Attorney Examiner - Pittsburgh, United States - State of Pennsylvania

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    Description

    THE POSITION


    Are you looking to test and grow your skills while having fun in a high-paced environment? Are you passionate about protecting an individual's constitutional right to due process? Come join our team of professionals at the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals' (BHA) Western Region located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

    The BHA is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services entity charged with conducting administrative hearings in a fair, unbiased, and timely manner.

    At the BHA, we empower employees to reach their fullest potential by promoting professional development for those who are willing to learn.

    The BHA is a workplace where you will feel a sense of camaraderie. If this sounds intriguing to you, please give BHA a try and see what else we have to offer by applying today


    DESCRIPTION OF WORK


    The Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA) is the bureau within the Department of Human Services (DHS) with the responsibility designated by the Secretary of Human Services for the adjudication of administrative appeals for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Aging.

    The BHA provides administrative hearings for all appellants aggrieved by decisions made by DHS and for other selected departments (pursuant to Interagency Agreements) under its jurisdiction.


    In this position, you will be responsible for the hearing and adjudication of Formal appeals filed with DHS-BHA, as well as recipient and non-recipient appeals.

    You will also issue subpoenas, Orders and Rules to Show Cause, rules on Motions, and conduct pre-hearing conferences.

    Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.


    Work Schedule and Additional Information:

    • Full-time employment
    • Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
    • Telework: Upon successful completion of your probationary period and/or training period, part-time telework may be considered. Your work assignments will primarily take place in the office. However, telework may be available based upon individual eligibility and the operational needs of the bureau. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Pittsburgh.
    • Salary: The starting salary is non-negotiable.
    • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
    REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY


    QUALIFICATIONS

    Minimum Experience and Training Requirement:

    • Two years of professional legal work which includes one year of trial work experience; and a Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school.

    Special Requirement:

    • All positions require possession of a certification of current license and active admission in good standing to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

    Other Requirements:

    • You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
    • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

    How to Apply:

    • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
    • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
    • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
    • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

    Veterans:

    • Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).


    If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

    The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

    The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

    The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

    All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.


    EXAMINATION INFORMATION

    • Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
    • Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
    • Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
    • You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved.
    * you may be disqualified.

    You may only apply/test once for this posting.
    Your results will be provided via email.

    Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video

    Health & Wellness

    We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.

    Compensation & Financial Planning


    We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

    Work/Life Balance


    We know there's more to life than just work Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S.

    holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.

    Values and Culture


    We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good.

    As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

    Employee Perks

    Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

    For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.


    • Eligibility rules apply.
    01

    Do you possess a certification of current license and active admission in good standing to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania?


    • Yes
    • No
    02

    If yes, you must provide your current license number and expiration date. If you answered no to the question above, enter N/A in the box below.

    03

    Do you possess one or more years of full-time trial work?


    • Yes
    • No
    04


    If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below.

    The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

    05

    How many years of full-time professional legal work experience do you possess?


    • 2 years or more
    • 1 but less than 2 years
    • Less than 1 year
    • No
    ne

    06


    If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below.

    The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.

    07

    How much graduate coursework have you completed in law?


    If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision.

    Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

    You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left.

    You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

    If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation.

    For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.


    • 30 credits or more
    • Less than 30 credits
    • No
    ne

    08

    You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored.

    They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position.

    Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification.

    You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions.

    Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.

    All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty.

    If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

    Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.

    The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.

    In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.


    If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

    If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our FAQ page.


    • Yes
    09

    WORK BEHAVIOR - PRESIDES AS THE HEARING OFFICER


    Presides as the hearing officer for pre-hearing conferences and quasi-judicial administrative hearings such as, but not limited to: formal appeals, recipient appeals (SNAP, cash assistance, medical assistance, etc.) and non-recipient appeals to include provider appeals by administering oaths; examining witnesses; receiving and evaluating testimony, exhibits, briefs, arguments, and transcripts; ruling on motions and evidence; and clarifying cited regulations to ensure application of appropriate laws, jurisdiction and timeliness of appeal.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience presiding as the hearing officer for pre-hearing conferences and quasi-judicial administrative hearings such as, but not limited to: formal appeals, recipient and non-recipient appeals to include provider appeals, by administering oaths; examining witnesses; receiving and evaluating testimony, exhibits, briefs, arguments, and transcripts; ruling on motions and evidence; and clarifying cited regulations to ensure application of appropriate laws, jurisdiction and timeliness of appeal.
    • B. I have experience as the main litigator examining witnesses, presenting testimony, exhibits, briefs, arguments, motions and evidence; and clarifying cited regulations to ensure application of appropriate laws, jurisdiction and timeliness of appeals.
    • C. I have experience as a member of a legal team in examining witnesses, presenting testimony, exhibits, briefs, arguments, motions and evidence; and clarifying cited regulations to ensure application of appropriate laws, jurisdiction and timeliness of appeals.
    • D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
    10


