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Hearing Officer

Staff Specialist III

Recruitment #23-005298-0007

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland. As part of the Maryland State Department of Education, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides services to assist students with disabilities prepare for the work world, vocational rehabilitation services to assist adults with significant disabilities who are seeking to enter or reenter the workforce, and the adjudication of Social Security disability claims for the citizens of Maryland.

GRADE

18

LOCATION OF POSITION

Division of Disability Determination Services
211 Schilling Circle, Suite 100
Hunt Valley, MD 21031

POSITION DUTIES

To conduct face-to-face evidentiary hearings for those disability claimants whose benefits have been terminated on medical grounds. Assist in processing special workloads.

 Job Duties include: 
 Schedule Claimant’s Hearings in accordance with 20 CFR 404.914 (c): 
The DHO will schedule claimant’s hearing in accordance with 20 CFR 404.914 (c). A claimant must be afforded 20 days’ notice of a disability hearing unless other guidelines apply. After the hearing, the claimant may be afforded 15 days to submit additional evidence for the reasons specified in 20 CFR 404.916 (e). If additional evidence is obtained by the DHO after the hearing, this data must be sent to the claimant for comment with a 10 day response period as required for ex parte procedures and as specified in 20 CFR 404.916 (f). If additional development is not required after a hearing, the DHO shall complete his/her decision within 2 weeks of the hearing. 

Conduct face-to-face evidentiary Hearings in accordance with Public Law 9-455: 
The Disability Hearing Officer conducts face-to-face evidentiary hearings in accordance with Public Law 97-455. Individuals who have received notice that their Social Security benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) will cease must be afforded the opportunity for a hearing before an impartial decision maker. 20 CFR 404.915 requires that the disability hearing officer be an experienced disability examiner.

Written Decision: 
The DHO’s decision shall be written pursuant to 20 CFR 404.917 (b). Notice shall be afforded the claimant and other interested parties per 20 CFR 404.922. The DHO will prepare decision following SSA rulings per process unification. The DHO will prepare decision pursuant to 20 CFR 404.918 (a) (1), (2), (3). There will be no abuse of discretion by the hearing officer, there will be no error of law, and the actions, findings or conclusions of the hearing officer must be supported by substantial evidence. Decisions will be written in standard business English. Hearings will be conducted within established guidelines to promote a respectful, courteous, and impartial environment to claimants and their representatives

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree is required.

 EXPERIENCE: Two years of professional work experience in disability determination services as a Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Specialist in the adjudication or processing of Social Security Disability claims.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

Limited to current Disability Determination Services employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

It is preferred that applicants complete the MD State Government online application for employment. The application must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. If the applicant is unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-554-9397 or mailed to DORS Human Resources Department at 2301 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online.

All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

Inquiries can be made to 410-554-9391, TDD (410) 554-9399. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.

If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, and travel throughout the State are required. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.




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