Administrative Law Judge II

Closing Date: 20th November, 2026

Description:

Job Description:
Administrative Law Judge II
The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) position performs advanced legal and appellate work for the two (2) HHS agencies. The work involves conducting contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act and grievance hearings under the HHSC Human Resources Manual as well as performing Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions pursuant to the Texas Government Code.

The ALJ schedules hearings; conducts prehearing and other conferences; presides at hearings; rules on discovery disputes, motions, and admissibility of evidence; analyzes testimony and evidence presented in hearings; and issues appropriate orders and final decisions, including findings of fact and conclusions of law. The ALJ's work also involves directing and planning legal activities, overseeing the preparation of legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, and demonstrating judicial temperament in all actions. The ALJ works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Conducts multiple types of complex hearings concerning more than 40 different programs or agency operations areas, including grievance proceedings for all HHS agencies including the following:

• Conducts hearings related to HHS grievance appeals from the State Hospitals and State Supported Living Centers;
• Conducts contested case hearings;
• Conducts Administrative Reviews.

Responsible for the following tasks:Manages decorum of courtroom, maintaining control of attorneys, witnesses, and clientsManages and oversees process of litigationSwears in witnessesListens to testimonyRules on objectionsDetermines if elements of a case are proven in accordance with burden of proofDetermines evidentiary disputesAnalyzes complex legal issues relating to HHSC program policies

Writes final decisions in contested cases and grievance proceedings, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, acting as the designee of the Executive Commissioner.

Manages a complex hearings docket of cases by tracking, monitoring, planning, coordinating and scheduling activities to ensure that all state and federal statutes, rules and regulations are met with respect to the hearings process.

Conducts prehearing and other conferences to rule on motions and admissibility of evidence and to determine the discovery and hearings schedule.

Conducts Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions, including writing final decisions as necessary.

Responds to requests for information from HHS agencies' staff and from external requestors, including Open Records requests, statistical inquiries, and pending hearings.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of legal principles and practices
• Advanced knowledge of trial and administrative hearings procedures
• Advanced knowledge of evidentiary and procedural issues
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations affecting HHS agencies' operations and
• administration
• Knowledge of HHS agencies' programs, policies, rules, and procedures
• Skill in planning and decision-making
• Skill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems in a clear, concise manner sufficient to
• communicate orally and in writing with people of varied backgrounds and levels of sophistication
• Ability to analyze and solve legal problems and to interpret laws and regulations affecting the HHS
• agencies
• Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with the public, with legal representatives, and with agency staff
• Ability to comply with ethical standards
• Ability to recognize problems and to identify and facilitate solutions
• Ability to train agency staff
• Ability to conduct effective, in-depth legal research
• Ability to organize and manage a heavy caseload
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
• Ability to meet numerous and competing deadlines

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Licensed attorney for at least 10 years and a member in good standing through the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience with administrative hearings, rules of evidence and civil procedure personnel, and Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policy.

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