Disability Analyst 2

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking a Disability Analyst 2 in Salem to independently evaluate initial disability applications under the Social Security Disability and SSI programs. You will review medical and other evidence, determine eligibility, and may oversee reconsiderations with de novo standards.

Responsibilities include managing 80-100 ongoing claims, coordinating evidence, performing RFC assessments, and ensuring timely, accurate decisions.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience compiling and analyzing facts to determine eligibility in compliance with guidelines and regulations.
• Two of the three years must include evaluating SSDI/SSI benefits.
• Six years of related experience with required knowledge may also meet the MQs.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, respectful customer service to claimants, partners, and colleagues while honoring the communities served.
• Manage an independent caseload of approximately 80-100 claims, including initial claims, reconsiderations, court-mandated cases, and specialized SSA workloads.
• Analyze medical, vocational, and lay evidence; apply Social Security laws, regulations, and policies; issue legally sound disability determinations.

Skills

SSDI/SSI experience

Caseload management

Medical evidence analysis

DCPS system

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in medicine

Bachelor's degree in psychology

Bachelor's degree in nursing

Bachelor's degree in pharmacy

Rehabilitation counseling

Tools

DCPS (Disability Case Processing System)

Job description

Disability Analyst 2

Salary Range: $4,954 - $7,592. Location: Salem (Lancaster Drive NE). Position Type: Employee.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS! Join us as a Disability Analyst 2 and make a meaningful impact serving Oregonians in need of critical financial and medical assistance.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

In this position, you will independently evaluate and approve or deny initial applications for disability filed under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs. Conduct reviews of contested initial denial or unfavorable onset decisions issued by other analysts and affirm or overturn the decisions based on an independent review of the record (reconsideration claims). Identify Oregonians with disabilities, and help disabled Oregonians maintain an acceptable quality of life, self-esteem, and independence. As a Disability Analyst, you will:

• Provide professional, respectful customer service to claimants, partners, and colleagues while honoring the communities served.
• Manage an independent caseload of approximately 80-100 claims, including initial claims, reconsiderations, court-mandated cases, and specialized SSA workloads, ensuring timely and accurate case processing.
• Analyze medical, vocational, and lay evidence; apply Social Security laws, regulations, and policies; and issue legally sound disability determinations (allowances or denials).
• Develop and document claims by obtaining and evaluating medical and third-party evidence, resolving discrepancies, preparing residual functional capacity (RFC) assessments, and determining ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
• Conduct reconsiderations, case audits, and court-ordered reviews using de novo standards to ensure objective, well-supported decisions.
• Identify when consultative examinations are needed, authorize and coordinate evaluations, and participate in ongoing training, policy development, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The central work location is in the office in Salem, Oregon. There is the potential to transition to a long-term, remote work, which may involve a hybrid in-office and a remote-work setting.
• The new hire will work regular business hours of 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday-Friday during the training period (3 to 6 months). An alternative schedule may be negotiated after training period.
• Constant exposure to a high-volume workload, demanding a high level of accuracy with short deadlines, affecting a vulnerable client population in need of monetary and medical assistance.
• Daily contact with claimants over the phone who may have complex medical issues, mental health impairments, substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries.
• Frequent changes are made in policy and procedures, which affects the way work is done.
• This environment requires constant use of a computer with ongoing changes to applications, which affects the way work is done.
• Adjudication of occasional paper claims may require lifting files that may weigh up to 20 pounds. Processing of most paper claims requires in-office work.
• Travel may be required for occasional off-site meetings and training conferences.
• Depending on program workload, some overtime may be necessary. Overtime may be required based on program demands and workload fluctuations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Three years of experience compiling and analyzing facts to determine eligibility requirements in compliance with program guidelines and regulations, two of the three years must include evaluating applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income program benefits;

AND

1) A bachelor’s degree in medicine, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, rehabilitation counseling, vocational rehabilitation or a closely related field; OR 2) Three years of responsible, pertinent experience which provided a knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, physical and mental impairments, how the impairments affect work performance and the treatment, prognosis and duration for physical and mental impairments (e.g., Military Corpsman, Nurse, Psychiatric Aide, Medical Assistant, Bodily Injury Claims Adjudication, Industrial Therapist, etc.). OR Six years of progressively related professional-level experience, training, and education that would typically lead to the required knowledge and skills. Two of the six years must include evaluating applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income program benefits.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

Your application materials will be screened for each of these attributes, those whose skills match all of the EA's and who also meet the MQ's listed above, will be invited to interview. Current Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) credential at time of hire. A minimum of 2 years' experience adjudicating Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) claims including reviewing medical evidence and making eligibility determinations. Experience with using the DDS Disability Case Processing System (DCPS) to review, develop, and document disability claims. Experience with independently managing a caseload, prioritizing work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining accuracy. Experience working in an independent, self-directed work environment that requires meeting workload expectations, maintaining timely case actions, and consistently following established productivity and quality standards.

BACKGROUND CHECKS and REQUIREMENTS

If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information. The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

BENEFITS

• Amazing benefits package.
• Cost of Living Adjustments.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).
• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE

Veterans’ preference information. How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

CONTACT INFORMATION

We invite you to contact [e-mail] for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions. The recruiter for this position is Jennifer Moisa. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition (REQ) number listed at the top of this job post. Email: [e-mail]

ABOUT US

Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon flies with her own wings.