Hearing Officer 1 (NY HELPS)

About the Role

The Hearing Officer, within the Bureau of Special Hearings in the Division of Legal Affairs, conducts administrative hearings related to the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (“SCR”), childcare/daycare program licensing, foster care removals, adoption eligibility, adoption subsidies, KinGap, and family type homes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough hearings in a fair, impartial, and orderly manner.
• Ensure the record is fully developed and properly maintained.
• Manage electronic evidence and operate virtual hearings via Webex.
• Issue subpoenas and rule on objections regarding hearing conduct, including evidence introduction.
• Render or recommend decisions containing findings of all relevant facts and conclusions of law.
• Ensure decisions are well-researched, logically presented, and supported by appropriate references to cases, statutes, and regulations.
• Additional duties will be discussed during the interview.

Requirements

For transfer candidates: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 or 52.6 transfer.

Qualifications

Open to the public under the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program. Candidates may be appointed non-competitively if they meet the following qualifications:

• Hearing Officer (Grade 25): 12 months as an Assistant Hearing Officer, or admission to the NYS Bar and 24 months of subsequent satisfactory legal experience in the trial of issues in courts of record or in the conduct or trial of adversary proceedings, quasi-judicial in nature, before a governmental department or agency.

Admission to the New York State Bar and current registration to practice law in New York State is required for continued employment. Disbarment or loss of registration will result in termination or suspension of employment. This position may be designated 55b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.

Background Investigation

• All prospective employees will undergo a Criminal Background Check (CBC), including State and federal Criminal History Record Checks.
• All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or falsified/omitted information on the employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment.
• Prospective employees will be fingerprinted and may be required to pay associated fees.
• Screening against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) is required, with applicable fees paid by the prospective employee.
• For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) appointees, a check against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs is required. Those found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment.