Disability Specialist II

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission in Austin is seeking a Disability Specialist II/Claims Examiner II to adjudicate SSA disability cases, assemble evidence, and document DDS decisions. The role requires coordinating with SSA, collecting medical evidence, and applying SE processes to determine disability.

The position is fully onsite in Austin, with duties including developing RFC analyses and vocational profiles, and ensuring timely final determinations under SSA guidelines.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by September 1, 2026, or at least 24 months experience as a Texas Disability Determination Services Pre-Development Specialist.
• Employment stability in applicant’s work history as demonstrated on the application.
• Documented experience using a personal computer.
• Documented experience communicating effectively in writing as demonstrated on the application.
• Documented experience in managing time, organizing job-related responsibilities and meeting deadlines as demonstrated on the application.

Responsibilities

• Develops adult physical/mental residual functional capacity (RFC) and childhood developmental assessments to document diagnoses/objective evidence.
• Determines adult medical/vocational eligibility for disability, applying SSA vocational standards and evaluative tools.
• Creates forms, letters and supporting materials required to document disability decisions.
• Researches and investigates information that may affect DDS jurisdiction to adjudicate the case.
• Establishes standards for customer-focused communication within areas of responsibility.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 24 months experience

Job description

Date: Jul 31, 2026Location: AUSTIN, TXJoin the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Functional Title: Disability Specialist IIJob Title: Claims Examiner IIAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: DDS - Program AdminPosting Number: 19594Closing Date: 08/30/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Community and Social ServicesSalary Range: $4,594.16 - $5,094.16Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-16Shift: Day Additional Shift Telework: Not Eligible for Telework TravelRegular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 6101 E OLTORF Other Locations: MOS Codes: No military equivalent Brief Job Description The Disability Specialist II/Claims Examiner II adjudicates Social Security Administration (SSA) adult and childhood disability cases. Researches and verifies Disability Determination Services (DDS) jurisdiction to process incoming cases; returns to SSA any cases DDS is proscribed from processing. Solicits medical evidence of record (MER), activities of daily living (ADL) information, detailed descriptions of past relevant work (PRW), education records and teacher evaluations on child claimants, and other information required to evaluate disability and properly document the case file. Applies the SSA Sequential Evaluation (SE) process to determine whether a claimant is disabled. Orders Consultative Examinations (CEs) to investigate undocumented claimant allegations and/or clarify medical evidence. Prepares a detailed analysis of the cumulative effect of all medically determined physical and mental impairments on residual functional capacity (RFC) for adults; ability to function at an age-appropriate level in six developmental domains for children. Assesses the cumulative impact of developmental deficits to determine disability in childhood cases. Develops complete claimant vocational profiles for adults. Determines adult disability by assessing a claimant’s potential ability to work based on a complex analysis of vocational profiles; RFC limitations; PRW performance criteria as described by the claimant and by standard occupation references; results from research of national economy job references. Creates forms, letters and supporting materials required to document disability decisions. Identifies and reports for investigation cases involving potential fraud. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position occasionally requires work during the weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours. DDS employees perform all business functions for SSA, using the federal SSA network and equipment. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 security clearance is required. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Develops adult physical/mental residual functional capacity (RFC) and childhood developmental assessments to document diagnoses/objective evidence, including signs, symptoms, and lab/test results for all alleged disabling impairments; assess residual capacity to function based on extensive knowledge of physical/mental conditions and disease processes and their effect on functionality; apply witness credibility legal standards to assess claimant or treating physician statements regarding disability in the final decision process. Develops comprehensive vocational profiles for adults, and determines adult medical/vocational eligibility for disability, applying complex Social Security Administration (SSA) vocational standards and evaluative tools to assess a claimant’s potential ability to return to past relevant work (PRW) or perform other work. (20%) Determines when available information is sufficient to evaluate impairments alleged by the claimant. Creates all forms, letters, and supporting materials required to properly document the final disability determination. Completes the determination in a timely manner. (20%) Reviews all file documentation upon receipt of disability cases, researching and investigating information that may affect Disability Determination Services (DDS) jurisdiction to adjudicate the case. Returns cases that are not DDS jurisdiction to SSA without action for correction or closure. Applies provisions of the Social Security Act, as amended, related Federal and State statutes, regulations, SSA rulings, and pertinent Federal Court rulings to decide whether a claimant is or is not disabled; applies the SSA sequential evaluation standard to render decisions as soon as possible. (20%) Establishes standards for customer-focused communication and coordination within areas of responsibility and with all internal and external associates and customers. (20%) Develops cases in a timely manner by contacting medical and non-medical sources for medical evidence of record (MER) relevant to alleged physical/mental impairments. Obtains functional and work history information about claimants in order to evaluate how alleged mental and physical impairments affect their daily lives and ability to work. Orders Consultative Examinations (CE) to clarify evidence and properly document the impairments and the claimant’s current condition. (15%) Provides backup for absent Disability Specialists in accordance with established procedures. (5%) Knowledge Of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• the provisions of the Social Security Act, as amended, related Federal and State statutes, regulations, Social Security rulings, pertinent court rulings, and the paper and electronic folder disability case processes for adult and childhood disability cases.
• medical terminology, physical and mental conditions and impairments, disease processes, the current impact/future implications/prognosis associated with mental and physical diagnoses, signs/symptoms/tests/lab results, and selected treatment modalities, and the potential impact of the impairments on SSA disability eligibility.
• pediatric medical terminology, age-appropriate childhood development standards and milestones, the impact of physical/mental impairments and disease processes on childhood development, and the degree of severity of cumulative developmental deficits that is required to be eligible for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.
• legal principles as they apply to the SSA disability program, including: Res Judicata, Collateral Estoppel, Administrative Finality, Evidentiary Findings of Fact, Evidence Admissability, Fraud and Similar Fault, and Witness Credibility.
• non-medical and vocational factors affecting job opportunities and a claimant’s ability to work, including: age; education; skills and abilities; vocational background; occupational categories/classifications; exertional and non-exertional criteria and standards used by the industry to classify all occupations in the national economy.
• all Federal and State laws governing confidentiality personal information accessible in Social Security, medical evidence of record, and disability case files.

