Disability Determination Hearing Officer

State of Delaware; Delaware; Hybride; USD 60 000 - 85 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Telework

Résumé du poste

State of Delaware Disability Determination Service is seeking a Hearing Officer to manage hearings for disability claims, interpret governing rules, and develop training for adjudicators. The role requires strong analytical skills, regulatory knowledge, and experience in evidence evaluation.

You will conduct hearings, prepare written summaries, and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure due process and accurate decisions. Telework is eligible under state policy where applicable.

Qualifications

• Three years experience in evaluating disability claims and making disability determinations.
• Six months experience in disability adjudication appeal and review process.
• Three years experience in interpreting Social Security Administration laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Six months experience in narrative report writing.
• Knowledge of quasi judicial proceedings.

Responsabilités

• Reviews full case records and pertinent regulations prior to hearings.
• Analyzes evidence and determines weight of evidence and impairment severity.
• Conducts hearings with beneficiaries and representatives ensuring due process.
• Writes statements of rationale for decisions.
• Prepares notification of decisions to beneficiaries and parties and informs on appeal rights.
• Performs public relations work with legal community to facilitate hearings.
• Develops training programs for DDS staff.

Connaissances

Disability claims

Adjudication

Regulations understanding

Narrative writing

Quasi-judicial proceedings

Description du poste

Introduction

Disability Determination Service (DDS) is the state agency that processes Social Security Disability claims under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. We are the only DDS in Delaware and receive all disability claims in our state. We provide quality customer service to Delawareans through timely and accurate disability decisions.

Summary Statement

The Disability Determination Hearing Officer for this position processes a variety of levels of Social Security Disability claims and interprets and applies applicable rules, regulations, and the Policy Operations Manual governing the program. They will conduct hearings for individuals wishing to appeal a continuing disability review decision. This position will also be responsible for facilitating new adjudicator training classes as well as conducting monthly refresher classes. They may liaison with stakeholders and partner with the quality team on office educational needs.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Reviews the entire written case record and researches and consults pertinent regulations, rulings and other reference sources prior to each hearing to identify all issues to be considered at the hearing.
• Analyzes case record to determine if sufficient evidence exists in file on which to base a decision; returns cases with insufficient documentation back to adjudicator for further development; determines accuracy of decision to terminate benefits and may reverse decision prior to hearing.
• Conducts hearing with beneficiary and representatives to provide due process; governs the conduct of the parties and regulates the course of the proceedings by administering oaths, ruling on motions, examining evidence and witnesses and resolving conflicting evidence through questioning.
• Completes a written summary during the course of the hearing to serve as a record of the hearing.
• Analyzes and evaluates all evidence, prior decisions and testimony in each case at conclusion of each hearing; determines the weight to be given to evidence and judges the severity of impairments and effects of vocational and non-medical factors in relation to ability to work by consulting Social Security laws, rulings, regulations and guidelines.
• Develops written rationale for the decision of allowance or denial of disability benefit which encompasses all pertinent factors.
• Supervises the preparation of written notification to the beneficiary and other parties of the decision and informs them of appeal rights.
• Performs public relations work across the state, as needed, with legal community for the purpose of facilitating, clarifying and enhancing the hearing process.
• Develops and conducts training programs targeted to the technical training needs of DDS staff.
• Assists with the overall administration of the DDS program by serving on special committees for the ongoing development of policy and procedures and recommending on program changes.
• May issue subpoenas as authorized by the SSA Regional Commissioner to obtain evidence or testimony for a hearing.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Disability Determination Hearing Officer

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• Three years experience in evaluating disability claims and making disability determinations.
• Six months experience in disability adjudication appeal and review process.
• Three years experience in interpreting Social Security Administration laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Six months experience in narrative report writing.
• Knowledge of quasi judicial proceedings.

Additional Posting Information

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework according to the State of Delaware's Alternative Work Arrangement Policy . More information will be shared at the time of interview.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com . If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail] .

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.