ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS CHIEF HEARING OFFICER

Arizona State Government; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arizona State Government is seeking an Administrative Appeals Chief Hearing Officer to manage legal operations within the Office of Inspector General. This role involves supervising judges, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and conducting hearings. Candidates should have extensive legal experience and a Juris Doctorate. The position promotes a flexible work culture, including remote options within Arizona.

Benefits

Comprehensive health plans

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible schedules

Wellness programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ legal practice required.
• Experience as a Judge, ALJ, Hearing Officer, Arbitrator, or mediator preferred.
• Membership in the Arizona State Bar required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Presiding Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers.
• Oversee appeal and hearing processes for compliance with legal standards.
• Conduct hearings and issue legally sound decisions.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Effective communication

Management

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona.

DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona.

DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS CHIEF HEARING OFFICER

Job Location:

Office of Inspector General (OIG)
2200 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
www.azdes.gov

Posting Details:

Salary: $90,000 – $105,000
Grade: 25
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Summary:

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES, visit des.az.gov or watch our ‘Our DES’ video here. Join the DES team!

The Department of Economic Security and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) seek an experienced, motivated individual for the role of Administrative Appeals Chief Hearing Officer. This position reports to the Appellate Services Administration (ASA) Administrative Counsel and manages all legal facets of the Office of Appeals (OA). Responsibilities include supervising Presiding Administrative Law Judges (PALJs), indirect supervision of Hearing Officers (HOs), and potentially supervising a deputy chief.

This role may offer remote work within Arizona, depending on department needs and performance.

Arizona promotes a flexible, autonomous work culture, including remote work options within the state unless exceptions are authorized.

Job Duties:

• Supervise PALJs and ALJs; hire, evaluate, and discipline staff; track productivity.
• Lead or participate in special projects; collaborate with Operations Manager for legal accuracy.
• Oversee appeal and hearing processes to ensure compliance with legal standards and timeliness.
• Prepare reports on office operations for management and partners.
• Research and interpret relevant laws, regulations, and policies; liaise with legislative and legal bodies.
• Conduct hearings, make evidentiary rulings, and issue legally sound decisions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, DES policies, and legal precedents across multiple benefit programs.
• Proficiency in legal research, legal principles, and administrative procedures.
• Skills in clear legal writing, legal research, and effective communication.
• Ability to manage multiple duties, supervise staff, and conduct hearings effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years’ legal practice, with experience as a Judge, ALJ, Hearing Officer, Arbitrator, or mediator preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements include background checks, valid driver’s license (if applicable), and a Juris Doctorate with membership in the Arizona State Bar.

Benefits include comprehensive health plans, retirement, paid holidays, leave options, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and flexible schedules, including remote work options.

State employees participate in the Arizona State Retirement System and Long-Term Disability programs.

For questions, contact Benson Walker at [phone] or [e-mail]. Reasonable accommodations are available for persons with disabilities.