Office of Administrative Hearings Director - copy

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $47.68 - $79.30 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Niccole Johnson | [email protected] | 801-538-3956
Application Deadline – 4/19/2026

Key Responsibilities

Office of Administrative Hearings Director (Health and Human Services)

This executive-level position directs the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and requires an experienced legal professional to manage staff, set office strategy, and preside over complex, high-stakes administrative hearings on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Core Responsibilities

• Executive Leadership: Direct and coordinate all OAH operations, supervise and manage administrative law judges and support staff, and establish office policies and procedures.
• Adjudication & Compliance: Preside over informal and complex administrative hearings in an impartial manner, rule on evidence, issue written orders, and render final decisions that may be subject to agency review and/or judicial review.
  Legal Administration: Interpret, apply, and administer state and federal statutes and regulations governing DHHS and the public. Ensure OAH operations maintain full legal and regulatory compliance.
• Fiscal Oversight: Manage OAH budget, revenues, and expenditures, in cooperation with the DHHS Division of Finance and Administration.
• Procedural Management: Manage all aspects of the hearing process, holding pre-hearing conferences, and resolving complex procedural issues.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is required.
• Legal Standing: Active membership in the appropriate State Bar (e.g., Utah State Bar), where mandated by statute.
  Key Skills:
• Expert knowledge of administrative law, legal codes, court procedures, and evidence.
• Superior ability to analyze, synthesize, and apply complex legal information to render sound, well-reasoned decisions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for effective adjudication, public consultation, and staff management.
• Proven leadership and management capabilities, including strategic planning, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution.
• High degree of judgment, discretion, and responsibility in handling sensitive legal and administrative matters.

Supplemental Information

• A Juris Doctorate is required.
• At least three years of experience practicing law is required as well as membership in the Utah State Bar.
• Preference may be given to applicants with knowledge and experience in Health and or Human Services Programs, litigation experience, judicial clerkships or prior administrative law experience.Preference may be given to applicants with one year or more work experience in Medicaid, juvenile court or child welfare and/or prior work experience as an Administrative Law Judge.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.
• Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
• DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.
• This recruitment may be used to fill other vacancies within DHHS

About the Role

Location –
195 North 1950 West
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here.

Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization. 
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals. 
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.