Administrative Law Judge

Agency: Department of Human Services

Location: Chicago, IL 60602

Opening Date: 07/15/2025

Closing Date: 08/04/2025

Salary:  Anticipated Salary: $6,589-$9,541 per month ($79,068-$114,492 per year)

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 3

***MUST APPLY ONLINE ***

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Posting Identification Number: 48034

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Office of General Counsel is seeking to hire an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for the Department. In such capacity, performs research, conducts administrative hearings, and composes recommended decisions in connection with State and Federal programs. Each ALJ is responsible for maintaining the electronic hearing database containing the appeal record, including the status information, electronic audio recordings, and electronic documents. Confers and advises management on policy, legal, or administrative problems related to the appeals process.

Essential Functions

• Serves as an Administrative Law Judge. 
• Conducts fair and impartial administrative hearings involving appeals filed by clients of Department of Human Services (DHS) in connection with a variety of State and Federal programs, convening and recording such hearings remotely via electronic means.
• Maintains case status information on an electronic hearings database in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Confers and advises management on policy, legal, or administrative problems related to the appeal process. 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school.
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience conducting or participating in administrative hearings involving appeals filed by clients in connection with a variety of State and Federal programs, convening and recording such hearings remotely via electronic means. 
•  Two (2) years of professional experience reviewing and processing evidence from an electronic case management system in the form of correspondence, complex financial records, medical records, and other relevant documents.
• Two (2) years of professional experience maintaining case status information on an electronic database.
• Three (3) years of professional experience conferring with and advising management on policy, legal, or administrative problems related to the appeal process.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in web-based legal research.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires basic proficiency generating reports, correspondence, and documents in Microsoft Office Suite.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday - Friday; 1 hour unpaid lunch. Flextime available.

Work Location: 69 W Washington St Chicago, IL 60602-3134

Office of General Counsel

Division of Administrative Hearings and Rules

Bureau of Hearings

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance; Social Services

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
  Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance 
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually 
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
  10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
     * Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour Work Schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx