Hearing Officer (Attorney 3) Davidson County
The Department of Human Services mission is to build strong families by connecting Tennesseans to employment, education and support services. Our vision is to revolutionize the customer experience through innovation and a seamless network of services.
In order to provide due process to Appellants in Davidson County who allege wrongful termination and/or denial of benefits administered by the Department of Human Services, the Hearing Officer will conduct timely, fair, and impartial contested in-person and telephonic hearings covering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (f/k/a Food Stamps), Families First, and Child Support, along with a number of other programs. The Hearing Officer will also generate timely, well-written Initial Orders with the pertinent Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law. This job position is located in Davidson County.
Position Responsibilities:
- Ensure that all hearings are recorded per applicable regulations and rules.
- Ensure hearings are conducted fairly and that due process is administered on all cases, while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties.
- Ensure all parties understand and follow the procedures of the hearing.
- Determine the issue(s) to be presented for each hearing; rule on objections, motions and admissibility of evidence; issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings; and examine witnesses when necessary to gain all requisite facts.
- Generate a written Initial Order within the specified time limits.
- Clearly set forth the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and remedy prescribed.
- Answer petitions for reconsideration of the Initial Order within the specified time frame.
- Position Requirements:
- The Hearing Officer must be a law school graduate and must be licensed to practice law in Tennessee at the time of submission of application materials.
- Ideal candidate will also have 2 years’ minimum experience as a practicing attorney.
- Competencies:
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- High level of organizational skills and time management.
- Verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to remain neutral during contested hearings.
- Possess and maintain a working knowledge of all facets of the Division and a working knowledge of all programs administered by the Department of Human Services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Code of Federal Regulations. Does not engage in inappropriate ex parte communication.
- Research and analyze applicable regulations, statutes, laws, and policies to determine conclusions of law.
- Identify the findings of facts based upon the testimony and evidence proffered at the hearing and set forth in the Initial Order.
- Information regarding State of Tennessee benefits:
- https://www.tn.gov/hr/employees1/benefits.html
How to Apply:
Please submit resume, three (3) professional references, recent writing sample, and cover letter outlining your related experience to talent.management.dhs@tn.gov by Friday, April 26, 2019. All email submissions must include in the subject line: Hearing Officer (Attorney 3) Davidson County.
§ Target Salary $60,000 - $68,400. Salary offer will be commensurate with knowledge, skills and experience directly related to this job.
Applicants may be subject to background check.
Any position could ultimately be designated as work from home, mobile work or free address (i.e., employees work in office and can choose from various space options based on need for a given day, such as private meeting rooms, conference rooms, collaborative spaces and enclaves for individual work assignments.) Hearing locations are always in a DHS office.
Pursuant to the state of Tennessee’s policy of non-discrimination, The Tennessee Department of Human Services does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, creed, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military services—in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs, services or activities.