Title:  Disability Determination Adjudicator I - Limited Service

Overview

This position decides the medical eligibility of applicants for Social Security and Medicaid disability benefits in the Office of Disability Determination Services in the Department for Children and Families. Responsibilities include seeking and investigating, then analyzing and evaluating, medical and psychological evidence, subjective and objective data, and medical and non-medical statements and opinions, for the purpose of concluding applicant's residual functional capacity to work. Employees in this class perform duties with increasing latitude and independence of medical, judicial, discretionary and evaluative judgment as they become familiar with the job duties, medical diagnosis, treatment, severity, and functional impact issues, applicable laws, court case decisions, Social Security Rulings, and regulatory and policy guidelines. This first level in the Disability Determination Adjudicator series decides initial claims, while the higher levels handle appeals and periodic reviews of eligibility as well. At this first level, the adjudicator has broad authority and judicial discretion for the medical/functional assessment of all adult physical impairments, independent of medical consultant review., but receives more input and direction from medical consultants with regard to the impact of mental impairment and childhood disability evaluation. Work is performed under the supervision of a Disability Determination Services Operation Supervisor. All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.

Who May Apply

This position, Disability Determination Adjudicator I - Limited Service (Job Requisition #20511), is open to all State employees and external applicants. It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 
 
If you would like more information about the duration of this position or other details, please contact jack.mccormack@ssa.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.

 

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS:  Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position.  In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Incumbents must organize and cope with highly complex, detailed information and a heavy caseload with exacting requirements for simultaneous quality, timeliness, productivity and cost-effectiveness. Duties are performed largely in a standard office setting, but with some need to travel for training and organizational partnership activities. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. Although duties normally are performed during regular office hours, some evening or even weekend activity may be necessary. Incumbents can expect to encounter emotional and stressful situations in dealing with clients with severe disabilities and financial hardship.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher AND two (2) years or more of experience using multiple computer software programs simultaneously, analyzing and synthesizing large volumes of information from lengthy electronic documents.

Special Requirements

All candidates must pass applicable State background checks in accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, State of Vermont tax compliance and criminal record checks, and Federal requirements for all DDS employees, including fingerprinting for FBI clearance and a Federal Public Trust background investigation. 

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.