Job Title

Description and Functions Open Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This Disability Determination Specialist is responsible for determining medical eligibility for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program by gathering, evaluating, and analyzing medical and non-medical data. Document the disability determination by citing legal references from the Social Security regulations. Writes the rationale to explain, justify, and effectively communicate the disability determination. Confer and collaborate with medical consultants, psychological consultants, speech-language pathologists, and team panels to clarify data as needed. Responsible for managing disability claims caseload. Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes: * Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance * Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays * Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future * Flexible schedules and work-life balance options Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communitiesand MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information,or youcan watch this short video to learn about our benefit package! Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:compensationcalculator.wyo.gov Human Resources Contact: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level. * Gather, evaluate, and analyze medical and non-medical data for initial SSDI and/or SSI disability claims and prioritize claims based on criteria. Perform actions in a timely manner, including documenting communications, ordering medical evidence as needed, and reviewing and evaluating medical evidence as it is received. * Assess functional abilities, consult with medical consultants, and complete necessary forms. * Document the disability determination by citing legal references from the Social Security regulations. * Request and coordinate the scheduling of claimants' consultative examinations and other medical testing. * Develop and prepare functional assessments and vocational analyses based on the vocational and medical facts of each case. * Review and analyze evidence of medical conditions and vocational factors that prevent an individual from working. * Determine whether the claimant is disabled as defined by Federal, District, Appellate, and Supreme Court decisions; Social Security laws, regulations, and rulings; Social Security policies and procedures; Program Operations Manual System (POMS); and regional directives. * Prepare a legally defensible analysis explaining the disability determination, including the facts of the case, basis for the determination, and relevant Social Security Act (SSA) guidelines and regulations, and prepare a notice of the determination to send to the claimant and SSA. * Interview claimants, various professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.), and other interested parties to obtain necessary information. * Explain the Social Security disability programs to applicants, the public, and various other professionals. * Confer and collaborate with DDS contract medical consultants and other DDS specialists to clarify gathered data as needed. * Other duties as assigned to support department and division objectives. Qualifications PREFERENCES: Preference may be given to those with prior case management experience. Preference may be given to those with excellent ability to analyze information and write detailed information. Preference may be given to those with excellent organizational and time management skills. KNOWLEDGE: * Knowledge of current SSA rules, regulations, and policies related to disability benefits for SSI and/or SSDI. * Comprehensive knowledge of Social Security disability programs, policies, and procedures, particularly the Listing of Impairments contained in the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security handbook. * Excellent case development and case management skills, with particular emphasis on meeting processing time and quality standards. * Exercises good judgment and demonstrates the ability to think analytically and critically. * Makes appropriate use of resources (medical consultant, psychological consultant, quality assurance, vocational specialist, and others). * Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and independence. * Excellent writing skills to prepare a detailed analysis of case facts, including medically determinable impairment(s). * Sustain a record of good quality case development, documentation, and adjudication on both internal and federal reviews. * Knowledge of Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations regarding employment, disability insurance, and supplemental security income benefits. * Knowledge of the various methods and procedures used in the adjudication of disability claims. * Knowledge of industrial, commercial,and professional occupations; knowledge of medical and psychological terminology. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's Degree Experience: 0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Benefits and Eligibility) OR Education & ExperienceSubstitution: 3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Benefits and Eligibility) Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: * Occasional travel outside of Cheyenne may be required NOTES: * FLSA: Non-Exempt * The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. * Successful applicant will be required to pass a Federal and State background check. * The Social Security Administration (SSA) began implementing the HSPD-12 program department-wide on October 27, 2005. Only those individuals who meet the minimum requirements under the process will be issued an SSA HSPD-12 credential. Along with this new process are new requirements: * Everyone issued an ID badge must have a favorable background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint check; for most people, this will mean a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI). * All personnel must present two forms of identification (I-9 Documents), one of which must include a photo. * For the Veteran's preference consideration, supporting documentationmust accompany your application. Supplemental Information 053-Department of Workforce Services - Disability Determination Services Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure. Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:compensationcalculator.wyo.gov URL:The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.