Description
The successful candidate may be eligible for a $5,000.00 hiring incentive*
As a Disability Examiner, you will evaluate disability claims to enhance the quality of life for Minnesotans with disabilities who apply for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits. This role involves investigating and making decisions on initial claims under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act, requiring the interpretation of complex regulations and policies. You will also independently manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining high standards for quality, production, and timeliness.
Duties include:
Obtain medical and vocational documentation via mail, phone, and computer systems. Interact professionally with clients, third parties, medical record departments, coworkers, and consultants. Summarize and analyze medical records, resolving conflicts and preparing detailed reports. Review medical assessments and vocational documentation to make final disability determinations. Training:
Mandatory 12-Week Training: Includes set hours (7:30 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.). Attendance is mandatory for all portions. Comprehensive Coverage: Training topics include medical terminology, vocational assessments, disease processes, functional limitations, and Social Security laws and policies. What We Look For
Friendly: Comfortable with frequent phone communication with a variety of clients. Compassionate: Listen attentively to questions and provide clear, policy-compliant answers. Professional: Maintain a positive, professional demeanor during challenging situations. Reliable: Attend work consistently and adapt to frequent policy changes. Focused: Proficient in using a computer with dual monitors for extended periods. Advancement Opportunities
Eligible for promotion within one year of satisfactory performance. This position is telework eligible after twelve (12) weeks of training and is occasionally required to be on-site at the St. Paul office. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment and may telework from anywhere in Minnesota or a neighboring state. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
Hiring Incentive: The successful incumbent of this position may be eligible for a hiring incentive of $5,000 paid out in two (2) lump sums following the completion of the required probationary period and following two (2) years of successful service in the role.
Please note that first contact with selected candidates will be by email from MNDDSCareer@ssa.gov or the Human Resources Team, please check your email regularly.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Responsibilities
A. Obtain all appropriate medical and non-medical evidence for all alleged, as well as non-alleged, physical and mental impairments and resolve any discrepancies. B. Contact claimants, by letter or telephone, to obtain additional information on medical sources, activities of daily living, work history and other relevant information. C. Resolve technical issues including onset, work, jurisdiction, representation, and whereabouts with personnel in the SSA Field Offices using the telephone, email, electronic assistance requests, or eView alerts and messages. D. Consult by letter or telephone with teachers, school counselors, psychologists, social works, legal representatives, employers, rehabilitation counselors, family members, and others as necessary to document impairment. E. Order appropriate physical and psychological consultative examinations if available medical evidence is insufficient. F. Make “Presumptive Disability” decisions on Title XVI claims. G. Consult with state agency medical consultants, in person or by written requests, as necessary. H. Determine the severity of the claimant’s medical impairment, giving appropriate weight, in accordance with SSA regulations, to medical signs and symptoms, medical source statements, the claimant’s statements, and evidence provided by third parties in reaching conclusions. I. Determine which of the claimant’s past jobs, if any, are “past relevant work” under the Social Security regulations. J. Obtain sufficient information on all past relevant work to determine skill level and exertional and nonexertional requirements necessary to perform job duties and previously performed by claimant or as performed in the national economy. K. Determine a claimant’s disability under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act based on severity of medical condition, impact on functional ability and vocational factors. L. Evaluate eligibility for reopening(s) of prior claims when claimant is adjudicated as disabled. M. Evaluate the probability of medical improvement to determine the appropriate disability review diary. N. Render a formal disability decision, including preparation of all necessary formal rationales and personalized denial notices for all denials of disability benefits.
Qualifications
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
One (1) year* of work experience in claims processing or caseload management or customer service experience.
*Associate's degree in any field may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in any field.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Ability to:
Communicate effectively to clearly write, organize, and summarize information in correspondence, documentation, and decision-making, as well as read and understand complex materials. Work independently and make accurate, sound decisions in accordance with guidelines. Skill In:
Computer use, including navigating frequent software updates, working with electronic medical records, managing multiple screens, conducting internet research, and using various office applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other database tools). High-level reading comprehension and analytical skills to interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures effectively. Strong organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills to manage multiple cases and maintain well-organized case files.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of medical terminology and medical assessments. Telephone Customer Service experience. Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Saint Paul, Ramsey, Minnesota 55101
US
