Fair Hearing Specialist

Overview

The Fair Hearing Specialist (FHS) manages and maintains ownership of cases that have been escalated by applicant households in disagreement with an Economic Services Division (ESD) eligibility determination.

Examples of Work:
Incumbents of this job class will experience fluctuations in assigned duties in response to the organization's needs, program changes, special project needs, and changes in experience levels.

The FHS conducts investigative research on public assistance cases escalated to the Fair Hearing Specialist from applicant households who are in disagreement with an eligibility determination, communicates to research a case with professional partners including: Office of the Attorney General, Vermont Legal Aid, Human Services Board, and other agencies as needed. The FHS receives Fair Hearing requests from ESD staff and determines next action. When a FH case is concluded, he/she contacts the petitioners and department attorneys to address and close any outstanding details regarding the case. In some cases the Fair Hearing Specialist may testify under oath at Fair Hearing proceedings with the Assistant Attorney General's office, most often over the phone but with the potential for in-person testimony.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Possesses and maintains mastery of systems used to work cases and conduct research, including but not limited to ACCESS.
Maintains mastery of eligibility rules and policy for the General Assistance program.
Ability to effectively balance legal and ethical ramifications of decisions.
Ability to combine expert knowledge of rules and policies with empathetic delivery of unwelcomed news.
Understands the urgency of meeting daily deadlines, and consistently meets them.
Strong, professional verbal and written communications; efficient and effective phone skills are required.
Must be knowledgeable and proficient in databases, healthcare processing systems, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and SharePoint.
Ability to work within a fast-paced, quickly evolving organization with changing priorities.
Must be comfortable and effective when working with culturally diverse groups of individuals and their different needs and viewpoints.

Who May Apply

This position, Fair Hearing Specialist - Limited Service (Job Requisition #51486), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.

If you would like more information about the duration of this position or other details, please contact mark.eley@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in a standard office setting. Some travel may be necessary, for which private transportation must be available. Stressful interaction with upset or emotional clients may occur. Staff workload may frequently be heavy. Work outside of typical business hours may be expected and incumbents might be required to appear in court, representing the State of Vermont.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree AND one (1) or more years at or above a technical level role that includes research, customer service, review of healthcare services or similar field

OR

Associate's degree AND three (3) or more years at or above a technical level role that includes research, customer service, review of healthcare services or similar field.

OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND five (5) or more years at or above a technical level role that includes research, customer service, review of healthcare services or similar field.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.

---