Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: A0604 / Hearing Officer
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 15
HR Review/Approval:RVIEW

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Serving as an independent officer under the supervision of the Administrative Hearing Officer and the President of the University, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, as well as University policies and procedures, in the adjudication of cases related to personnel issues, student conduct violations, allegations of discrimination, Title IX violations, and other related matters. Coordinates the resolution of complex cases, drafts reports and responses, and renders decisions as a representative of the institution.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Serves as a Hearing Officer for the Administrative Hearing Office, under the guidance and direction of the Administrative Hearing Officer.
  2. Independently conducts adjudicatory and administrative hearings on a range of institutional administrative cases; monitors and directs compliance activities to ensure adherence with relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Manages logistics of the hearing process including scheduling, information gathering, oath administration, and training of hearing panel members; disseminates communications to hearing panel members and other involved parties.
  3. Gathers testimonies and rules on exceptions, motions, objections, credibility of witnesses, and admissibility of evidence.
  4. Determines facts surrounding alleged violations; generates reports of findings for University leadership, outside agencies, and internal campus partners.
  5. Convenes and conducts post-hearing analysis to determine the need for systemic improvements and/or additional process or policy components.
  6. Ensures the Administrative Hearing Officer is apprised of the status of cases heard and seeks consultation on more complex and escalated cases.
  7. Serves as a Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
  8. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Juris Doctorate; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: Member of NM State Bar or member in good standing of State Bar of another state or District of Columbia and in possession of a Public Employee Limited License issued by the NM Supreme Court.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Ability to work independently and facilitate Administrative Hearings.
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • Knowledge of auditing concepts and principles.
  • Knowledge of labor relations principles and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Ability to analyze complex information, and to define and solve problems.
  • Ability to identify and implement effective solutions to complex issues in compliance with federal, state, and local laws as well as University policies and procedures.
  • Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgements on sensitive, confidential issues.
  • Ability to perform research and prepare reports and summaries based on research data.
  • Strong critical thinking skills; ability to synthesize and interpret complex issues and to create integrated solutions and recommendations.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

Conditions of Employment

  • Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
  • Successful candidate who is not a member of the NM State Bar is required to obtain a temporary Public Employee Limited License issued by the NM Supreme Court.
  • Must maintain licensure and bar membership.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 06/01/2024