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Disability Hearing Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearing Officer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$38.91/hr

Hearing Officer Requisition ID req31941 Working Title Hearing Officer Position Grade 15 Position ... disability, or any other protected class. The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff ...

HEARING OFFICER - 72003316 Pay Plan: Career Service Position Number: 72003316 Salary: $129,898.60 ... Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act ...

$23/hr

... Hearings Officer I (S) Position Number Grade NC13 About Us To provide a solid Human Resource ... The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known ...

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Disability Hearing Officer information

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$14

$33

$77

How much do disability hearing officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for disability hearing officer in the United States is $33.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Disability Hearing Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disability Hearing Officer, you need a solid understanding of disability laws, regulations, and administrative procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in legal or social services. Familiarity with case management systems, government databases, and documentation software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, impartiality, and effective communication are essential soft skills for evaluating evidence and interacting with claimants. These skills ensure fair, accurate, and timely decisions that uphold legal standards and serve public interest.

What are some common challenges faced by Disability Hearing Officers during the decision-making process?

Disability Hearing Officers often encounter the challenge of interpreting complex medical and vocational evidence to make fair, unbiased decisions. Balancing empathy for claimants with strict adherence to legal standards and regulations is a frequent difficulty. Additionally, managing a high caseload while ensuring each case receives thorough attention can be demanding. Collaboration with medical experts and legal staff is crucial to ensure accurate and consistent rulings.

What is the difference between Disability Hearing Officer vs Disability Claims Examiner?

AspectDisability Hearing OfficerDisability Claims Examiner
Required CredentialsTypically requires a legal background, certifications in administrative law, or related experienceUsually requires a background in insurance, claims processing, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentAdministrative hearings, legal settings, government agenciesOffice-based, insurance companies, government agencies processing claims
Employer & IndustrySocial Security Administration, government agenciesInsurance companies, government disability programs
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in disability hearings and legal proceedingsUnderstanding claims processing and evaluation

Disability Hearing Officers primarily conduct hearings and make decisions based on legal and medical evidence, often within government agencies. Disability Claims Examiners focus on reviewing and processing disability claims, typically within insurance or government programs. While both roles involve disability assessments, Hearing Officers emphasize legal proceedings, whereas Claims Examiners handle claims evaluation and documentation.

What are Disability Hearing Officers?

Disability Hearing Officers are professionals who conduct hearings to review decisions on disability benefit claims, typically for Social Security or similar government programs. They assess evidence, listen to testimony, and determine whether an applicant qualifies for disability benefits under the law. Their role is to ensure that each case receives a fair, impartial review, especially when an initial claim has been denied. Disability Hearing Officers must be knowledgeable about disability regulations and legal standards, and their decisions can significantly impact applicants' lives.
More about Disability Hearing Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Disability Hearing Officer jobs? Cities with the most Disability Hearing Officer job openings:
What states have the most Disability Hearing Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Disability Hearing Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Disability Hearing Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Disability Hearing Officer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Disability Hearing Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,725 per year, or $33 per hour.
Hearing Officer

$38.91/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Hearing Officer
Requisition ID
req31941
Working Title
Hearing Officer
Position Grade
15
Position 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.
See the Position Description for additional information.
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.

Minimum Qualifications
Juris Doctorate; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
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.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of labor relations principles and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Ability to analyze complex information, and to define and solve problems.
  • 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.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Hearing Office (431A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
On-Call
Term End Date
Status
Non-Exempt
Pay
Hourly: $38.91
Benefits Eligible
This is a non-benefits eligible position.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
No
For Best Consideration Date
1/3/2025
Eligible for Remote Work
Yes
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please provide a cover letter, a current resume, and a list of at least three professional references, preferably supervisors. In your cover letter, detail your experience as it relates to the position summary and preferred qualifications, and address how your work experience demonstrates a commitment to diversity, social justice, and civil rights work.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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