DISABILITY CLAIMS SPECIALIST

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Illinois, Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services, seeks a detail-oriented Disability Claims Specialist to adjudicate a backlog of disability claims in compliance with state and federal guidelines. The role analyzes medical and vocational evidence to ensure accurate evaluation and timely processing.

The position is union-backed, based at the headquarters in Springfield, and requires collaboration with adjudicator trainees and providers to ensure high-quality

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in medical, premedical, legal, prelegal, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, health, biological sciences, physical sciences, business administration, management, or disability claims adjudication.
• Requires current valid licensure as a Registered Nurse in Illinois, plus three years of professional nursing experience.

Responsibilities

• Audits aged cases and provides analysis of trends leading to delays.
• Adjudicates assigned backlog of disability claims in compliance with state and federal guidelines to ensure accuracy and expediency.
• Analyzes complex disability claims involving medical and vocational issues to ensure compliance with the state and federal guidelines, integrity of pertinent documentation and accurate evaluation of medical, functional, and vocational evidence.
• Assists with Cooperative Corrective Action Plans for the Division of Adjudication Services.
• Promotes and maintains professional relationships with key providers, reviews requests for additional testing with authority to approve or deny such requests.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical, premedical, legal, prelegal, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, health, biological sciences, physical sciences, business administration, management, or disability claims adjudication

Registered Nurse license (Illinois) + 3 years of professional nursing experience

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation to the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID: 59720
Opening Date:10/27/2026
Closing Date:11/10/2026
Agency:Department of Human Services
Class Title:DISABILITY CLAIMS SPEC - 12558
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Salary: $6,460-$9,337/month ($77,520-$112,044/year)
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location: 100 N 1st St , Springfield, Illinois, 62702

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Bureau of Disability Determination Services

Adjudication Services/Supplemental and Assistive Services Section

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required,a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documentssection of yourapplication. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Division of Rehabilitation Services is seeking to hire a detail-oriented Disability Claims Specialist to provide technical advice and serve as a resource person on claim-related matters to adjudicators and adjudicator trainees. This position adjudicates assigned backlog of disability claims in compliance with state and federal guidelines to ensure accuracy and expediency. The Disability Claims Specialist also analyzes complex disability claims involving medical and vocational issues to ensure compliance with the state and federal guidelines, integrity of pertinent documentation and accurate evaluation of medical, functional, and vocational evidence.

Essential Functions

• Audits aged cases and provides analysis of trends leading to delays.
• Adjudicates assigned backlog of disability claims in compliance with state and federal guidelines to ensure accuracy and expediency.
• Analyzes complex disability claims involving medical and vocational issues to ensure compliance with the state and federal guidelines, integrity of pertinent documentation and accurate evaluation of medical, functional, and vocational evidence.
• Assists with Cooperative Corrective Action Plans for the Division of Adjudication Services.
• Promotes and maintains professional relationships with key providers, reviews requests for additional testing with authority to approve or deny such requests.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree, with major courses in medical, premedical, legal, prelegal, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, health, biological sciences, physical sciences, business administration, management, or disability claims adjudication. OR Requires current valid licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois, plus three (3) years of professional registered nursing experience.
• Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience as a Disability Claims Adjudicator II.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass a federal employment background check. Individuals selected for positions with the Illinois Disability Determination Service (DDS) must go through a complete federal background investigation suitability determination by the Social Security Administration. Those individuals meeting the state requirements for employment must first complete the federal background investigation prior to their start date. This is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to the Social Security Disability data, records and systems. Further details will be provided during the pre‑employment background check process.

* The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well‑being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non‑standard work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre‑Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill®Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).