Title:  Disability Determination Adjudicator III

Who May Apply

This position, Disability Determination Adjudicator III (Job Requisition #53420), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact donald.macarthur@vermont.gov
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail.  You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

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.

Class Definition

This position reviews and decides the medical eligibility, including initial claims, appeals and continuing eligibility, of applicants and beneficiaries for the Social Security and Medicaid disability programs 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 degree of medical improvement and current functional capacity to work. When performing reviews of continuing eligibility, great care must be taken to ensure the beneficiary is afforded all substantive and technical legal due process rights before determining to cease benefits. The incumbent must ensure that no stone is left unturned in the total investigation and documentation of the determination before a final cessation of benefits is effectuated. This class also reviews the appeals of benefit cessation decisions by other adjudicators and either overturns the cessation decision or prepares the case for the disability hearing. This class differs from the DDS Claims Adjudicator II level in that the incumbent reviews the claims of beneficiaries who have potentially been receiving benefits for many years, and in that it has broad independent authority and judicial discretion for the medical/functional assessment of pediatric and childhood mental impairments, as well as adult physical and mental impairments. In addition to the knowledge, skills and abilities required at the II level, this position requires the incorporation of Social Security's medical improvement review standards and a thorough comprehension of all the ramifications of pediatric and childhood mental impairments. This class also determines the continuing eligibility of child beneficiaries through a complex evaluation of medical improvement, including a comparative analysis of the child's functional changes over time in relation to maturational timeline norms. This class differs from the Senior Adjudicator level in that it does not involve disability hearings, office-wide quality review, training development/presentation, and other assistant supervisory responsibilities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Disability Determination Operations 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.

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 and/or telework. Duties are normally performed during regular office hours, but some flexibility is granted based on employee and office needs. Very occasional weekend hours may be required. Due to the nature of cases involved (contested disability determinations and possible loss of benefits), it may be necessary to deal with emotional and sensitive issues, by telephone, with claimants who have severe disabilities and dire financial needs, and with their attorneys and other advocates.

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year or more of current experience as a Disability Determination Adjudicator II or the equivalent experience in medical and vocational adjudication of appeals of Social Security disability claims in a federal or state Social Security disability determination program.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience using multiple computer software programs simultaneously, analyzing and synthesizing large volumes of information from lengthy electronic documents in order to elicit the relevant information

Experience analyzing complex information and form conclusions, supporting them in a clear, concise and convincing manner

Knowledge of medical terminology and impairments

Superior organizational skills and ability to manage a high volume caseload

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 and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• 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