Conduct hearings to decide or recommend decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters and prepare decisions. Determine penalties or the existence and the amount of liability, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims, or compromise settlements.

Other names for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers: Adjudicator, Administrative Hearing Officer, Administrative Judge, Administrative Law Judge, Appeals Examiner, Appeals Referee, Appellate Conferee, Claims Adjudicator, County Ordinary, Hearing Examiner, Hearing Officer, Judge, Justice of the Peace, Legal Activity Adjudicator, Ordinary, Referee, Social Security Administrative Law Judge, Social Services Analyst, Surrogate, Traffic Court Referee, Unemployment Claims Adjudicator, US Administrative Law Judge (United States Administrative Law Judge), Veteran Appeals Reviewer,

• Prepare written opinions and decisions.
• Review and evaluate data on documents such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, and physician or employer records.
• Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions.
• Confer with individuals or organizations involved in cases in order to obtain relevant information.
• Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions.
• Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them.
• Monitor and direct the activities of trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly and that courts administer justice while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties.
• Authorize payment of valid claims and determine method of payment.
• Conduct hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, and enforcement of health and safety regulations.
• Rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence.
• Determine existence and amount of liability, according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence.
• Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings.
• Conduct studies of appeals procedures in field agencies to ensure adherence to legal requirements and to facilitate determination of cases.