Disability Adjudicator Trainee - Underfill

State of Nevada•Carson City, NV

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Nevada Department of Training, Employment, and Rehabilitation (DETR) is hiring multiple Disability Adjudicator Trainees as underfills for Disability Adjudicator 3s in Carson City. Help the disabled population by becoming a Disability Adjudicator. Joining the Bureau of Adjudication puts you on a great team where you can enjoy the benefits of flexible schedules and overtime opportunities. Our Disability Adjudicators evaluate disability claims and make determinations in accordance with laws and regulations governed by the Social Security Disability Program. Work involves the evaluation of medical evidence to make judgments about the presence, onset, clinical severity and prognosis of physical or mental impairments and determination of the vocational potential of claimants to allow or deny Social Security benefits. This role includes regular collaboration with medical and psychological professionals daily. This position is the trainee level in the Disability Adjudication series. Individuals in this role receive training in evaluating disability claims, which involves applying relevant regulations and guidelines, interpreting medical reports, preparing technical rationales for determinations, and managing a caseload. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and technical writing skills, the ability to make decisions based on supportive documentation, and effective caseload management. Proficiency in learning and utilizing various agency computer software and claims processing programs is essential for success in this position. Incumbents will progress as they meet minimum qualifications for higher level positions and with the approval of the appointing authority until they reach the Disability Adjudicator 3 level. It will take more than one year to reach the full job title. After the training period has been completed, incumbents will have the potential to establish flexible work schedules and optionally work overtime when available.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a social science, health science, legal studies, business or public administration or related field; OR
Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in a social science, health science, legal studies, business or public administration, or related field and one year of paraprofessional experience performing social services case processing duties which included applying and explaining program rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and obtaining, evaluating and documenting information; OR
Graduation from high school or equivalent education and two years of paraprofessional experience as described above; OR
One year of experience as a Rehabilitation Technician III in Nevada State service: OR
Two years of experience as a Rehabilitation
Strong analytical and technical writing skills.
Ability to make decisions based on supportive documentation.
Effective caseload management.
Proficiency in learning and utilizing various agency computer software and claims processing programs.
General knowledge of recordkeeping.
General knowledge of basic interviewing practices.
General knowledge of rights to privacy and confidentiality of information.
General knowledge of database, spreadsheet and word processing software.
Ability to read and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to document facts and prepare clear and understandable case notes.
Ability to read and interpret legal, medical and technical documents.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to compile information and prepare reports.
Ability to operate computers and peripheral equipment to store, record and retrieve information.
Ability to interact effectively with persons from varying cultural, educational, economic and social backgrounds.
Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
Successful completion of a new hire criminal history background check in accordance with HSPD-12 requirements.
Completion of the eAPP questionnaire.

Nice To Haves

Flexible schedules
Overtime opportunities

Responsibilities

Evaluate disability claims and make determinations in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing Social Security Disability Programs.
Evaluate medical evidence to make judgments about the presence, onset, clinical severity and prognosis of physical or mental impairments.
Determine the vocational potential of claimants in order to allow or deny Social Security benefits.
Interview applicants to obtain personal history.
Communicate in writing and/or telephone with claimants who are injured, terminally ill and may be in personal distress.
Verify, develop and document required medical and vocational evidence.
Review applications for completeness.
Request and authorize payments for existing collateral medical, psychological, vocational and employment information necessary to make disability determinations.
Recommend the purchase of consultative examinations.
Integrate physical, mental and vocational functional assessments to determine the combined effects and severity of impairment in compliance with Social Security Administration regulations.
Consult with program physicians and psychologists to resolve conflicts with medical evidence and determine clinical severity and/or residual functional capacity.
Apply federal regulations, procedures and standards to findings of fact and abstract medical and vocational concepts.
Establish the onset of the disability.
Compile the entire body of evidence into a written medical/legal determination of disability which documents the medical and vocational facts, statutory requirements, and the occupational potential of the claimant.
Evaluate symptoms and alleged limitations to determine credibility.
Evaluate the consistency of treating/examining source statements and opinions.
Prepare personalized determination notices using appropriate lay language to inform claimants of disability determinations.
Provide medical case management for disability claims that require medical consultation.
Conduct comprehensive vocational analysis of the claimant's vocational background, education, age, relevant work experience, and demonstrated functional capacity for gainful employment.
Determine ability to perform jobs within the local and national economy.
Act as an agency resource providing advice and guidance to consulting physicians and claims adjudicators.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Receive training and gain experience in the evaluation and adjudication of disability claims.