DISABILITY DETERMINATION SPECIALIST SENIOR

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

4d•$33•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Economic Security (DES) is seeking a Disability Determination Specialist Senior to join their team. This role serves as a team leader, performing a full range of professional Disability Specialists assignments in a full-functioning capacity. The position handles various claim types including Initials, Reconsiderations, Continuing Disability Reviews, Prehearings, and Expedited Reinstatements for both adults and children. This role requires considerable independent judgment to make decisions that have a significant impact on services or programs. This is an in-office position.

Requirements

Knowledge in the Social Security Administration concerning eligibility for disability benefits
Knowledge of Program policies and procedures, various types of injuries, illnesses and diseases and their effects on functional abilities including medical terminology
Knowledge of Federal and State laws regarding confidentiality of personal information and procedures for obtaining and disclosing information
Knowledge of various systems software applications that interface with Social Security Administration national systems and of the electronic disability process system
Excellent writing skills to prepare detailed analyses of case facts, including medically determinable impairment(s)
Case development and case management skills, with particular emphasis on meeting processing time and quality standards.
Ability to analyze medical information concerning various types of illnesses, injuries or diseases and related treatments
Ability to organize and prioritize a disability caseload
Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to provide consultation to others in the application of various policies and guidelines

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree plus three years of professional level experience in adjudicating disability determinations for the Social Security Administration OR six years of related experience.

Responsibilities

Gathers vocational, functional or medical evidence from claimant, third parties and existing medical sources.
Makes final decisions on complex Social Security Disability claims (Title II and XVI).
Decides when SSA documentation standards are met and determines the nature of impairments, degree of severity and functional limitations imposed.
Confers with medical consultant on all decisions to discuss unresolved issues of medical severity and duration of impairments and functional implications of impairments.
Orders consultative examinations as necessary to document claimants ability to function.
Researches policy manuals (POMS), medical references, and vocational references to determine applicable administrative guidelines, severity and duration of impairments.
Collaborates with leadership throughout the administration to ensure optimum workflow and mentors staff.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities