Administrative Law Judge I, DHHS
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $41.14 - $63.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - Hybrid
Recruiter - Niccole Johnson niccolejohnson@utah.gov 801-538-3956
Application Deadline - 7/31/2026*
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Key Responsibilities
**This recruitment will remain open until filled**
An
Administrative Law Judge I (ALJ I) conducts administrative hearings on behalf of the
Utah Department of Health and Human Services. While these proceedings follow informal administrative processes, they often involve evidentiary and regulatory issues requiring sophisticated legal analysis.
This position primarily focuses on cases within the Division of Child and Family Services, but the Administrative Law Judge I (ALJ I) will also handle disputes across other programs as needed, including the Division of Licensing and Background Checks, Aging and Adult Services, Services for People with Disabilities, the Office of Recovery Services, the Center for Medical Cannabis, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Hearing Management & Adjudication
- Conduct informal hearings and possibly formal hearings, status conferences, and pre-hearing conferences via video, telephone, and in-person.
- Issue subpoenas, hold pre-hearing conferences, and rule on motions or other legal issues prior to the hearing.
- Resolve procedural issues and rule on objections to evidence or questions raised by counsel or pro se litigants during proceedings.
- Explain applicable procedures, statutory rules, and evidentiary parameters to litigants, attorneys, and unrepresented parties.
Evidence & Decision Making
- Rule on the admissibility of evidence, evaluate evidence, and determine witness credibility.
- Question witnesses when necessary to develop a complete and impartial administrative record.
- Perform independent legal research, consider all presented testimony, make final judgments, and issue clear written decisions in a timely manner.
Administrative Integrity
- Maintain accurate case files, records, and exhibits.
- Assist with alternative office duties and special projects as needed by the Director of the Office of Administrative Hearings.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Experience: At least one (1) year of experience actively practicing law.
- Legal Standards: Compliance with the Utah Supreme Court Rules of Professional Practice, Rule 4-802 (Authorization to Practice Law).
Core Competencies & Skills
- Legal Analysis & Interpretation: Ability to read, interpret, and logically apply laws, administrative regulations, appellate rules, policies, and procedural frameworks to isolated sets of facts.
- Evaluation & Decision-Making: Skill in evaluating multi-layered evidentiary information against established statutory standards to draw sound, legally defensible conclusions.
Communication:
- Written: Ability to communicate information, findings of fact, and conclusions of law clearly and concisely in writing.
- Verbal: Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and effectively before groups, counsel, and litigants; strong active listening skills to digest complex arguments without inappropriate interruption.
- Professional Focus: Demonstrated capability to maintain deep concentration on intricate legal tasks over extended periods without distraction.
- Operational Knowledge: Familiarity with administrative court procedures, case management software, word processing systems, and file/record management systems.
Schedule & Location
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Work Environment: A hybrid model currently working from home combined with required in-office coverage.
- Travel: Occasional travel is required to handle in-person hearings in various geographic areas across the state.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current active membership and in good standing with the Utah State Bar.
- Prior work experience as an Administrative Law Judge, litigator, or judicial law clerk.
- Knowledge and specialized experience in Human Services Programs, Medicaid, or Juvenile Court systems.
Physical Demands & Environment
- Risks: Work is performed in a typical office or remote office setting with adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation. Risks are limited to safe office equipment use and standard workplace safety regulations.
- Physical Demands: The position is primarily sedentary; the employee may sit comfortably to perform the tasks.
- Occasional walking, standing, bending, light carrying, and driving an automobile are required. No special physical demands are necessary.
- Effective July 1, 2021, State of Utah Employees must either reside in Utah or be in the process of relocating to within 30 days of their start date.
- DHRM rules apply for promotions and transfers.
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 TeamIn 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.
The Agency
Become an integral part of the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and contribute to the vision of advocating for, supporting, and serving all individuals and communities in Utah; and ensuring all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives. Help us achieve this through effective policy and a seamless system of services and programs.
EEO StatementThe 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.
