DISABILITY DETERMINATION SPECIALIST

Arizona State Government; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASRS retirement

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Parental Leave

Job summary

The Department of Economic Security (DES) in Tucson, AZ seeks a Disability Determination Specialist to review medical evidence and determine eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. This in-office role requires careful judgment and precise documentation.

Responsibilities include collecting evidence, interviewing claimants, and making decisions consistent with federal and state guidelines. DES values service, community collaboration, and timely processing of claims in a team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus two years of adjudicating disability determinations.
• OR five years of related experience.
• Knowledge of SSA policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Exercises discretion and independent judgment on Social Security Disability Claims per SSA/DDSA policies.
• Makes final decisions on complex Social Security Disability claims.
• Gathers vocational, functional or medical evidence from claimants and sources.
• Interviews claimants by phone or in person to resolve questions.

Skills

Critical thinking

Detail oriented

Communication

Research and analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 2 yrs experience

Disability determinations experience

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Your Partner For A Stronger Arizona. DES works with families, community organizations, advocates and state and federal partners to realize our collective vision: A thriving Arizona. DES serves more than 3 million Arizonans. Our Mission is to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life

DISABILITY DETERMINATION SPECIALIST

Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA) Address: 4710 South Palo Verde Road, Tucson, Arizona 85714

Salary: 24.1905 Hourly

Grade: 19

Closing Date: Setpember 5, 2026

Job Summary

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. The Disability Determination Services Administration is seeking a Disability Determination Specialist that can skillfully incorporate the goals of the company. This position will review medical evidence to decide whether applicants applying for Social Security disability benefits meets eligibility criteria. This is an in office position.

Job Duties

• Exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment while processing/making decisions on Social Security Disability Claims, including Re-determinations and Reconsideration Disability Claims (1st level of appeal) as described by SSA/DDSA policies and procedures in accordance with Federal and State rules and regulations.
• Makes final decisions on complex Social Security Disability claims.
• Gathers vocational, functional or medical evidence from claimant, third parties and existing medical sources.
• Interviews claimants by phone/or in person to resolve questions on application forms.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge in:

• Complex Federal laws, regulations and policies governing eligibility for disability benefits under provisions of the Social Security Act
• Program planning and evaluation methods, management and program policies, practices and procedures
• Medical, physiological, and psychiatric terminology, including the effects of medical, physiological, and psychiatric conditions on functional capacity
• Policies and procedures established for the work system; research analysis of statistical data or policy/procedural changes; computer programs; principles and practices of leadership and management

Skill in:

• Critical thinking, detail-oriented, using automated systems to enter, retrieve, research, analyze and interpret statistical and programmatic data
• Reading, understanding, and interpreting complex federal, state, department, and legislative rules, laws, policies and procedures
• Managing and balancing various management and administrative functions and presenting information on complex issues and ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Navigating multiple applications simultaneously and gathering, organizing, and summarizing information and data from varied sources, creating and maintaining comprehensive reports

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of public and private organizations, institutions, agencies, and individuals
• Communicate effectively while exercising a high degree of discretion and independent judgment
• Create, maintain, and complete special projects and reports with accuracy and timeliness while handling daily demands, change of priorities, and adapt to rapid changes in workload as required
• Effectively communicate and/or present plans and respond to questions from management and work with limited direction, independently as well as in a team.

Selective Preference(s)

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Bachelor’s degree plus two years of professional level experience in adjudicating disability determinations for the Social Security Administration OR five years of related experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
• Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
• All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• HSPD-12 Background/Fingerprinting Security Clearance: Please be advised that all hires, transfers, and current employees within DBME Disability Determination Service Administration are subject 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.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

Contact Us

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Jason Hamm at 520-235-1130 or [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 520-235-1130 or [e-mail]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.