This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Hearings Officer
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is professional quasi-judicial work conducting hearings and preparing recommended decisions on appeals from eligibility determinations and/or administrative findings involving program, service and/or regulatory functions of a state agency.
An employee in this class conducts hearings and prepares recommended and/or final decisions on appeals from eligibility determinations involving a variety of program and service provisions, from administrative determinations (e.g., client abuse or neglect involving vendor agencies and their employees), and/or from regulatory determinations (e.g., findings of license inspections/investigations and long-term care discharges). Hearings are conducted formally in the presence of interested parties and their counsel or informally with the presence of counsel being an option of the persons requesting the appeal. Although decisions are subject to review for legal correctness and conformance to agency rules, regulations and procedures by agency legal staff and/or management, the employee must exercise considerable judgment, discretion and tact in hearing controversial matters and preparing findings and decisions supported by legally competent evidence. Supervision is received from the agency's General Counsel or a designated administrative superior.
Conducts formal hearings, places witnesses under oath, questions witnesses to ascertain pertinent facts, ensures the recording of testimony, admits or excludes evidence and facilitates the cross-examination of witnesses whenever necessary in order to ensure that all points of evidence are impartially developed and presented so that a fair recommended decision may be reached.
Conducts informal hearings, questions witnesses to ascertain pertinent facts, ensures the recording of testimony and facilitates the hearing to ensure that all points of evidence are impartially developed and presented so that a fair recommended decision may be reached.
Reviews, analyzes and evaluates all the evidence submitted at hearings in order to determine if actions and decisions were in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations and related interpretations of agency policy and procedures.
Prepares statement of case which includes pertinent facts, findings, decision, basis for decision, and orders for appropriate corrective actions; submits copies to the General Counsel or management for review and signature of division or department director.
Reviews all incoming records, documents and data which constitute evidence in support of specific applications for hearings in order to determine if adequate information is available for the proper conduct of a fair hearing.
Schedules date, time and place of hearing and notifies appellants and appropriate officials.
Researches agency policy and procedures, eligibility criteria, agency operating manuals, etc., in order to maintain current knowledge and resolve questions and problems bearing on the interpretation of facts and evidence relating to the hearing process.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement; no other substitutions will be permitted. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Successful completion of 90 semester hours of coursework from an accredited school of law.
(Admission to the Bar in any state in the United States will be accepted in lieu of the stated educational requirements. Professional experience conducting quasi-judicial hearings may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the stated coursework.)
OR
Four or more years of professional experience in the areas of social services, mental health, health, senior services, business or public administration, education or regulatory work in state or federal licensing/certification, of which two years must have been in the special qualifying experience described below; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
(Graduate study in the fields of social work, sociology, psychology, counseling, education, public health, health care administration, business or public administration or related fields may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the stated general experience.)
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to standards and criteria for eligibility determinations, protective provisions (e.g., - client abuse and neglect) and/or administrative regulatory functions.
Thorough knowledge of agency policies and procedures used in determining eligibility for services or compliance with state licensing functions.
Considerable knowledge of appeal rights, rules of evidence, and procedures as set forth in pertinent laws and administrative regulations of the agency.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices to be followed in conducting quasi-judicial hearings and related legal proceedings.
Working knowledge of program, service and/or regulatory activities of the agency.
Working knowledge of established precedents and policies regarding program, service and/or regulatory functions of the agency.
Ability to elicit competent evidence through the questioning of witnesses and to control the proceedings in order to arrive at the essential facts of the case.
Ability to accurately and impartially evaluate evidence presented and prepare recommended and/or final decisions.
Ability to travel as necessary in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
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