DSHS DDS Disability Hearings Manager

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

About The Position

The Washington Division of Disability Determination Services (DDDS), within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), is seeking a Disability Hearings Unit (DHU) Manager. The manager works with the Executive Leadership Team to develop, plan, and implement division-wide policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives. The role manages experienced adjudicators who conduct statewide Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Social Security Administration (SSA) disability hearings, process complex specialized caseloads, and represent executive leadership on federal disability hearing and state Fair Hearing policy matters. Travel is required. The manager applies and communicates knowledge of federal law and Social Security disability claim adjudication to staff at all levels, including supervisors, managers, senior leaders, and SSA specialists. The role oversees DHU operations, staff development, hearing quality and compliance, workload and resources, and the administration of staff travel budgets and reimbursements. Hearing officers travel to SSA and DSHS offices statewide to conduct face-to-face administrative hearings with claimants and their representatives; the manager is responsible for ensuring hearings comply with federal law and that hearing officers are safe. Individuals selected for DDDS positions must complete an HSPD-12 background investigation, including FBI fingerprinting and a federal background check. A suitability determination by SSA is required for credentials granting access to Social Security data, records, and systems, and continued employment is contingent on a full suitability investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with coursework in social science, a medical-related discipline, or another applicable field; additional qualifying experience at a DDS or SSA office may substitute year for year for the degree requirement.
At least three years of supervisory, managerial, or specialized experience in a Disability Determination Services or Social Security Administration office.
At least five years of experience working in a Disability Determination Services or Social Security Administration as an Adjudicator.
Ability to travel statewide.
Valid driver’s license for employees driving on state business.
Liability insurance for a privately owned vehicle used on state business.

Responsibilities

Oversee statewide operations of the Disability Hearings Unit.
Supervise, train, and certify hearing officers.
Ensure quality control and compliance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), and SSA Program Operations Manual Systems (POMS).
Manage training and quality assurance for written decisions.
Assist with complex cases.
Appear as an expert witness for Title XIX Non-Grant Medical Assistance Fair Hearings.
Set production goals, standards, workflow, and accuracy expectations, and assign cases.
Develop hearing procedures, interpret policy, solve problems, and review work for accuracy of hearing decisions.
Implement and ensure compliance with SSA policy and regulatory mandates and changes, quality and production initiatives, and budgetary changes.
Evaluate, develop, and establish business processes and policies to meet and maintain goals and objectives.
Respond to questions and advise and problem-solve with staff from SSA and DSHS, state and federal Administrative Law Judges, advocates, attorneys, and claimants.
Evaluate workload and resources and determine staffing levels needed to meet SSA annual performance goals.
Direct, mentor, train, and advise DHU staff statewide and establish performance plans.
Ensure staff receive appropriate training and experience, and foster a work environment that retains a productive and efficient workforce.
Oversee hearing officers conducting face-to-face hearings at SSA and DSHS offices around the state.
Administer staff travel budgets and reimbursements.
Ensure hearings are conducted according to federal law and ensure hearing officer safety.
Submit an online application that includes a letter of interest detailing supervision experience, disability claims experience, and knowledge of CFRs pertaining to the Social Security disability program.