Disability Support Technician (PCN 05-2205 & PCN 07-5959)

State of Alaska • Anchorage, AK

6d • $13 • Hybrid

About The Position

This recruitment is exempt from the Hiring Freeze (Administrative Order 358). ATTENTION ALASKA RESIDENTS! The Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, is recruiting for two Disability Support Technicians located in Anchorage! No Cover Letter Required! These positions are in the General Government Unit (GGU) at a Range 13. As a Disability Support Technician, you will apply Social Security rules and regulations to obtain medical information on applications for disability benefits. Focus heavily on determining what medical and vocational evidence is needed for a decision. A Disability Support Technician reviews claims to determine whether they are appropriate for further review based on SSA requirements, determines proper jurisdiction, and onset date correctness. Build knowledge of medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology to make presumptive disability decision based on SSA directives. Develop disability claims processing tasks independently, under the general guidance of their supervisor, with all aspects of claim development. Provide back-up and support for administrative staff as needed. Alaska Disability Determination Services (DDS) is uniquely the only DDS in the State of Alaska. DDS Mission Statement: The Alaska DDS exists to provide accurate, timely medical determinations for the Social Security Administration’s Title II and Title XVI applications for disability claimants. DDS Vision Statement: To create a work environment and culture that attracts and retains high quality employees, enabling the DDS to provide stellar customer service through perpetual efficiency gains and value stream mapping focused on continual process improvement.

Requirements

• Competency in Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• Competency in Customer Service: Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
• Competency in Interpersonal Skills: Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
• Competency in Standards: Knowledge of standards that either are compliant with or derived from established standards or guidelines.
• Any combination of postsecondary education from an accredited college and/or experience that involved: 1) clerical experience that included computer skills, claims or application processing, and information gathering, or 2) experience with medical technology and/or claims, nursing, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation.
• Must answer Supplemental Questions.
• Requires a federal background check and subsequent federal security clearance in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 on Standard Form 86 that includes fingerprinting, in-depth work and residence location histories.
• Provide a list of three (3) professional references, one of which should be your most recent supervisor, including name, job title, employer, and current phone number(s).
• Provide a copy of your last two (2) performance evaluations, or two (2) letters of reference if evaluations are unavailable.
• Provide copies of post-secondary transcripts, if using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications (unofficial copies are acceptable with the name of the accrediting institution clearly visible).
• Must certify that you have a legal right to accept employment in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Reading Comprehension: Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.
• Adaptability: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Apply Social Security rules and regulations to obtain medical information on applications for disability benefits.
• Focus heavily on determining what medical and vocational evidence is needed for a decision.
• Review claims to determine whether they are appropriate for further review based on SSA requirements.
• Determine proper jurisdiction and onset date correctness.
• Build knowledge of medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology to make presumptive disability decision based on SSA directives.
• Develop disability claims processing tasks independently, under the general guidance of their supervisor, with all aspects of claim development.
• Provide back-up and support for administrative staff as needed.

Benefits

• The work is fast-paced and challenging yet allows some autonomy.
• Learn cursory level medical knowledge of the body systems to inform your work as to determine what pre-development actions are necessary on a case-by-case basis.
• Opportunities for continued learning.
• Refresher training on a consistent basis as policies and procedures change.
• Hybrid telework is potentially available upon completion of the probationary period and successfully meeting and upholding performance metrics.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree