Disability Analyst 2

Clay Today; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telecommuting up to 50%

Job summary

New York State OTDA Division of Disability Determinations seeks a Disability Analyst 2 under the NY HELPS program to review disability claims under Title II and XVI. You will analyze medical reports, vocational info, and interview claimants to determine eligibility.

The role requires evaluating complex data and preparing detailed written analyses showing how conclusions were reached. Telecommuting up to 50% may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the listed fields or two years of experience adjudicating Title II/XVI claims.
• Master’s degree can substitute for one year of experience; a doctorate substitutes for two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Review individual disability claims under Title II and XVI to determine eligibility.
• Evaluate evidence from medical reports, labs, and vocational information.
• Clarify issues via face-to-face or telephone discussions with claimants and professionals.
• Prepare a detailed written analysis with explanation of supporting evidence.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

Master’s degree substitutes one year of experience

Doctorate substitutes two years of experience

Job description

Disability Analyst 2 (NY HELPS)
Announcement Posted: 9/23/2026

Responses must be hand delivered or postmarked by: 10/23/2026

Salary Range: $77,532 to $98,354

Location:
Division of Disability Determinations
One Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12210

Division of Disability Determinations
295 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203

Grade: 20

# of Positions: 4

Candidates Must Meet the Following Qualifications:
NY HELPS: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, candidates may be hired via a non-competitive appointment if they meet the below NY HELPS minimum qualifications.

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

NON-COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following fields: human biology, biochemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, psychology, nursing, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, medicine, occupational therapy, chiropractic, radiology, or medical technology; or, Bachelor's degree or higher in any field and two years of experience adjudicating claims under Title II and XVI of the Social Security Act; where the primary responsibility (50% or more of your duties) involves the evaluation of the criteria, (including medical criteria), to award disability benefits claims and/or special programs to determine a claimant's eligibility for such benefits.

Substitution: A master’s degree in a related field can substitute for one year of experience; and a doctorate in a related field can substitute for two years of experience.

COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS:
Eligible for a lateral transfer or eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law by having one year of permanent competitive service in an appropriate title. Information regarding transfer eligibility is available on the Civil Service Career Mobility Office website at https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/.

Duties of Position:
As a Disability Analyst 2 you would review individual claims for disability benefits under the provisions of Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act and special programs to determine the claimant’s eligibility for such benefits. You would evaluate the basis for the claim after examining complex medical reports from physicians, hospitals, and medical labs as well as vocational information in view of the claimant’s disability, age, education, and work history. You would clarify any issues by face‑to‑face or telephone interviews with claimants, administrators, physicians, attorneys, or other medical record personnel. You would then prepare a detailed written analysis of the case information providing a full explanation of the investigation, documentation, and assessment of the medical and other evidence that led to the decision concerning the claim.

Conditions of Employment:
Full-time, permanent appointments will be made. If certified by Civil Service, mandatory reemployment list candidates must be considered first for appointment to this title. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Please be advised that all hires or transfers to OTDA’s Division of Disability Determinations must submit to mandatory fingerprinting and an associated FBI background investigation by the Social Security Administration under Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12. Not all prior arrests and/or convictions will prohibit appointment. Information is considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Your resume must indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for these positions. Non-specific submissions may be disqualified from further consideration if the information you provide does not meet the minimum qualifications.

Telecommuting up to 50% may be available in accordance with The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance policy and can be discussed during the interview.

NYS OTDA seeks to promote a diverse workforce that is a representation of the various cultures, voices, backgrounds, ideas, and talents of the citizens and communities that we serve. In alignment with New York State’s Executive Orders 187 and 31, OTDA is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering an inclusive workplace.