Human Services Judge

State of Minnesota - Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota seeks a Human Services Judge to conduct administrative fair hearings for multiple agencies. You will review evidence, apply federal and state law, and issue independent recommended orders.

The role requires a J.D., Minnesota license, and the ability to telework for eligible applicants. You will manage deadlines, develop strong records, and interact with diverse communities in a high-volume setting.

Qualifications

• Four years of advanced professional legal experience in civil, criminal, or administrative hearings.
• Ability to identify legal issues within complex factual circumstances.
• Strong written and oral communication for orders and hearings.
• Excellent legal research and analysis skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and crises with sensitivity.
• Independent, fast-paced work style with deadlines.
• Professional with judicial temperament for adversarial hearings.
• Proficient use of computers and case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a high-volume caseload and resolve appeals promptly.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings to develop a complete record.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law from the record.
• Comply with statutes, rules, regulations, and policies.

Skills

Advanced legal experience

Written communication

Oral communication

Legal research

Diversity and inclusion

Independent work

Judicial temperament

Case management

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Licensed to practice law in Minnesota (active status)

Tools

Case management system

Recording devices

Job description

The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

***This position is eligible forteleworkfor applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework.***

***This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies**

As a Human Services Judge, you will conduct administrative fair hearings for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, MNsure Board, and the Minnesota Departments of Health, Education, and Children, Youth, and Families.After conducting an evidentiary hearing, you will review the evidence and pertinent federal and state law and prepare an independent recommended order to decide the appeal. The recommended order is reviewed by the respective agency’s Commissioner’s designee who issues the final decision.

Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:

• Manage a high-volume caseload while ensuring that appeals assigned to you are resolved timely, efficiently, and in a manner that protects the rights of the parties.
• Conduct evidentiary hearings to develop a complete record.
• Make findings of fact and conclusions of law based on an analysis of the complete record and the laws that apply to the disputed issues.
• Comply with all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and policies in order to effectively carry out the requirements of this position and the Agency’s mission, values, and goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

**To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month, day and year for each job held.**

• Four (4) years of advanced professional legal experience appearing in or conducting civil, criminal, or administrative hearings.

Experience must demonstrate the following:

• Ability to identify legal issues within a complex set of factual circumstances;
• Strong written and oral communication skills sufficient to communicate with parties and write clear, concise recommended orders that are easily understood by all parties;
• Excellent legal research and analysis skills;
• Ability to work respectfully with persons of diverse backgrounds, including those with different cultural backgrounds; people in crisis; people in poverty; people with physical disabilities; people with mental illness; and non-English speakers;
• Ability to be flexible and quickly respond to changing situations;
• Ability to exhibit judicial temperament to conduct hearings in adversarial situations.;
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work load, allocate time in an efficient manner, and meet deadlines;
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to competently use computer, case management system, and recording devices;
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.);
• Must be licensed to practice law in Minnesota and be in active status, an inactive resident, retired, on disabled status, or on retired senior status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience conducting evidentiary hearings as an administrative law judge, workers’ compensation judge, unemployment insurance judge or equivalent experience in public sector hearings environment.
• Experience making credibility determinations.
• Professional experience representing public assistance recipients or government agencies in legal proceedings.
• Professional experience representing clients in administrative hearings.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

***Candidates will be asked to complete a writing sample in response to a written prompt to demonstrate independent writing and analytical skills within a defined time limit.***

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – DHS will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and a criminal background check prior to appointment.