Disability Examiner Trainee - Disability Determination Services

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan (PERA) per state terms

Medical and dental plans

Paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid holidays and leave

Remote work arrangements for eligible

Job summary

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Disability Determination Services is seeking Disability Examiners to determine medical eligibility for SSDI/SSI in Colorado. You will gather medical and vocational information, review records, and render legally supported determinations under SSA rules.

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of two on-site days and a training period possibly requiring full-time on-site work. Residency within Colorado is required during employment.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned.
• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years.
• Experience in a highly regulated government environment may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Adjudicate medical eligibility for SSDI/SSI by gathering and analyzing medical and non-medical data under supervisory oversight.
• Develop and document the rationale for disability determinations, citing SSA regulations and guidelines.
• Interview applicants and collaborate with medical consultants to clarify data and support timely decisions.

Skills

Medical terminology

Computer literacy

Keyboarding

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Decision making

Diversity awareness

Education

4 years of related experience

Education/experience combination 4 years

Tools

SSA/DDS software

Job description

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Disability Determination Services

The Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) exists to produce accurate and timely disability determinations for the residents of Colorado in a courteous and cost-conscious manner following Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and regulations. Disability Determination Services (DDS) receives applications from SSA and makes a medical eligibility determination using SSA’s criteria, found in the Program Operations Manual and Statistics (POMS) and judicial Social Security Rulings (SSRs). DDS is 100% funded by SSA. DDS gathers medical, psychological, functional, and vocational evidence to determine whether a claimant meets SSA’s medical eligibility criteria, and writes a justification rationalizing its determination.

Hybrid Position - 2 days minimum On-site

Please note: The first 13 weeks may be 100% onsite for intensive programming training

Please note: These working arrangements are subject to change.

Disability Examiners gather medical information from the sources listed by claimants on their applications, and any new sources discovered in the claims adjudication process. They analyze that evidence using very specific and complex Social Security disability criteria, including review of medical documentation, functional documents, knowledge of medical and psychological impairments, and Social Security rules & regulations. Disability Examiners must prepare a medically and legally sufficient rationale based on their analysis of a claimant’s information to justify whether the individual qualifies for disability under Social Security’s rules.

DUTIES

Adjudication and Documentation

With supervisory oversight, determines medical eligibility for disability benefits under the SSDI/SSI Program by gathering, evaluating and analyzing medical and non-medical data. Independently reviews and analyzes evidence of illness, injury, disease or other medical conditions and vocational factors, which prevent an individual from working or gaining employment and renders a determination to approve or deny disability benefits. Data is gathered through electronic requests sent via email and SSA/DDS software programs, and through written and verbal correspondence. Data is consolidated and correlated with SSDI/SSI program regulations, directives and agency guidelines to determine applicant’s ability to perform physical/mental work-related functions. Also evaluates continuing eligibility for persons already receiving medical benefits using medical improvement standards. Based on preliminary evidence and Social Security disability regulations, program directives, and agency guidelines, position determines which claims will receive immediate temporary disability payments of about $500 per month plus Medicaid. The determination is carried out by accessing and evaluating electronic data. Acts to prepare medical and psychological assessments independently, which allows experienced adjudicators to expedite the initial determination of disability coordination and consultation with the state agency, medical consultants (SAMC), whose signatory input is required by statute with narrow exceptions. Medical evaluation and analysis are completed and the results are keyboarded into appropriate programs. Documents the disability decision by citing legal references from the Social Security regulations. Writes rationale to explain and justify the disability decision. Decisions and rationale are documented/recorded by keyboarding the information into the appropriate SSA/DDS software programs.

Development

Interviews applicants, various professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.) and other interested parties to obtain necessary information. Information is documented by keyboarding it into the appropriate SSA/DDS software programs. Explains the Social Security disability programs to applicants, the public and various other professionals. Communication is accomplished in person, by phone, via SSA/DDS software programs, mail, and email.

Confers and collaborates with DDS contract medical consultants and other DDS specialists to clarify gathered data as needed. Contact is accomplished in person, via SSA/DDS software programs, written and verbal correspondence, and email.

Authorizes the purchase of medical exams, tests and procedures from physicians, hospitals, and laboratories. Authorizations are communicated by keyboarding the information into the appropriate SSA/DDS software programs.

Experience Only

• Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience

• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years

Substitutions

• Experience in an industry, professional environment, or government (State, Federal, County), agency that is highly regulated where a person has to evaluate and apply policy such as: Claims adjuster, examiner or investigator, Project/office management, Business Support Services/Analyst, Supervisory/Management, Accounting/Auditing, Case Management, Paralegal/Contract management, Medical/Veterinarian Technician will substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Proficiency using basic computer software and email
• Keyboarding proficiency
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent decision-making skill
• Ability to work with a diverse constituency

Conditions of Employment

• Standard background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.
• HSPD-12 (Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12) federal credentialing. Tier 2, (which includes Fair Credit Report) - Completed by DDS
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

1. Disclose that information on the application.
2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
3. Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing.

Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.
• You can find the official appeal form here.
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

• By email ([e-mail]), or
• Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or
• Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
• Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At [phone], or
• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

About Us and Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado.

Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Our Values

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.
• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

EEO Statement

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities. The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.