Hearing Officer Jobs for OPT Students
Hearing Officer roles fall squarely within the legal and administrative specialty occupation category, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT authorization. Most positions require a law degree or related graduate credential. Your 12-month OPT window, or up to 36 months on STEM OPT if your degree qualifies, gives you real runway to pursue these roles.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting Title
Administrative Hearing Officer
Agency
290 EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION
Supervisory Organization
Employment Security Commission–Appeals
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date
Continuous if Blank
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
Annual Salary - $62,000.00 - $70,000.00 (based on education and experience)
Job Type/Salary/Location
Full-time
Salary: $62,000.00 - $70,000.00 based on education and experience.
Primary Working Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Supervisory: Not Applicable
Travel: Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all intermittent, job-related travel normally associated with this position.
Benefits
The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.
Position Essential Functions
- Conduct hearings and determine the validity of claims in accordance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, including the Administrative Procedures Act, Unemployment Insurance Act, U.S. Department of Labor standards, and other relevant laws, court decisions, and other established precedents.
- Determine the issue(s) to be resolved in the appeals cases and take evidence in a logical sequence seeking to meet all U.S. Department of Labor standards for quality and timeliness of dispositions.
- Render decisions that are binding as law affirming or denying previous rulings based on testimony, claim records, applicable provisions of law and established precedents.
- Independently analyze findings of fact in cases under review, establish findings of fact on new evidence presented, and research case law to determine conclusions of law; may remand cases to prior adjudicative level for further evidentiary investigation.
- Question witnesses and rule on objections, motions, and admissibility of evidence; review documentary evidence and determine elements of a complete case record; afford due process to each party.
- Independently research laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions to prepare for appeal hearings.
- Ensure that the subpoenas are issued for the scheduled hearing; counsel parties; and administer oath to prepare for formal hearings.
- Schedule or direct the scheduling of the docket of cases to be heard and notify all parties concerned.
- Prepare final decision or direct the preparation of transcripts; keep records on all cases and transmit the transcripts of selected cases to appropriate parties.
- Analyze new laws, rules, and regulation to determine the impact on the adjudicative process.
- Participate in required Division training regimen.
- Follow required OESC and Appeals Division safety/security protocols.
- On-site attendance is an essential function of the position, as the role requires direct interaction with staff, clients, and on-site office resources.
These job functions, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Valued Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Abilities
- Knowledge of - laws, rules, and regulations regarding the specific program assigned; procedures used in administrative hearings; due process and the rules of evidence; decision and report writing; and maintenance of complex records.
- Skill and Competencies – excellent verbal and written communication skills expressing ideas clearly and concisely.
- Ability to - determine complex issues and make independent decisions; interpret liability, eligibility, and qualification requirements for benefits; organize data and prepare written legal decisions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; analyze, interpret and apply various laws, rules, and regulations concerning the specific programs assigned; conduct several projects simultaneously; handle confidential work; follow oral and written instructions.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
Work is typically performed in the office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to noise levels determined by the office environment. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms requiring periods of sitting or standing and daily use of computer and phone. It also requires the occasional use of the office machinery in accordance with safety and security protocols.
Minimum Qualifications
Level II - Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in a professional position involving adjudicative or legal work as a primary duty PLUS one year of experience as an Administrative Hearing Officer; or a juris doctorate degree PLUS one year of experience as an Administrative Hearing Officer.
Level I - Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in a professional position involving adjudicative or legal work as a primary duty; or a juris doctorate degree.
Special Skills/Requirements/Preferences
- Computer Skills – Employee must be capable of proficiently using OESC’s standard software (Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Teams), and the Internet, as well as proficiency to learn other software as needed.
- Employees will occasionally lift, carry and move objects of up to 25 pounds.
Accommodation Statement
OESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub. If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
Agency Contact
Job Posting Title
Administrative Hearing Officer
Agency
290 EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION
Supervisory Organization
Employment Security Commission–Appeals
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date
Continuous if Blank
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
Annual Salary - $62,000.00 - $70,000.00 (based on education and experience)
Job Type/Salary/Location
Full-time
Salary: $62,000.00 - $70,000.00 based on education and experience.
Primary Working Hours: Monday – Friday; 8:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Supervisory: Not Applicable
Travel: Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all intermittent, job-related travel normally associated with this position.
Benefits
The State of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive Benefits Packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.
Position Essential Functions
- Conduct hearings and determine the validity of claims in accordance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, including the Administrative Procedures Act, Unemployment Insurance Act, U.S. Department of Labor standards, and other relevant laws, court decisions, and other established precedents.
- Determine the issue(s) to be resolved in the appeals cases and take evidence in a logical sequence seeking to meet all U.S. Department of Labor standards for quality and timeliness of dispositions.
- Render decisions that are binding as law affirming or denying previous rulings based on testimony, claim records, applicable provisions of law and established precedents.
- Independently analyze findings of fact in cases under review, establish findings of fact on new evidence presented, and research case law to determine conclusions of law; may remand cases to prior adjudicative level for further evidentiary investigation.
