ASSISTANT FAIR HEARING OFFICER (#SF1 )

$35.37-$44.76 hourly / $6,131.00-$7,758.00 monthly / $73,569.60-$93,100.80 yearly

Under direction, assists in coordinating the appeal and complaint activities of the Human Services Department; represents the County in less complex client appeals of services and public assistance determinations; and performs other work as required.

Incumbents in this position are responsible for providing assistance to the Fair Hearing Officer in gathering information and interviewing claimants for the more complex fair hearings, and functions as a hearing officer for less complex cases. This position is distinguished from Fair Hearing Officer classification in that it is assigned less complex cases and does not have full responsibility for coordinating all departmental appeal and complaint activities.

Reviews requests for fair hearings from claimants; determines whether appellant is eligible for aid paid pending the results of the hearing; reviews less complex case files to determine whether agency actions are in conformance with regulations; if review indicates agency error, follows prescribed procedures in notifying appropriate eligibility staff and contacts appellant to explain the situation and request a conditional withdrawal of the hearing request; 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; under direction holds pre-hearing meetings with appellants and staff to resolve matters outside of the hearing process; assist Fair Hearing Officer in gathering documentation and researching regulations on more complex cases; may accompany supervisor on complex hearings; subpoenas witnesses and insures that necessary documents are available at the hearing; develops written justification for a re-hearing as directed; 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; forwards decision to appropriate supervisor and assures compliance within the required deadline; conducts administrative hearings for less complex cases; may represent the agency at meetings and conferences and prepares position papers, reports and correspondence; may assist supervisor in interviewing complainants, witnesses and agency staff in discrimination complaints; may provide vacation or other temporary relief for Fair Hearing Officer.

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Procedures involved in eligibility determination and grant maintenance.
• Principal sources of information necessary to establish eligibility for public assistance
• Interviewing techniques for obtaining factual information.

Working knowledge of:

• Basic laws and regulation governing the operation of a public social service agency.
• The basic regulations governing eligibility, grant and social/human service determination for public assistance programs.
• Principles of work organization and simplification.

Some knowledge of: Administrative procedures relating to the appeal and hearing process.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with appellants and their legal representatives, State officials, departmental staff and others contacted in the course of work;
• Interpret, explain and apply regulations, laws and directives pertaining to public assistance programs and the provision of social services;
• Gather information through record examination, research and interview;
• Evaluate types of agency error or malfunction resulting in appeals;
• Draw logical conclusions and make effective recommendations and sound decisions;
• Present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically in both oral and written form;
• Identify and be responsive to client needs while maintaining confidentiality;
• Establish priorities and schedule work to meet deadlines in accordance with State mandated requirements;
• Maintain systematic and accurate records and apply input procedures connected with the department’s computerized record keeping system.

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 the knowledge and abilities would be:

Two years of experience equivalent to the class of Eligibility Worker III or one year of experience as an Eligibility Supervisor.

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.

Background Investigation: Fingerprint check.

Special Working Conditions: Potentially hostile clients.

Benefit Status: 41

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 64

Workers' Comp Code: 0053