Hearing Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Hearing officers for federal agencies like USCIS, Social Security Administration, and Department of Labor frequently sponsor H-1B visas due to specialized legal requirements. These administrative law positions require law degrees and often prefer immigration law experience, making them strong candidates for visa sponsorship at GS-12 through GS-14 levels. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Correctional Hearings Officer 3
Full Time | Permanent
Location: Tacoma, WA
Salary Range: $6,504 - $8,747 Monthly
This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees bargaining unit.
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a highly dedicated legal guru to join the Employee & Business Support Services Administration Hearings Unit as a Correctional Hearings Officer 3 (CHO3)! The goal of this position is to conduct all legally binding administrative Department of Corrections hearings in accordance with identified standards and regulations as defined in statutes, case law, policies, and court decisions.
As a Correctional Hearings Officer, you will be responsible for presiding over a complex and diverse range of quasi-judicial proceedings, assuring a fair hearing process and ensuring due process requirements are met, to include the individual’s right to full and timely notice and the right to confront the evidence used against them. The hearings officer will make probable cause determinations to establish whether the evidentiary burden of proof is met.
The candidate of choice will make an independent determination, mitigating any risk of unintentional bias, bolstering impartiality and applying consistency in the application statewide. This position is a member of a regional team and contributes potential solutions and improvements that support the integrity and efficiency of Department of Corrections administrative hearings process.
If you have experience conducting hearings, presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices, and you’re searching for a meaningful career in public service, we look forward to reviewing your application materials!
A completed application packet will include:
- A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
- A detailed resume
- Three professional references
Application Process
To begin the online application process:
- Click the green 'Apply' button on the job posting and sign in or create an account.
- Complete your application.
- Please be sure to attach the following to your application:
+ A cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position,
+ A detailed chronological resume; and
+ At least (3) three professional references - A professional reference is identified as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
- Click "Accept & Submit" to submit your application.
Incomplete application packages may disqualify an applicant from the application process.
We are looking for evidence in your application materials that you have the experience, skills, and abilities indicated in this job posting. Qualified applicants whose responses most closely match the requirements of this position may be invited to interview. Carefully review your application before submitting. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials submitted.
Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a Correctional Hearings Officer 3, some of your duties will include:
- Independently presiding over hearings and negotiated sanction reviews as assigned throughout Washington State which could include:
+ Serving as the quasi-judicial body who presides over administrative disciplinary hearings for individuals identified by statute and policy who are alleged to have committed violations of their conditions
+ Proactively avoiding all ex parte communication regarding any process they may preside over
+ Communicating with case managers regarding potential safety and security concerns
+ Collaborating with the case manager and host facility to mitigate safety and security concerns
+ Ensuring individuals are afforded all required due process and that hearing procedures are strictly followed consistent with case law and in accordance with federal and state law
+ Verifying full and timely notice, verifying jurisdiction to conduct hearing, verifying foundation for any allegation, and determining guilt of any allegation
+ Applying neutral and unbiased discretion to determine whether the preponderance standard has been met, or whether probable cause has been met for Interstate Compact hearings
+ Applying neutral and unbiased discretion to impose reasonable and appropriate sanctions, according to state law, up to and including DOSA revocation and return to prison
+ Evaluating and determining if eligible individuals require attorney representation for the hearing utilizing a screening tool
+ Presiding in hearings in which individuals are represented by an attorney
+ Determining whether discovery requests are reasonable, relevant, and not unduly burdensome, whether withheld or redacted records should be provided
+ Reviewing and approving/rejecting sanction agreements. Reviews packets to verify jurisdiction and foundation in advance of the scheduled process
+ Performing all prep work necessary to conduct hearings and negotiated sanctions within directed timeframes
- Regular statewide travel is required of Hearing Officer
- Determining if the evidentiary burden is met to support the finding of probable cause for all formal disciplinary processes for individuals supervised by the Community Corrections Division.
