Hearings Officer (Multiple Locations)

Texas Workforce Commission; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 68,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family Friendly Workplace

Competitive Salary

Retirement Plan

401(k) & 457 accounts

Medical Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Texas Workforce Commission seeks a Hearings Officer II-III to adjudicate administrative appeals across state programs. You will conduct hearings, prepare decisions, and research applicable laws while managing multiple priorities.

Requirements include a law degree from an ABA-approved school and Texas Bar admission, with 1–2 years of relevant legal work. The role offers extensive training and competitive state benefits.

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-approved law school is required.
• Texas State Bar admission is required.
• 1–2 years of legal work experience for Hearings Officer II/III.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hearings and prepare decisions for the appeals process.
• Prepare and review records for hearings.
• Research laws, regulations, policies, and precedents.
• Question witnesses and rule on admissibility of evidence.
• Prepare written decisions and ensure timely mailing.
• Provide guidance and conduct training.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable statutes and procedures.
• Submit timely reports.
• Refer issues to appropriate departments.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Legal research

Oral advocacy / hearings

Education

J.D. / ABA-accredited law degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Who We Are

Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We’re a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. This position is in the Special Program Appeals Department. While our office is located at 101 E. 15th Street, Austin, Texas, work can be performed throughout the state of Texas.

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those with H1B visas or those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

Who You Are

You have great organizational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple priorities while meeting strict deadlines.

What You Will Do

The Hearings Officer II-III will work in the Agency’s Special Program Appeals Department, which adjudicates administrative appeals in various state and federal programs. Performs moderately complete to complex (journey-level) legal and technical work. Work involves conducting hearings and preparing decisions for the appeals process in a variety of agency programs, including but not limited to Payday Law (wage claims), tax liability (Rule 13 hearings), child labor, child care, career schools and colleges, unemployment insurance (UI). and internal grievances. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

You Will Be Trusted To

• Prepare and review records for hearings.
• Respond to public and agency inquiries.
• Refer issues to appropriate departments.
• Prepare for hearings by researching laws, regulations, policies, and legal precedents.
• Conduct hearings and makes decisions in accordance with established agency policy, rules, and applicable laws.
• Question witnesses and rule on admissibility of evidence.
• Prepare written decisions based upon evidence in the record.
• Type decisions using personal computer and specialized software.
• Ensure decisions are prepared for mailing in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provide guidance to others and prepare/conduct training.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Submit timely reports as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You Qualify With

• Hearings Officer II: Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association, plus one year of full-time experience in

the practice of law or full-time experience involving legal work as a primary duty.

• Hearings Officer III: Graduation from an accredited law school approved by the American Bar Association, plus two years of full-time experience in

the practice of law or two years of full-time experience involving legal work as a primary duty.

You Are a Great Fit With

• Admission to the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience conducting administrative hearings.
• Experience conducting Payday Law hearings.
• Experience conducting Tax liability hearings.
• Experience preparing written decisions using Microsoft Word and other computer programs.
• Broad knowledge and experience with agency programs.

You Gain

• A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
• Competitive salary: $6,050.00-$6,837.00/month
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts
• Medical Insurance
• Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
• Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits

Veterans

Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor’s Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdf