Disability Review Psychologist

NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Geographic differential paid

Telecommuting up to 50%

Job summary

NYS Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance seeks a Disability Review Psychologist to join the Disability Determinations team under the NY HELPS program. The role involves evaluating medical and psychological information in Social Security disability claims, interpreting tests, and advising staff to ensure accurate determinations.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology, be licensed in New York, and be eligible for non-competitive appointment under NY HELPS with a potential

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in psychology, licensure and current registration to practice psychology in New York State.
• For the NY HELPS program, non-competitive appointment may be offered if the minimum qualifications are met.
• Competitive qualifications include one year of permanent competitive service or transfer eligibility under Civil Service Law.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States is required.
• Telecommuting up to 50% may be available under OTDA policy and discussed during interview.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate medical and psychological information provided in support of Social Security disability claims. Interpret tests and reports per Social Security Administration standards.
• Provide advice and consultation to Division staff in interpretation of medical/psychological information and pursuing further evidence.
• Assist in determining needs for consultative examinations and propose alternative evidence collection approaches.
• Obtain additional documentation via specialist-to-specialist contacts when needed.
• Provide training to staff on evaluation and interpretation of medical reports and collaboration with Medical Relations Office.

Education

Doctoral degree in Psychology

Licensed and registered to practice Psychology in New York State

Job description

Disability Review Psychologist (NY HELPS)

Announcement Posted

9/23/2026

Responses Must Be Hand Delivered Or Postmarked By

10/23/2026

Salary Range

$146,875

Location

Division of Disability Determinations
One Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12210
Division of Disability Determinations
295 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Division of Disability Determinations
2001 Perimeter Road East
Endicott, NY 13760
Division of Disability Determinations
25 Beaver Street
New York, NY 10004
Plus $4,150 Location Pay

Grade

25

# of Positions

5

Candidates Must Meet The Following Qualifications

Eligible candidates must possess a doctoral degree in Psychology and be licensed and currently registered to practice Psychology in New York State.

NY HELPS:

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, candidates may be hired via a non-competitive appointment if they meet the below NY HELPS minimum qualifications. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Non-competitive Qualifications

A doctoral degree in psychology, licensure and current registration to practice psychology in New York State.

Competitive Qualifications

Eligible for a lateral transfer or eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law by having one year of permanent competitive service in an appropriate title. Information regarding transfer eligibility is available on the Civil Service Career Mobility Office website at https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/.

Notes

• Information regarding New York State licensure may be obtained from the State Board for Psychology by contacting the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions, Division of Professional Licensing Services, Psychology Unit, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12234-1000; or by calling [phone], Ext. 592; or e-mail at [e-mail].
• In order to be eligible for appointment and to maintain employment, you cannot be listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of the Federal and/or State Medicaid and Medicare exclusion lists (or excluded from any other Federal or Federally assisted program). If you are appointed and subsequently listed as an excluded individual or entity on any of these lists (or excluded from any other federal or federally assisted program), you may be terminated from your employment.
• New York State residence is not required.

Duties Of Position

The Disability Review Psychologist would participate as a member of a disability adjudication team, in the granting or disapproval of disability claims under the Social Security law.

• Evaluate medical and psychological information provided in support of Social Security disability claims. Interprets psychiatric and psychological tests and reports, applying Social Security
• Administration standards to ensure accurate and uniform documentation and determinations.
• Evaluate complex psychological or psychiatric issues using professional expertise and program guidelines to ensure an appropriate resolution, or to prepare a well-developed policy referral.
• Provide advice and consultation to the Division of Disability Determinations staff in the interpretation of medical and psychological information and in the pursuit of further information needed to apply the federal regulations and guidelines.
• Provide advice and consultation to Disability Analysts in determining the needs for consultative examinations and recommend alternate approaches to obtaining required evidence if it appears such examinations are unnecessary.
• Obtain additional documentation or clarifying information by specialist-to-specialist phone contacts with previously contacted or newly identified treatment sources (or other third-party sources).
• Provide training to staff in evaluation and interpretation of medical reports, data and examination results working with the Divisions Medical Relations Office, assist in developing and improving relations with the medical community to improve the flow of needed supportive medical documentation and to minimize case processing time.

Conditions Of Employment

Full-time, permanent appointments will be made. If certified by Civil Service, mandatory reemployment list candidates must be considered first for appointment to this title. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Please be advised that all hires or transfers to OTDAs Division of Disability Determinations must submit 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. Information is considered on a case-by-case basis. Your resume must indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Non-specific submissions may be disqualified from further consideration if the information you provide does not meet the minimum qualifications. Telecommuting up to 50% may be available in accordance with The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance policy and can be discussed during the interview.

Additional Comments

The posted salary includes a $20,000 Geographic Differential, added to the hiring rate of $126,875.

NYS OTDA seeks to promote a diverse workforce that is a representation of the various cultures, voices, backgrounds, ideas, and talents of the citizens and communities that we serve. In alignment with New York States Executive Orders 187 and 31, OTDA is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering an inclusive workplace.