FAIR HEARING OFFICER

Job Specifications

Class Code:	SF2
Analyst:	CE, JES

Date Originated:	9/78
Date Revised:	4/85, 5/88,12/96, 2/08, 10/20

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, coordinates, organizes, and directs the appeal and complaint activities of the Human Services Department; represents the County in client appeals of services and public assistance determinations; acts as an administrative law judge in general assistance appeals and discrimination complaints; and performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The incumbent in this single position class is responsible for administering the fair hearing and complaint programs of the Human Services Department.  The incumbent represents the County in dealings with the State on fair hearings and complaint matters; is designated the agency civil rights coordinator and acts as an administrative law judge.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Supervises, trains, and evaluates subordinate staff;
• Reviews requests for fair hearings from claimants;
• Determines whether appellant is eligible for aid paid pending the results of the hearing;
• Reviews case files to determine whether agency actions are in conformance with regulations;
• Researches applicable laws and regulations and contacts the State for interpretation on questionable issues;
• Consults with management and staff, as needed, to gather additional details; if corrective action is necessary, notifies the appropriate supervisor;
• Holds pre-hearing meetings with appellants and staff to resolve matters outside of the hearing process;
• Prepares written presentations setting forth the County's position with regard to issues being appealed;
• Presents the County's position, including the authority to stipulate and make binding agreements in the hearing;
• Subpoenas witnesses and ensures that necessary documents are available at the hearing;
• Reviews State decisions for inconsistencies with regulations and factual information and develops written justification for a rehearing; forwards decision to appropriate supervisor and assures compliance;
• Investigates and hears discrimination complaints;
• Analyzes, researches, and implements non-discrimination regulations for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);
• Provides supervision, direction, and guidance in matters related to applicants’ and recipients’ civil rights;
• Conducts administrative hearings;
• Serves as an administrative law judge at hearings and renders decision granting or denying claims;
• Acts as liaison with County Counsel on matters relating to state and evidentiary hearings;
• Recommends policy and/or other changes on items related to appeals;
• Represents the agency at meetings and conferences; 
• Prepares position papers, reports, and correspondence.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of:

• The basic regulations governing eligibility and grant and social/human service determination for public assistance programs.
• Procedures involved in eligibility determination and grant maintenance.
• Interviewing techniques for obtaining factual information.

Working knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Administrative procedures relating to the appeal and hearing processes.
• Basic laws and regulation governing the operation of a public social service agency.
• Principles of work organization and simplification.

Some knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Ability to:

• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Interpret and apply complex regulations, laws and directives pertaining to public assistance programs and the provision of social services.
• Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in both oral and written form.
• Gather information through record examination, research, and interview.
• Draw logical conclusions and make effective recommendations and sound decisions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with appellants and their legal representatives, State officials, departmental staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Evaluate types of agency error or malfunction resulting in appeals and complaints and recommend training or policy changes.
• Respond appropriately to workplace conflicts/complaints.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these would be:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience equivalent to the class of Benefits Representative Supervisor, Assistant Fair Hearing Officer or above with the County of Santa Cruz.

OR

• Six years’ experience equivalent to the class of Benefits Representative Supervisor, Assistant Fair Hearing Officer or above with the County of Santa Cruz.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the incumbent must provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Benefit Status: 11

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 64

Workers' Comp Code: 0053