DHHS Hearings Officer

DHHS Hearings OfficerLewiston , Maine , United States | Legal | Full-time | Partially remote Apply by: Oct. 10, 2024 Apply with Linkedin ApplyDepartment of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Opening Date:September 27, 2024Closing Date: October 10, 2024Job Class Code:0096Grade: 29 (PROF. & TECH)Salary:$62,275.20-$87,422.40 per yearPosition Number: 02000-1414Location: LewistonThis is a full-time position located in Lewiston, Maine and allows for partial telework with management approval.Core Responsibilities:This is professional services work in conducting adjudicatory hearings and rendering decisions on appeals of program actions taken by the Maine Department of Health & Human Services. Hearings are conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and the Administrative Hearings Regulations. Unless final decision-making authority has been reserved by the Commissioner, all decisions rendered by the Officer are final and binding, cannot be reversed by the Commissioner, and can only be appealed to the Superior Court. Work includes evaluating and analyzing reports and evidence relating to the basis of agency decision or issues; directing the hearing; ruling on objections, points of order, and procedures; making decisions as to the issue or issues raised; and ruling on conformance to policy and procedures followed. Work is performed under limited supervision.As a DHHS Hearings Officer you will: Conduct pre-hearing conferences; Rule on motions and objections; Perform legal research; Conduct administrative appeals to decide whether the Department was correct in taking certain program actions.Minimum Qualifications:Education, training, and/or experience demonstrating applied knowledge of the adjudicatory hearings process, proficiency in conducting a variety of complex hearings, and rendering decisions. Preference will be given to those applicants who:

Have a minimum of 8 years combined education, training, and/or experience in the above areas.

Possess a law degree.

Have applicable experience in administrative hearings and/or litigation. (Please discuss this experience in your cover letter)

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:1) Ability to communicate and deal effectively with a variety of people in stressful situations.2) Quickly write sound, logical decisions that analyze facts and testimony.3) Show proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and other office related computer programs.Please submit a cover letter addressing each of the above competencies. If you do not provide this information, your application may not be processed.Thinking about applying?Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.Agency information: TheDepartment of Health and Human Services (https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/) (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers. The Division of Administrative Hearings provides administrative appeal hearings, along with written decisions to citizens and clients who are aggrieved by decisions, actions, or inactions of the Department of Health and Human Services. Application Information:Please submit all documents or files in PDF format.For additional information about this position, please contact Tamra Longanecker at Tamra.Longanecker@maine.gov. To apply, please upload a resume, a writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), and a cover letter addressing the requested competencies and applicable experience in administrative hearings and or litigation.To request a paper application, please contact Mandy.L.Harman@Maine.govBenefits of working for the State of Maine:No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).

Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receivesix weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-employees/workplace-posters) .

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.