State of Maine Hiring for HEARINGS EXAMINER at Lewiston, ME Full Time

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Opening Date: January 17, 2023

Closing Date: February 6, 2023

Job Class Code: 0053

Grade: 26 (PROF. & TECH)

Salary: $51,521.60 – $69,576.00/year

Position Number: 02000-1414

This is a full-time position located in Lewiston and allows for partial telework with management approval.

Core Responsibilities:
This is administrative work in adjudicating appeals of program actions taken by a Department. Hearings are conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Unless final decision-making authority has been reserved by the Commissioner, all decisions rendered by the examiner 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 relating to 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 Hearings Examiner 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.

Hearings are conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and Office of Administrative Hearings regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:
An eight (8) year combination of training, experience, and/or education providing a working knowledge of the adjudication process relating to hearings.

Preference will be given to those applicants who:
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:

Ability to communicate and deal effectively with a variety of people in stressful situations

Analyze facts and testimony

Quickly write sound, logical decisions

Show proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and other office related computer programs

Work independently and without detailed instructions

Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (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 Office 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 a PDF or Word format.

For additional information about this position, please contact Joseph Pickering at [email protected]. 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 Ashley Smith at [email protected].

Benefits

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 Balance – 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%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 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.

Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.

Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

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—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.