- Serving as the Statewide Hearings Duty Officer
- Participating as a regional hearings appeal panel member and responding to correspondence
- Training and development
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized with the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
AND
- Three (3) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices
OR
- Associates Degree
AND
- Five (5) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in Court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices
OR
- High school diploma or equivalent
AND
- Seven (7) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices.
What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):
- Four-year degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Juris Doctorate degree, or graduate degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Law or related field
- Experience as a Hearings Examiner, Mediator, Arbitrator, Court Commissioner or Judge
Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
- Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
- Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
- A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
- We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
- Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
- DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.
- DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT).
Telework Details
This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care of all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available; however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
- Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
- Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email dochreos@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 360-515-8622. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Description
Correctional Hearings Officer 3
Full Time | Permanent
Location: Tacoma, WA
Salary Range: $6,504 - $8,747 Monthly
This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees bargaining unit.
The Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking a highly dedicated legal guru to join the Employee & Business Support Services Administration Hearings Unit as a Correctional Hearings Officer 3 (CHO3)! The goal of this position is to conduct all legally binding administrative Department of Corrections hearings in accordance with identified standards and regulations as defined in statutes, case law, policies, and court decisions.
As a Correctional Hearings Officer, you will be responsible for presiding over a complex and diverse range of quasi-judicial proceedings, assuring a fair hearing process and ensuring due process requirements are met, to include the individual’s right to full and timely notice and the right to confront the evidence used against them. The hearings officer will make probable cause determinations to establish whether the evidentiary burden of proof is met.
The candidate of choice will make an independent determination, mitigating any risk of unintentional bias, bolstering impartiality and applying consistency in the application statewide. This position is a member of a regional team and contributes potential solutions and improvements that support the integrity and efficiency of Department of Corrections administrative hearings process.
If you have experience conducting hearings, presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices, and you’re searching for a meaningful career in public service, we look forward to reviewing your application materials!
A completed application packet will include:
- A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
- A detailed resume
- Three professional references
Application Process
To begin the online application process:
- Click the green 'Apply' button on the job posting and sign in or create an account.
- Complete your application.
- Please be sure to attach the following to your application:
+ A cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position,
+ A detailed chronological resume; and
+ At least (3) three professional references - A professional reference is identified as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
- Click "Accept & Submit" to submit your application.
Incomplete application packages may disqualify an applicant from the application process.
We are looking for evidence in your application materials that you have the experience, skills, and abilities indicated in this job posting. Qualified applicants whose responses most closely match the requirements of this position may be invited to interview. Carefully review your application before submitting. All information may be verified, and documentation may be required. The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the application materials submitted.
Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a Correctional Hearings Officer 3, some of your duties will include:
- Independently presiding over hearings and negotiated sanction reviews as assigned throughout Washington State which could include:
+ Serving as the quasi-judicial body who presides over administrative disciplinary hearings for individuals identified by statute and policy who are alleged to have committed violations of their conditions
+ Proactively avoiding all ex parte communication regarding any process they may preside over
+ Communicating with case managers regarding potential safety and security concerns
+ Collaborating with the case manager and host facility to mitigate safety and security concerns
+ Ensuring individuals are afforded all required due process and that hearing procedures are strictly followed consistent with case law and in accordance with federal and state law
+ Verifying full and timely notice, verifying jurisdiction to conduct hearing, verifying foundation for any allegation, and determining guilt of any allegation
+ Applying neutral and unbiased discretion to determine whether the preponderance standard has been met, or whether probable cause has been met for Interstate Compact hearings
+ Applying neutral and unbiased discretion to impose reasonable and appropriate sanctions, according to state law, up to and including DOSA revocation and return to prison
+ Evaluating and determining if eligible individuals require attorney representation for the hearing utilizing a screening tool
+ Presiding in hearings in which individuals are represented by an attorney
+ Determining whether discovery requests are reasonable, relevant, and not unduly burdensome, whether withheld or redacted records should be provided
+ Reviewing and approving/rejecting sanction agreements. Reviews packets to verify jurisdiction and foundation in advance of the scheduled process
+ Performing all prep work necessary to conduct hearings and negotiated sanctions within directed timeframes
- Regular statewide travel is required of Hearing Officer
- Determining if the evidentiary burden is met to support the finding of probable cause for all formal disciplinary processes for individuals supervised by the Community Corrections Division.
