OVR Independent Hearing Officer and Mediator

The Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), is seeking independent contractors to serve as Independent Hearing Officers and Mediators. The selected individuals will preside over quasi-judicial administrative impartial due process hearings and write formal adjudications relating to applicants' or eligible individuals' appeals. The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable about federal laws and regulations governing vocational rehabilitation services and have experience in administrative proceedings. The contract duration is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031. • The contractor will conduct and regulate formal on-the-record administrative hearings. • The contractor will conduct pre-hearing conferences to narrow issues and establish discovery and hearing schedules. • The contractor will decide all pre-hearing motions and hearing motions. • The contractor will issue subpoenas and take or cause depositions to be taken. • The contractor will make rulings on offers of proof and receive relevant evidence. • The contractor will issue written decisions and orders of the hearing based on the evidence and testimony presented.