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The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a Fair Hearing Officer who is committed to upholding the department’s fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. The Fair Hearing Officer carries out activities necessary for fair hearings which pertain to DCF investigations, foster care, and other related agency decisions. *_Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):_* · Conduct fair hearings and draft fair hearing decisions; conduct orderly fair hearings that ensure the rights of the parties are protected in accordance with state law and regulations. · Assist in the resolution of pending fair hearings. · Make findings and rulings in accordance with DCF regulations and policies, and write analytically sound decisions in a clear and cogent manner within DCF regulatory time frames. · Recommend settlement of fair hearing disputes where appropriate. · Maintain complete and organized files of cases assigned. · Enter data into DCF electronic records system concerning individual hearings assigned, heard, and decided, and as further directed by the supervisor. · Submit data for monthly activity and other reports as directed; assist in the analysis of Fair Hearing data and make recommendations for system changes. · Travel to DCF Area Offices to conduct fair hearings as required. (Hearings are held at the area office level; therefore, statewide travel is required.) *_Required Qualifications:_* · Knowledge of state agencies and family systems. · Ability to lead others and to organize work. *_Preferred Qualifications:_* · Thorough knowledge of the Department’s current regulations, policies, and pertinent state statutes.*__* · Strong written and oral communication skills.*__* · Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively with staff at all levels of the agency.*__* · Demonstrated ability to organize and analyze complex information and data.*__* Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. *_About the Department of Children and Families:_* The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care, and education. DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning. For more information about our agency and programs, visit: www.mass.gov/dcf *_Pre-Hire Process:_**_ _**__* A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4. *First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.* *Minimum Entrance Requirements:* Applicants must have (A) a Master's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education or criminal justice or a relevant human services degree and (B) a current and valid Licensures as a Licensed Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration*, and (C) and three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in social work, or (D) or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (C) experience. *Applicants at the Department of Children and Families must obtain the required license in Social Work within the first nine (9) months of employment. The classification may require possession of a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment. /Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range./ *_Comprehensive Benefits_* When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. **Job:** **Community and Social Services* **Organization:** **Department of Children & Families* **Title:** *Fair Hearing Officer* **Location:** *Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place* **Requisition ID:** *250007XV*