- Serving as the Statewide Hearings Duty Officer
- Participating as a regional hearings appeal panel member and responding to correspondence
- Training and development
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized with the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
AND
- Three (3) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices
OR
- Associates Degree
AND
- Five (5) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in Court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices
OR
- High school diploma or equivalent
AND
- Seven (7) years of experience conducting hearings; presenting cases in court or hearings, mediation, dispute resolution, or restorative justice practices.
What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):
- Four-year degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Juris Doctorate degree, or graduate degree in Corrections, Criminal Justice, Law or related field
- Experience as a Hearings Examiner, Mediator, Arbitrator, Court Commissioner or Judge
Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
- Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
- Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
- A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
- We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances will be disqualified from consideration.
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
- Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
- DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form.
- DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT).
Telework Details
This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care of all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available; however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
- Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
- Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email dochreos@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 360-515-8622. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Hearing Officer Jobs
Target federal agencies with immigration caseloads
USCIS, DOL's Office of Administrative Law Judges, and Executive Office for Immigration Review actively hire hearing officers and regularly sponsor H-1B visas for qualified candidates.
Highlight specialized immigration law experience
Experience with asylum cases, employment-based petitions, or administrative hearings strengthens your sponsorship case by demonstrating knowledge agencies can't easily find domestically.
Emphasize judicial or quasi-judicial background
Prior experience as an immigration judge, administrative law judge, or legal officer at tribunals demonstrates the specialized expertise that justifies H-1B sponsorship requirements.
Consider state administrative agencies first
State workers' compensation boards, unemployment hearing offices, and professional licensing boards often have less competition and may be more flexible with sponsorship decisions.
Apply early in the fiscal year cycle
Government agencies typically plan H-1B filings for October starts, so applications submitted between January and March align better with federal hiring and sponsorship timelines.
Document multilingual hearing capabilities
Fluency in languages common in immigration proceedings can differentiate your application, as agencies often struggle to find qualified hearing officers with language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hearing officer positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, hearing officer positions typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a law degree. Federal agencies like USCIS, DOL, and EOIR regularly sponsor H-1B visas for these roles due to specialized legal knowledge requirements and difficulty finding qualified domestic candidates.
What degree requirements do hearing officer roles have for visa sponsorship?
Most hearing officer positions require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, which satisfies H-1B specialty occupation requirements. Some administrative hearing officer roles may accept related master's degrees in public administration or government with extensive legal experience.
Which agencies are most likely to sponsor hearing officers?
USCIS immigration officers and administrative law judges, DOL's Office of Administrative Law Judges, Executive Office for Immigration Review, and Social Security Administration hearing offices have the highest sponsorship rates. State workers' compensation boards and unemployment hearing offices also frequently sponsor qualified candidates.
How to find Hearing Officer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Hearing Officer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search government agencies, administrative courts, and regulatory bodies that commonly sponsor H-1B and EB-2 visas for these positions. Focus on federal departments, state administrative hearing offices, and large municipal governments, as they frequently have established visa sponsorship programs for qualified legal professionals with hearing officer experience.
How does security clearance affect hearing officer H-1B sponsorship?
Most federal hearing officer positions require at least a public trust clearance, which H-1B holders can obtain. However, positions requiring secret or top-secret clearance may not sponsor non-citizens. State and local hearing officer roles typically have fewer security requirements.
Can hearing officers transfer between agencies on H-1B status?
Yes, but each new agency must file a separate H-1B petition. The good news is that government-to-government transfers are often cap-exempt, allowing moves outside the annual lottery. You can start working once the new petition is filed if using H-1B portability rules.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Hearing Officer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.