- Question witnesses and rule on objections, motions, and admissibility of evidence; review documentary evidence and determine elements of a complete case record; afford due process to each party.
- Independently research laws, regulations, policies and precedent decisions to prepare for appeal hearings.
- Ensure that the subpoenas are issued for the scheduled hearing; counsel parties; and administer oath to prepare for formal hearings.
- Schedule or direct the scheduling of the docket of cases to be heard and notify all parties concerned.
- Prepare final decision or direct the preparation of transcripts; keep records on all cases and transmit the transcripts of selected cases to appropriate parties.
- Analyze new laws, rules, and regulation to determine the impact on the adjudicative process.
- Participate in required Division training regimen.
- Follow required OESC and Appeals Division safety/security protocols.
- On-site attendance is an essential function of the position, as the role requires direct interaction with staff, clients, and on-site office resources.
These job functions, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Valued Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Abilities
- Knowledge of - laws, rules, and regulations regarding the specific program assigned; procedures used in administrative hearings; due process and the rules of evidence; decision and report writing; and maintenance of complex records.
- Skill and Competencies – excellent verbal and written communication skills expressing ideas clearly and concisely.
- Ability to - determine complex issues and make independent decisions; interpret liability, eligibility, and qualification requirements for benefits; organize data and prepare written legal decisions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; analyze, interpret and apply various laws, rules, and regulations concerning the specific programs assigned; conduct several projects simultaneously; handle confidential work; follow oral and written instructions.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
Work is typically performed in the office setting with climate-controlled settings and exposure to noise levels determined by the office environment. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to talk, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms requiring periods of sitting or standing and daily use of computer and phone. It also requires the occasional use of the office machinery in accordance with safety and security protocols.
Minimum Qualifications
Level II - Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in a professional position involving adjudicative or legal work as a primary duty PLUS one year of experience as an Administrative Hearing Officer; or a juris doctorate degree PLUS one year of experience as an Administrative Hearing Officer.
Level I - Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in a professional position involving adjudicative or legal work as a primary duty; or a juris doctorate degree.
Special Skills/Requirements/Preferences
- Computer Skills – Employee must be capable of proficiently using OESC’s standard software (Microsoft Office - Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and Teams), and the Internet, as well as proficiency to learn other software as needed.
- Employees will occasionally lift, carry and move objects of up to 25 pounds.
Accommodation Statement
OESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub. If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
Agency Contact
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Hearing Officer
Target government agencies early
Federal and state agencies hire Hearing Officers regularly and often have structured onboarding timelines. Apply at least three months before your OPT start date so your work authorization is in place before the position begins.
Clarify your OPT dates upfront
Hearing Officer hiring processes can run 60 to 90 days. Share your OPT start and end dates with the recruiter early so neither side wastes time on a timeline that won't work before authorization expires.
Frame your degree field precisely
OPT authorization must be in a field directly related to your degree. Legal studies, public policy, and administrative law are strong qualifying fields for Hearing Officer roles. Be specific when explaining that connection in your application materials.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship intentions early
Government agencies vary in their ability to sponsor H-1B visas. Before investing heavily in a multi-round process, ask whether the agency has sponsored nonimmigrant visas before and whether the role is eligible for future sponsorship.
Emphasize adjudication and administrative law coursework
Hiring managers for Hearing Officer roles look for evidence of structured legal reasoning. Highlight relevant coursework, moot court experience, or clerkships that demonstrate your ability to evaluate evidence and apply regulatory frameworks.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Hearing Officer on F-1 OPT?
Yes, provided your degree is directly related to the role. Hearing Officer positions typically require a background in law, public administration, or a related field. OPT work authorization must be tied to your specific field of study, so a law or policy degree is the clearest qualifying path. Document the connection between your degree and the position before applying.
Do Hearing Officer employers typically sponsor visas after OPT ends?
It varies significantly. Federal administrative agencies can sometimes sponsor through the Schedule A or special hiring authorities, but many government positions cannot sponsor H-1B visas due to statutory restrictions on using appropriated funds. Quasi-judicial agencies and some state bodies have more flexibility. Research each employer's sponsorship history before accepting an offer, and ask directly during the offer stage.
Where can I find Hearing Officer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point. It surfaces roles from employers who have a demonstrated history of hiring international candidates on work authorization, which saves you from applying to positions where OPT isn't accepted. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers is especially useful for Hearing Officer roles, where government hiring rules around immigration sponsorship can vary widely by agency.
Does a three-year Australian or international law degree qualify me for Hearing Officer OPT work?
USCIS evaluates whether your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher. A three-year law degree from a recognized international institution may qualify, but equivalency is assessed case by case. A credential evaluation from a NACES-approved organization can help establish equivalency if your employer or DSO raises questions about your degree's applicability to the role.
What happens to my OPT status if the Hearing Officer hiring process takes longer than expected?
Your 90-day unemployment clock runs from your OPT start date, not from when you receive an offer. If a government hiring process runs long, that time counts against your unemployment limit. Apply well before your OPT start date, maintain documentation of your active job search, and notify your DSO if you anticipate a gap. STEM OPT extension gives you an additional 150-day buffer if your degree qualifies.
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