PSOB Hearing Officer

Full Job Description

Join the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)!

We are seeking experienced attorneys to serve as PSOB Hearing Officers, providing the first level of de novo appellate review following claim denials.

The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) delivers death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty and to their survivors and families.

Minimum Qualifications Applicants must: Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school. Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction).

Have a minimum of four (4) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, which must have been in at least one of the following areas: In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures; In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; or Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB).

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is responsible for providing federal leadership and assistance in support of state and local criminal justice strategies to achieve safe communities and its Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

Reviews and analyzes information in a claim record after initial denial of that claim, as well as additional evidence provided by claimants or representatives.

Coordinates with the PSOB staff for access to records as needed and advice regarding matters of law.

Holds hearings, issues subpoenas, administers oaths, examines witnesses, conducts examinations and receives evidence.

When hearings are granted, presides over them (written record or oral, as applicable). Establishes procedures and timelines, rules on procedural matters and admissibility of evidence.

Ensures all parties have a fair opportunity to present arguments.

Evaluates evidence and legal arguments, which may include: medical evidence and expert opinions; line-of-duty and causation documentation; employment, incident and death/disability records; statutory and regulatory standards under the PSOB Act; and arguments submitted by the claimant and PSOB staff.

Renders timely appellate determinations once evidence collection is concluded and the administrative record is closed.

Files notices of determination specifying the factual findings and legal conclusions that support the decision.

Maintains a record of all proceedings and makes complete and timely entries in PSOB's case management system.

Participates in all required training and maintains a working knowledge of the PSOB Act and its implementing regulations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Position Requirements: Must possess a Juris Doctor degree and be a current member in good standing of a State Bar which continues throughout the length of this position.