Impactful Disability Benefits Examiner (SSA)

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is seeking a Disability Claims Examiner to perform disability determinations for the SSA and manage a caseload of applications. You will follow federal and state laws and utilize the DDS electronic case management system.

All hires participate in a 24‑month training program, with base pay increases at 12 and 24 months. Partial telework is possible within Montana; full-time telework is not available, and state benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Flexible to balance rule adherence with policy guidance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply federal and state rules and policies.
• Ability to work with large, complex computer/data systems in a technical environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Two years of job-related work experience in medical, insurance, law, vocational, or worker compensation fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in medical, legal, social work, or education related field preferred.
• Other combinations of education and related experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of disability benefit applications.
• Make disability determinations following federal/state laws and policies.
• Maintain case files via the DDS electronic management system.

Skills

Communication skills

Regulatory interpretation

Data/system proficiency

Medical terminology

Case management

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Job Description - Disability Claims Examiner (37547, 37549, 37550) (26142223)

Position Title:

Disability Claims Examiner (37547, 37549, 37550) - ( 26142223 )

To be considered for this position you must complete the state application and attach all required documents through the Montana State Careers site at www.statecareers.mt.gov .

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Disability Employment and Transitions Division.

The Disability Claims Examiner position works within the Disability Determination Services (DDS) Bureau whose primary function is to make disability determination decisions for the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) under the disability benefits program. Responsibilities of the Disability Claims Examiner include managing a caseload of disability benefit applications; making disability determination decisions following federal laws, rules, and policies; and managing case files via the DDS electronic case management system.

All Disability Claims Examiners participate in a 24-month training program, that provides the guidance and support required to be effective in this position. Upon successful completion of the training program, hourly base rate increases will occur at 12 months and 24 months.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve and protect the health, safety, and well-being, and to empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

TheState of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

Flexibleto balance between literal adherence to rules and the use of policies as a guide. Does not look to protect the rule, but rather uses the rule to increase engagement.

Excellentwritten and verbal communication demonstrated with strong interpersonal skills used to engage people and develop collaborative relationships.

Abilityto research, interpret, and implement federal and state rules, regulations, policy, and business procedures.

Abilityto work with a large and complex computer/data system to complete work in a highly technical environment.

Knowledgeof medical terminology is preferred.

Twoyears of job-related work experience such as case management in the medical, insurance, law, vocational, or worker compensation fields.

Preferredbachelor’s degree in a medical, legal, social work, or education related field or other related degree.

Othercombinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

Resume

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial teleworkwithin the state of Montana.Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

27.30 - 27.30 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

Number of Openings

: 3 Employee Status : Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Primary Location

: Helena Agency : Department of Public Health & Human Services Union : Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Posting Date

: Sep 2, 2026, 2:02:43 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Ongoing

Required Application Materials : Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name : Human Resources | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.