ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE4006D3 Pay Grade: 36 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized legal work presiding over quasi-judicial hearings. An incumbent serves as an administrative law judge in adversary proceedings which involve the presentation of evidence according to the rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL E: "Under administrative direction…" At this level, employees are free to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within program guidance. Generally, they can develop and utilize any procedures and methods which do not conflict with major policies. Supervision is generally exercised over them through staff conference-type discussions and a review of progress reports. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL E: Work is of a highly diverse and/or complex nature characterized by a broad range of activities and frequently changing conditions, situations and problems. Considerable analytical thought is necessary for interpreting a variety of factors, problems and alternatives for methods and procedures. Work requires the origination of ideas, techniques and programs for solving technical problems or complicated situations. Workers at this level exercise a high degree of responsibility for independent judgment and may participate in major program changes or policy decisions. Work may be reviewed by occasional conferences or reports to superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are normally characterized by regulations, policies or complex technical manuals. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL E: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are highly significant. Work is rarely if ever reviewed. Errors may result in serious disruption in the operation of a major agency. Contacts - LEVEL D: The purpose of the contact is to justify, defend, negotiate, persuade or interrogate to settle matters, maintain good will, gain cooperation or reach compromises when the information is controversial or the individuals or groups have strong differences of opinions or diverse viewpoints. Extensive use of communication techniques and well developed communication skills are required for dealing with others. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL D: Involves administrative supervision responsibility. As a "first line supervisor", the primary responsibility involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating employees who perform the same or similar work. Responsible for recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. As a "project manager" may direct the activities of project leaders to develop plans and criteria and to evaluate progress and results for one or more projects. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Attorney III class in that the Administrative Law Judge conducts quasi-judicial hearings while incumbents in the Attorney III class are responsible for management of legal activities of an agency or an agency department. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Conducts quasi-judicial hearings, administers oaths, examines witnesses, rules on motions and admissibility of evidence according to the rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law or equity, considers and resolves the issues of law and fact raised in the hearing of contested cases. Sets hearing dates, gives required notices, obtains suitable chambers for the hearings, travels to and presides over various hearings. Confers with interested individuals and companies to advise them on state laws. Meets with advisory committee to discuss proposed legislation, drafts proposed legislation and appears before legislative committees as required, drafts and edits agency regulations and law handbooks. May supervise clerical, support or paraprofessional staff. Enters decisions and awards on claims submitted, in which no award has been made, within the statutory time limits. Considers the issues of law and fact raised in the hearing of cases of discrimination and discriminatory practices and proposes detailed findings of fact and conclusions of law and order for submission to a Commission for acceptance, rejection or modification. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of laws and legal interpretations applicable to cases heard. *Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of evidence. *Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and priorities of legal research. Knowledge of the rules, regulations and policies pertaining to cases heard. Knowledge of principles of supervision and administration. Abilities *Ability to read, interpret and apply current appellate court decisions. Ability to read and understand medical reports and depositions relating to both physical and psychological trauma and disease. *Ability to clearly summarize a volume of evidence and write an explanation of the reasoning used in arriving at findings of fact and conclusions of law. *Ability to maintain order in adversarial courtroom situations. *Ability to exercise sound judgment and to maintain effective working relationships with claimants, court officials and the general public. Ability to supervise an office staff. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Kansas or temporary permit to practice law issued by the Supreme Court of Kansas and three years of experience in a licensed law practice. NC: 06/94 |