DISABILITY DETERMINATION SUPERVISOR

Internal Careers; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 46,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

ASRS

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Wellness programs

Job summary

The State of Arizona, Department of Economic Security (DES), invites applications for the Disability Determination Supervisor in the Disability Determination Services Administration in Phoenix. This in-office supervisory role directs professional staff in disability analyses for Social Security benefits and SSI, ensuring accurate determinations and adherence to policy.

Join a dedicated team focused on service to Arizonans, with comprehensive benefits and a collaborative work environment within

Qualifications

• Knowledge of complex federal laws and policies governing disability benefits.
• Leadership and management principles in a supervisory role.
• Experience with disability determination processes and SSA policies.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Disability Specialists and Medical Consultants; assign and review casework.
• Respond to inquiries from claimants, representatives, and stakeholders.
• Assess training needs; provide mentoring and performance evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with SSA rules and agency procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Public administration

Disability determination

Analytical skills

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

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 SUPERVISOR

Job Location:

Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)
Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA)
4000 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012

Posting Details:

Salary: 40.0860 Hourly

Grade: 23

Closing Date: November 11, 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. Come Join the DES Team!
The Disability Determination Services Administration is seeking a Disability Determination Supervisor that can skillfully incorporate the goals of the company. This position will direct the work of professional Disability Specialists or Medical Consultants in the analyses and determination for disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income benefits. This is an in office position.

Job Duties:

• Provides first line supervision to all levels of Disability Specialists or Medical Consultants and acts as a resource, giving guidance and direction in the application of Social Security disability program policy. Plans and assigns work to subordinate staff. Reviews casework to assure accurate application of administrative/medical/vocational development, and evaluation.
• Responds to complaints, grievances and inquiries from internal and external customers. Researches and responds to all program related questions from claimants, congressional representatives, advocates, and attorneys.
• Assesses training needs within the unit and provides training/mentoring as needed. Prepares performance evaluations for subordinate staff.
• Reviews rules, regulations, policies and procedures as provided by the Social Security Administration.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:
-Complex Federal laws, regulations and policies governing eligibility for disability benefits under provisions of the Social Security Act; of program planning and evaluation methods; management and program policies, practices and procedures; medical, physiological and psychiatric terminology; 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.
- Principles and practices of leadership and management.
- Considerable knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and the principles and practices of public administration.
- Full range of complex management functions of a responsible and confidential nature.
- Methods used for creating implementing, and monitoring performance measures.
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 orally and in writing.
- Effectively manage and balance multiple projects, time management; performing technical, complex, and difficult work using independent judgment.
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills including prioritization of projects and tasks.
- Navigate multiple applications simultaneously; and gathering, organizing, and summarizing information and data from varied sources, creating and maintaining comprehensive reports.
Ability to:
- Organize and direct the work of others; analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
- Utilize and apply effectively technical knowledge and skills.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of public and private organizations, institutions, agencies, and individuals.
- Travel as needed.
- Exercise a high degree of discretion and independent judgment; create, maintain, and complete special projects and reports with accuracy and timeliness.
- Handle daily demands, change priorities, and adapt to rapid changes in workload as required.
- Work with long-range and short-term visions and goals.
-Manage a diverse group of employees; direct, coach, counsel, mentor, listen, lead, motivate, delegate, train and evaluate.
- Effectively communicate and/or present plans and respond to questions from management.

Selective Preference(s):

• Bachelor's degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and four years of professional or technical disability determination experience in the adjudication of Social Security disability claims.

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].
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.