Disability Determination Administrator

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

About The Position

The Disability Determination Service (DDS) is Delaware’s state agency responsible for processing Social Security disability claims under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. The Disability Determination Administrator oversees and manages major functional sections of the DDS program. The position reports to the Deputy Director, assists with special assignments, and acts on the Deputy Director’s behalf in their absence. The role involves planning, implementing, and assessing casework operations; coordinating statewide claims applications and referrals with the Social Security Administration and other divisional managers; preparing required annual reports; resolving operational problems; and recommending policy and procedure changes. The job description also lists case review and adjudication duties, including gathering and analyzing evidence, arranging consultative examinations, preparing decision documentation, authorizing medical invoice payments, and maintaining reference materials.

Requirements

Three years of experience evaluating disability claims and making disability determinations.
Three years of experience interpreting Social Security Administration laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
Six months of experience in narrative report writing.
Knowledge of program administration, including overseeing and directing program and service development, implementation, and evaluation, and planning short- and long-range goals and objectives.
Experience providing advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
Knowledge of budget development, including developing a budget, analyzing financial data, and making long- and short-range plans and projections.
Knowledge of staff supervision gained through coursework, academic training, employer-provided training, or lead-worker oversight; or experience supervising staff or subordinate supervisors.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage major functional sections of the Disability Determination Service program.
Assist with special assignments and act on the Deputy Director’s behalf in their absence.
Plan, implement, and assess casework operations.
Coordinate statewide claims applications and referral processes with the Social Security Administration and other divisional managers.
Prepare mandated annual reports.
Resolve operational problems and develop recommendations for changes to policies and procedures.
Review claims and plan case development to adjudicate claims.
Gather necessary medical, vocational, and other evidence by telephone and letter to clarify submitted information and obtain information needed to adjudicate cases.
Review and analyze medical, psychological, psychiatric, social, educational, and vocational evidence to determine impairment severity, justifiable onset dates, and credible work-related limitations in accordance with federal regulations and program requirements.
Request consultative medical examinations and manage scheduling with medical providers and claimants to help ensure claimants attend examinations.
Research disease processes and their effects on the ability to perform work-related activities.
Prepare documentation for favorable decisions and write decision rationales and letters explaining unfavorable decisions and due-process and appeal rights.
Authorize payment of medical invoices.
Maintain current reference materials and manuals needed for adjudication.