Definition
Performs journey-level duties in conducting contested case hearings; performs related work as required.
The work examples and competencies listed below are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.
Work Examples
Presides over and conducts contested case appeal hearings in accordance with the Iowa Administrative Procedure Act (Iowa Code Chapter 17A) to ensure the judicial review of agency action compliance with department-enforced state and federal laws and regulations.
Conducts hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues such as offender disciplinary action, unemployment insurance, whistleblowing, eligibility, environmental protection, enforcement of health and safety regulations, etc.
Prepares accurate, logical written findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Ascertains pertinent facts by questioning witnesses and reviewing documents.
Facilitates direct examination, cross-examination, and further examination.
Rule on legal motions, admissibility of evidence, and methods of conducting testimony.
Issue subpoenas to compel attendance of witnesses and production of papers/records
Prepares written findings of facts and proposed decisions based on evaluation of pertinent facts and application of appropriate provisions of law and established precedents.
- Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions.
Competencies Required
Knowledge:
- Law and Government – Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- English Language – The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Customer and Personal Service – Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Administrative – Administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Abilities:
Law and Government – Understand and adhere to applicable laws, legal codes, administrative rules, and regulations.
Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
Written Comprehension – Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression – Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Skills:
Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Negotiation – Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to five years of full-time quasi-judicial or closely-related work involving either conducting legal investigations to obtain evidence or hearing cases relative to specific organizational programs and rendering decisions or recommending action for the disposition of cases.
A total of nine years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
Graduation from an accredited school of law.
Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as an Administrative Law Judge 1.
Notes
Persons newly employed to preside over contested case proceedings in the Administrative Hearings Division of the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing must possess a current, active license to practice law in Iowa.
Effective Date: 11/25 SA