What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS HCLA Administrative Hearings Specialist position at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services?
Description
HCS Administrative Hearings Specialist
DSHS's Home and Community Services (HCS ), is hiring internally for an Administrative Hearings Specialist, to support Statewide Eligibility and Services Delivery (SESD).
As an Administrative Hearings Specialist, you'll represent the agency in formal administrative hearings at the Office of Administrative Hearings. These hearings involve decisions about a person's financial eligibility for long-term services and supports, medical assistance, and other public benefits. Your work directly affects whether people receive the services they need.
You will review contested case actions, prepare the agency's position, and present arguments before Administrative Law Judges. You'll also make sure that hearing decisions are carried out correctly and that case records are accurate and complete. This role requires sound judgment, careful analysis, and the ability to work independently.
Please note: This is an internal DSHS employee opportunity, therefore only applications from current DSHS employees will be referred to the hiring team for consideration. This position is currently approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. Currently the expectation is to predominantly telework, with occasional in-person meetings or trainings as needed.
Some Of What You’ll Do
Professionals with a bachelor's and at least two years of experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs
OR
Equivalent education/experience totaling at least six years.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For
Questions? Email DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle, at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #03510.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.
HCS Administrative Hearings Specialist
DSHS's Home and Community Services (HCS ), is hiring internally for an Administrative Hearings Specialist, to support Statewide Eligibility and Services Delivery (SESD).
As an Administrative Hearings Specialist, you'll represent the agency in formal administrative hearings at the Office of Administrative Hearings. These hearings involve decisions about a person's financial eligibility for long-term services and supports, medical assistance, and other public benefits. Your work directly affects whether people receive the services they need.
You will review contested case actions, prepare the agency's position, and present arguments before Administrative Law Judges. You'll also make sure that hearing decisions are carried out correctly and that case records are accurate and complete. This role requires sound judgment, careful analysis, and the ability to work independently.
Please note: This is an internal DSHS employee opportunity, therefore only applications from current DSHS employees will be referred to the hiring team for consideration. This position is currently approved to work a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. Currently the expectation is to predominantly telework, with occasional in-person meetings or trainings as needed.
Some Of What You’ll Do
- Review requests for administrative hearings and determine whether the request is timely.
- Audit disputed case actions and override initial determinations when needed to bring benefit delivery into compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Prepare motions, briefings, initial arguments, and exhibits for use at hearings.
- Conduct pre-hearing conferences with clients or their representatives.
- Identify and compile documents to be used as hearing exhibits.
- Arrange for subpoenas and prepare agency witnesses to provide testimony.
- Present opening arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and deliver closing arguments during hearings.
- Review hearing decisions and identify grounds for reconsideration or appeal when outcomes are unfavorable.
- Prepare briefs when filing appeals with the Board of Appeals or petitioning higher-level courts, in coordination with the Assistant Attorney General.
- Carry out hearing decisions by approving or restoring services, correcting case records, and directing Public Benefit Specialist staff to take required actions.
- Maintain accurate records of all administrative hearings in the Hearing Control System.
Professionals with a bachelor's and at least two years of experience conducting financial eligibility determinations for public assistance programs
OR
Equivalent education/experience totaling at least six years.
Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities We Are Looking For
- Program experience: Prior work as a Public Benefit Specialist for Long-Term Services and Supports programs is preferred.
- Regulatory knowledge: Understands federal, state, and department rules governing long-term services and supports, including Medicare and Medicaid policy, and applies them accurately to hearing preparation and case review.
- Legal process knowledge: Works within the administrative hearing process, responds to formal petitions and motions, and communicates effectively with Administrative Law Judges, attorneys, and client representatives.
- Analysis: Reviews complex case records, identifies errors, and determines whether agency actions comply with applicable law and policy.
- Judgment: Makes independent decisions in high-stakes situations where outcomes are subject to public and legislative review.
- Communication: Presents arguments clearly and persuasively in formal hearings, both in writing and verbally, to a range of audiences including judges, attorneys, and clients.
- Technology: Uses standard office software and agency systems, including the Hearing Control System, with proficiency.
- Adaptability: Manages competing priorities, responds to changing circumstances, and adjusts course when procedural or case needs shift.
- Collaboration: Works cooperatively with agency staff, the Attorney General's office, community partners, Tribes, and other stakeholders to carry out hearing decisions and resolve complex cases.
- Conflict management: Addresses contentious situations calmly and constructively, including interactions with clients, guardians, and legal representatives who may be frustrated or adversarial.
Questions? Email DSHS Recruiter, Georgina Pringle, at Georgina.Pringle@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #03510.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on your website and on printed materials.