ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

Illinoiscomptroller; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Human Services seeks to hire an Administrative Law Judge (Technical Advisor III) to conduct specialized hearings and decide complex appeals across State and Federal programs. The role requires strong analytical and communication skills and relies on paperless case management.

Responsibilities include conducting hearings, researching issues, drafting legally binding decisions, and maintaining electronic records.

Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
• Active license to practice law in Illinois.
• Two years of professional experience in the practice of law.
• Three years of professional legal experience preferred in drafting or preparing legally binding decisions.

Responsibilities

• Conducts specialized and complex review of legal issues and drafting of legally binding decisions in a paperless environment.
• Conducts specialized administrative hearings.
• Maintains appeal status information on an electronic hearings database and supports program improvements.
• Provides advanced legal guidance and supports administrative review activities.
• Performs other duties as required within the scope of duties enumerated.

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)/Law degree

Active Illinois law license

Analytical reasoning

Oral & written communication

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 58232
Opening Date:09/24/2026
Closing Date:10/15/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:TECHNICAL ADVISOR III - 45253
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $8,060-$11,851/month ($96,720-$142,212/year)
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:20
Bargaining Unit Code:RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:Work Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday (flex available), 1 hour unpaid lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 69 W Washington St, Chicago, Illinois, 60602

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required,a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger - something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule - flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Human Services seeks to hire an Administrative Law Judge (Technical Advisor III) to conduct specialized administrative hearings and decide complex appeals involving multiple State and Federal programs. In such capacity, performs research, conducts administrative hearings, and composes recommended decisions. Each ALJ is responsible for managing their dockets and maintaining the electronic hearing database containing the appeal record, including the status information, electronic audio recordings, and electronic documents. This position reviews dense records, applies evolving statutory and case law frameworks, and addresses appeals affected by State and Federal policy. Strong analytical and communication skills required.

Essential Functions

• Conducts specialized and complex review of legal issues and drafting of legally binding decisions in a paperless environment.


• Conducts specialized administrative hearings.


• Maintains appeal status information on an electronic hearings database in a timely and accurate manner and supports program-level improvements.


• Provides advanced legal guidance and supports administrative review activities.


• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school.


• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois


• Requires two years' professional experience in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional legal experience drafting or preparing of legally binding decisions for a public or private organization.


• Three (3) years of professional legal experience working with judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of evidence.


• Three (3) years of professional legal experience working with web-based software such as Microsoft 365 and electronic record keeping.


• Three (3) years of professional legal experience in effective, collaborative communication (orally and written) to internal and external entities on relative legal matters.


• Three (3) years of professional legal experience analyzing, appraising, and organizing facts, evidence and precedents and in presenting such material, operating in a paperless environment (all electronic records).


• Three (3) years of professional experience conducting legal research utilizing web-based software applications.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties throughout the State.


• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being of everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance


• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually


• 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)


• 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)


• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)


• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years


• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)


• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave


• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan


• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)


• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility


• GI Bill Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans


• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

This position DOES NOT contain "Specialized Skills" (as that term is used in CBAs).

Statement of Economic Interest:

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.