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
    • The type(s) of pre-hearing conferences or quasi-judicial administrative hearings you presided over
    • The actual duties you performed
    • Your level of responsibility
    11

    WORK BEHAVIOR - PREPARES CORRESPONDENCE RELATED TO ASSIGNED CASES


    Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of orders, responses to motions, decrees, decisions, determinations, responses to inquiries, subpoenas, and other correspondence related to assigned cases.

    Completes reports on work activities for assigned cases. Ensures hearing records and files meet acceptable standards.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience preparing and/or supervising the preparation of orders, responses to motions, decrees, decisions, determinations, responses to inquiries, subpoenas, and other correspondence related to assigned cases. I have completed reports on work activities for assigned cases and I have ensured hearing records and files meet acceptable standards.
    • B. I have experience as the main litigator writing motions, responses to inquiries, and other correspondence related to assigned cases. I have requested subpoenas and completed reports on work activities for assigned cases.
    • C. I have experience as part of a legal team writing motions, responses to inquiries, and other correspondence related to assigned cases. I have requested subpoenas and completed reports on work activities for assigned cases.
    • D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
    12


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
    • The type(s) of correspondence you prepared
    • The actual duties you performed
    • Your level of responsibility
    13

    WORK BEHAVIOR - PROVIDES ASSISTANCE


    Provides assistance regarding the scheduling and conducting of pre-hearing conferences, formal and recipient hearings, and law and legal procedures in order to interface with appellants, attorneys, representatives, agencies, and other interested parties to grant continuances, reschedule hearings, verify withdrawals and issue subpoenas.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience providing assistance regarding the scheduling and conducting of pre-hearing conferences, formal and recipient hearings, and law and legal procedures in order to interface with appellants, attorneys, representatives, agencies, and other interested parties to grant continuances, reschedule hearings, verify withdrawals and issue subpoenas.
    • B. I have experience providing assistance regarding law and legal procedures in order to interface with appellants, attorneys, representatives, agencies, and other interested parties. I have not provided assistance regarding the scheduling and conducting of pre-hearing conferences, or formal and recipient hearings.
    • C. I have experience providing assistance regarding the scheduling and conducting of pre-hearing conferences, and formal and recipient hearings in order to interface with appellants, attorneys, representatives, agencies, and other interested parties to grant continuances, reschedule hearings, verify withdrawals and issue subpoenas. I have not provided assistance regarding law and legal procedures.
    • D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
    14


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
    • The topic(s) you provided assistance on
    • The type(s) of assistance you provided
    • The actual duties you performed
    15

    WORK BEHAVIOR - COMPLETES ADJUDICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF ORDERS


    Completes adjudications and/or Recommendations of Orders as a fact finder by objectively considering and evaluating evidentiary materials in, inter alia, pre-hearing conferences, intervention requests, timeliness hearings and formal, recipient and non-recipient hearings; and manages assigned caseload within the regulatory and/or statutory timeframes.

    Levels of Performance

    Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.


    • A. I have experience completing adjudications and Recommendations of Orders as a fact finder by objectively considering and evaluating evidentiary materials in, inter alia, pre-hearing conferences, intervention requests, timeliness hearings and formal, recipient and non-recipient hearings; and I have managed assigned caseloads within the regulatory and/or statutory timeframes.
    • B. I have experience as a main litigator writing briefs, legal memorandums, or in-depth motions, and presenting facts of law for a judge's consideration; and I have managed assigned caseload within the regulatory and/or statutory timeframes.
    • C. I have experience as part of a legal team writing briefs, legal memorandums, or in-depth motions, and presenting facts of law for a judge's consideration; and I have managed my own assigned caseload within the regulatory and/or statutory timeframes.
    • D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
    16


    In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior.

    Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.


    • The name of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
    • The written correspondence you prepared
    • The actual duties you performed
    • Your level of responsibility
    Required Question

    Agency Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    Address 613 North Street

    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

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