Attorney III / 60013581

Full Job Description

Are you the one? We are looking for an Attorney III who, under the Program Manager's supervision, serves as a hearing officer for the Division of Appeals and Hearings to ensure the agency meets its obligations to provide beneficiaries and providers with due process by allowing same to appeal any adverse decision or delay by the agency.

Maintains active caseload as the primary hearing officer in the area. Provides beneficiaries with due process by allowing same to appeal any adverse decision or delay by the agency.

Researches and analyzes cases for jurisdiction, identifies issues in controversy, prepares for hearing.

Where possible, encourages speedy disposition of cases by settlement negotiation, issue narrowing or other creative means where appropriate while maintaining due process and fairness to both parties.

Corresponds with parties and conducts hearings. Drafts and publishes final administrative orders and other orders as needed. Prepares cases for appeal to the ALC if necessary.

Functions as a team player by supporting fellow hearing officers as appropriate.

Prepares for hearing when appeal cannot be resolved through prehearing means. Rules on all prehearing and hearing motions and other requests.

Ensures due process is afforded to parties by allowing them to present evidence and witnesses and to cross-examine opposing witnesses at the hearing.

Moves cases toward hearing and through the process to final order within the relevant appeal timeline.

Tracks developments in state and federal laws affecting Medicaid and disability law and changes in agency policy. Monitor new SSA Disability changes along with all other new/emergent types of cases.

Provides general legal advice as a subject matter consultant to A&H hearing officers. Creates and conducts training for other Hearing Officers about issues which are frequently appealed.

Coordinates in-house training from outside entities such as bring in National Judicial College instructors for Hearing Officer classes.

Provides assistance and expertise to all areas of the agency in need of information regarding A&H. Identifies issues that could impact A&H and advises team regarding same.

Conducts legal research and drafts legal documents as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned by Program Manager.

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor Degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney, including courtroom experience.

Special Requirements: Member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar. Completed all Rule 403 requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license.
• Requires hold to drive routinely.
• Occasional overnight travel.
• Overtime and/or weekend work with Deputy approval.
• Sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Lifting requirements: 20 lbs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbal and written.
• Ability to communicate at an acceptable level with the general public.
• Excellent reasoning and writing ability.
• Ability to interpret laws and judicial decisions.
• Should possess excellent research and organizational skills.
• Some clerkship experience preferred.
• Open to cultural/demographic diversity.
• Ability to make and keep schedules.
• Basic computer and math skills.
• Capable of using standard office equipment.
• Some knowledge of Medicaid and/or the Social Security Administration Disability program preferred.
• Prior experience as a hearing officer, attorney specializing in administrative law, or a position involving appellate review a plus.

Additional Information

Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application for qualification purposes. All applicants must apply online. All correspondence from the Office of Human Resources will be through electronic mail.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.