Skill In

• documenting and adjudicating SSA disability cases.
• using a Personal Computer and peripherals, Microsoft Suite or equivalent software, and SSA-unique software applications such as the national Query system and the case management and adjudication system.
• making timely and accurate independent decisions.
• adapting to program changes and fluctuating work loads.
• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability To

• manage time, organize job related responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• gather, assemble and evaluate pertinent information for all levels of cases, including appellate cases.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications N/A Initial Screening Criteria

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by September 1, 2026, or at least 24 months experience as a Texas Disability Determination Services Pre-Development Specialist.
• Employment stability in applicant’s work history as demonstrated on the application.
• Documented experience using a personal computer.
• Documented experience communicating effectively in writing as demonstrated on the application.
• Documented experience in managing time, organizing job-related responsibilities and meeting deadlines as demonstrated on the application.

Additional Information

• Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.
• This position occasionally requires work during the weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours.
• Successful applicants must be willing to work in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment, under constant pressure to meet required deadlines.
• Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits, follow HHS salary administration policy and guidelines and based on the candidate’s qualifications.
• Individuals selected for positions with the Disability Determination Services (DDS) will go through a complete federal background investigation. A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems. The job offer is contingent upon a full suitability clearance through SSA.
• Applicants will be assessed through a panel interview.
• Consideration will be given to filling additional vacancies that occur during this posting period.
• Demonstration of skill will be administered at the time of the interview.
• Individuals with the same current functional job description may not apply.
• Onsite Position – Due to the nature of the work, this is a fully onsite position.
• Applicant must follow the instructions in completing the required fields on the online application.
• Detailed information on work history should include job title, dates of employment, and the requested employer information. Application MUST contain a full employment history for the past 7 years for each position held, even those with the same employer, in a way that demonstrates meeting the initial selection criteria. Missing information may lead to disqualification.
• Applicant may upload a resume but must include required information on either the online application or the resume.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. ADA Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs. Nearest Major Market: Austin