Hearings Officer

The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Division of Occupational Licensure values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the Role:

The Hearings Officer (Counsel II) will conduct adjudicatory and sanctions hearings as delegated by DOL boards of registration or OPSI boards and programs. The Hearings Officer also drafts written decisions, manages assigned case load, and assembles the administrative record for all adjudicatory matters. The Hearings Officer also helps to train new board members and Agency staff on the adjudicatory process, as requested. Specific assignments may vary, based on the operational needs of the Agency.

Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Serve as the Presiding Officer for administrative hearings pursuant to G.L. c. 30A and 801 CMR, in cases arising out of the DOL boards of registration or OPSI boards and programs.
• Enter scheduling orders that guide the parties through the adjudication, issue notices of hearings, and maintain dockets.
• Conduct adjudicatory hearings and sanctions hearings, as well as other hearings that the boards and programs may delegate.
• Decide matters of procedure, evidence, and substantive law.
• Conduct pre-hearing conferences to narrow legal and factual issues, and to determine witnesses and evidence to be presented at the hearing.
• Prepare written decisions on pre-hearing motions and may hold hearings on such motions.
• Question witnesses, hear evidence, and make determinations of fact and law.
• Prepare written decisions for the boards.
• Interpret statutes, regulations, and case law applicable to the boards and to pending cases.
• Draft all written communication with the parties.
• Resolve cases in a timely manner.
• Conduct training sessions for board members and for DOL staff regarding the conduct of hearings and the adjudicatory process, including matters of law, procedure, evidence, due process, and ethics.
• Prepare the administrative record for appeal.
• Perform legal research and other legal and administrative duties as required or assigned.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Judicial clerkship; agency counsel experience; state government experience; experience in litigation and/or administrative hearings.
• Experience in litigation and/or administrative hearing processes /disciplinary processes pursuant to G.L. c. 30A and 801 CMR.
• Competency in using computer word processing systems and managing computer databases.
• Experience in legal research, legal writing, and participation in civil procedures and processes.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Experience working on legal issues involved in the various occupations overseen by the Agency and/or serving as legal counsel to boards or commissions.

All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

SALARY PLACEMENT IS DETERMINED BY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POSITION AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION'S RECRUITING GUIDELINES. IN THE CASE OF A PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY, THE SALARY PROVISIONS OF THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL APPLY TO (OR WILL BE UTILIZED FOR) PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SALARY RANGE.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.