required decision format and correct legal terminology.
• Carefully proofreads decisions before signing and submitting them to ensure they are accurate, complete, and properly formatted.

Applies Fair Hearing Rules and Regulations

• Follows established procedures governing rescheduling, continuances, reopenings, and dismissals.
• Obtains withdrawals only when appropriate and without jeopardizing an appellant's rights.
• Addresses good-cause issues when appropriate.
• Complete and issues decisions within the required time frames, including within 30 days of the hearing date or at least five business days before the decision due date, whichever occurs first.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of general report-writing methods and practices.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply laws and rules governing the presentation and admissibility of evidence.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply laws, rules, policies, procedures, and other requirements governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze legal documents, including decisions, briefs, and opinions.
• Ability to analyze information and determine the applicability of data in order to draw appropriate conclusions and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to gather information effectively through questioning individuals.
• Ability to gather and evaluate information by examining records and documents.
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Ability to make sound decisions and act appropriately and efficiently in stressful situations.
• Ability to determine the appropriate format and procedures for organizing and presenting information.
• Ability to assemble and organize information in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and manage competing responsibilities in order to complete work within established deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and exercise appropriate initiative.
• Ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential information.
• Ability to exercise sound and impartial judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to interact with others tactfully, respectfully, and professionally.
• Ability to provide written and oral instructions that are precise, clear, and easily understood.
• Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth on a daily basis using personal transportation, as required.
• Ability to use the technology and other tools necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the activities of the assigned unit.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts law governing administrative hearings.
• Knowledge of legal procedures applicable to public and executive hearings.
• Knowledge of laws and rules governing the presentation and admissibility of evidence.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and reference materials used to locate and interpret relevant authorities.
• Knowledge of the types, purposes, and proper use of agency forms.

Agency Mission:

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.

Learn more about our services and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dta

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) three (3) years of full-time, professional experience, the major duties of which included the adjudication, examination and/or review of claims, benefits and/or taxes; the practice of law; labor relations work; claims investigation or adjustment work; credit management or credit investigation work; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. </