Hearing Officer
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR):
The Indiana Department of Revenue has served Indiana, its population, and the business community since 1947. Our more than 700 dedicated team members administer over 65 different tax types and annually process nearly $30 billion of tax revenue. We are a Top Workplace employer.
Role Overview:
The DOR legal team is highly productive and completes complex work in a cooperative manner that helps Hoosier taxpayers. The Hearing Officer resolves taxpayer appeals on both a formal and informal basis. You will resolve appeals by negotiated settlement or final determination. Your written determinations will be published in the Indiana Register and represent DOR’s final word on a tax matter, short of legislative or court reversal. You will be an impartial decision-maker, evaluating the legal merits of the taxpayer’s arguments and DOR’s actions. You will conduct legal research that fully addresses a taxpayer's appeal. You will also serve as a reviewer for DOR’s written documents and as a resource person – either as an adviser or participant – to ad hoc or standing committees to address unique or ongoing issues before DOR. Ultimately, you will ensure that both DOR and taxpayers are in full compliance with Indiana tax law. You will also help advise and train other sections of DOR on the procedures of the Appeals section.
Salary:
The minimum salary for this position starts at $67,314.00 with 1-5 years, or $85,020.00 with 5+ years of experience, while admitted to a state bar, but may be greater commensurate with education or work experience.
Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are:
- May train, manage, delegate to, and/or provide support for any legal support staff.
- Advises and provides legal support to agency staff on various program and legal areas.
- May oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts.
- Researches, interprets, and provides legal advice about laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions about agency operations.
- May draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
- Utilizes legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records relating to legal procedures.
- Creates, prepares, and distributes documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
- Recruits, selects, onboards, and trains employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
- Sets expectations, measures progress, provides ongoing feedback, and evaluates the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
- May handle administrative matters and hearings while maintaining appropriate decorum, hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and/or make reasoned decisions supported by evidence.
- May be required to utilize litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations.
- Organizes and manages caseload in the preparation of hearings and/or litigation.
- May review pleadings, motions, and discovery.
- May draft appeals or briefs, or perform legal writing assignments.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have:
- A Doctorate of Jurisprudence with 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney;
- Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing;
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules;
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
- Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders;
- Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
