Job DescriptionPerforms highly advanced (senior level) administrative hearing work for the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The State Office of Administrative Hearings handles due process hearings in cases involving disputes between Texas agencies, other governmental entities, and private citizens either through an administrative hearing or mediation. Work involves presiding over administrative hearings, reviewing written records, and producing highlevel legal drafting. Compiles and maintains record of evidence, ensuring proper handling of confidential sensitive information. May assign work for and supervise others. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
Office Locations:
- Austin 300 West 15th Street, Suite 504, Austin, Texas 78701
- Corpus Christi 5151 Flynn Parkway, Suite 303, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
- Dallas 8700 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 126, Dallas, Texas 75247
- El Paso 401 East Franklin Ave., Suite 580, El Paso, Texas 79901
- Fort Worth 6777 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 400, Fort Worth, Texas 76116
- Houston 2020 North Loop W., Suite 111, Houston, Texas 77018
- Lubbock 4630 50th St., Suite 315, Lubbock, Texas 79414
- San Antonio 10010 San Pedro Ave., Suite 365, San Antonio, Texas 78216
- Waco 801 Austin Avenue, Suite 750, Waco, Texas 76701
Essential Job Duties - Conducts hearings involving legal, procedural, and technical issues.
- Schedules and presides over administrative hearings.
- Administers oaths, examines witnesses, and rules on evidence.
- Rules on discovery disputes, scheduling requests, and motions.
- Properly compiles and maintains evidence.
- Researches statutes, regulations, rules, and case law thoroughly and accurately.
- Prepares final decisions or final orders, which can be complex legal documents, with an eye to correctness and consistency.
- Prepares reports and legal documents.
- Assists in coordinating court activities.
- Manages own docket and coordinates the schedules of attorneys and witnesses.
- Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions.
- Attends work regularly in compliance with agreedupon work schedule.
- Ensures security and confidentiality of all sensitive and/or protected information.
- Complies with all agency's policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity.
- Assists with training lessexperienced staff.
- Performs related work as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications - Graduation from an accredited law school.
- Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and in good standing at time of application.
- Minimum of five years of litigation, presiding, or administrative law experience (or a combination of these areas).
Preferred Qualifications - Progressively responsible experience in administrative, criminal, or civil law.
- Prior experience in Administrative License Revocation cases or in DWI proceedings.
- Prior experience in presiding over HHSC or DFPS contested cases.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Knowledge of laws, legal principles, and practices related to Texas administrative process, including, but not limited to, trial and administrative hearing procedures, applicable laws, government regulations.
- Skill in listening to and evaluating testimony of parties involved in hearings.
- Skill in conflict resolution and negotiation.
- Skill in using reasoning and logic to identify means for resolving conflict, and in using judgment to make rulings in assigned cases.
- Skill in using a computer for word processing, data entry and other tasks, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Westlaw, and Adobe Professional.
- Skill in the use of technology used to produce audio/video record of hearings.
- Skill in legal research and analysis.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines.
- Robust writing and editing skills.
- Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making.
- Ability to resolve disputes impartially and to treat all counsel and witnesses with respect.
- Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment.
- Ability to determine and apply relevant rules and statutes, to comply with ethical standards, to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to use an automated case tracking system to independently manage assigned caseload.
- Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
BenefitsPositions with the State Office of Administrative Hearings may offer the following benefits:
- Statepaid health insurance (a 60day waiting period will apply if not currently employed by the State of Texas)
- Statepaid life insurance for the employee
- Retirement plan
- Monthly annual and sick leave accruals
- An average of 13 paid holidays per fiscal year (September 1st through August 31st)
- Participation in agencysponsored work alternative programs
- Participation in agency Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
- Dependent health insurance
- Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 programs
- TexFlex healthcare and dependent care reimbursement account
- Dental insurance
- Term life insurance
- Shortterm and longterm disability coverage
Military/Veteran InformationUse your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs.
Please visit the Texas Workforce Commission's Skills to Work page at https://texasskillstowork.com/ to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets.
Additional military crosswalk information may be found on the Texas State Auditor's website at:
www.hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf
Additional Information - Selected applicant must reside in Texas.
- This position will be located in one of the following offices: Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, or Waco.
- The State Office of Administrative Hearings has a flexible remote work policy subject to the discretion of the Chief Administrative Law Judge.
- All applicants are required to attach a writing sample at time of application which must represent applicant's personal substantial work product and be the best example of a written product.
- Unofficial transcripts for degree must be submitted as an attachment in CAPPS Recruit at time of application.
- Applicants will be required to provide their own internet access to work from home in the hybrid environment.
- Applicants must be able to certify their ability to maintain the security and integrity of the critical infrastructure and information systems.
