Disability Specialist II

Location: Austin, TX

About the role

The Disability Specialist II/Claims Examiner II adjudicates Social Security Administration (SSA) adult and childhood disability cases. This position researches and verifies Disability Determination Services (DDS) jurisdiction to process incoming cases and returns to SSA any cases DDS is proscribed from processing. The role involves soliciting medical evidence of record (MER), activities of daily living (ADL) information, detailed descriptions of past relevant work (PRW), education records, teacher evaluations on child claimants, and other information required to evaluate disability and properly document the case file.

This position applies the SSA Sequential Evaluation (SE) process to determine whether a claimant is disabled, orders Consultative Examinations (CEs) to investigate undocumented claimant allegations and/or clarify medical evidence, and prepares a detailed analysis of the cumulative effect of all medically determined physical and mental impairments on residual functional capacity (RFC) for adults or ability to function at an age-appropriate level in six developmental domains for children. The role also develops complete vocational profiles for adults and determines disability by assessing a claimant’s potential ability to work based on vocational profiles, RFC limitations, PRW performance criteria, and national economy job references.

This position occasionally requires work during weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours. DDS employees perform all business functions for SSA using the federal SSA network and equipment. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Develops adult physical/mental residual functional capacity (RFC) and childhood developmental assessments to document diagnoses, objective evidence (including signs, symptoms, and lab/test results), and assess residual capacity to function. Applies witness credibility legal standards to assess claimant or treating physician statements regarding disability in the final decision process.
• Develops comprehensive vocational profiles for adults and determines adult medical/vocational eligibility for disability by applying complex SSA vocational standards and evaluative tools to assess a claimant’s potential ability to return to past relevant work (PRW) or perform other work. (20%)
• Determines when available information is sufficient to evaluate impairments alleged by the claimant. Creates all forms, letters, and supporting materials required to properly document the final disability determination and completes the determination in a timely manner. (20%)
• Reviews all file documentation upon receipt of disability cases, researching and investigating information that may affect DDS jurisdiction to adjudicate the case. Returns cases that are not DDS jurisdiction to SSA without action for correction or closure. Applies provisions of the Social Security Act, related Federal and State statutes, regulations, SSA rulings, and pertinent Federal Court rulings to decide whether a claimant is disabled. (20%)
• Establishes standards for customer-focused communication and coordination within areas of responsibility and with all internal and external associates and customers. (20%)
• Develops cases in a timely manner by contacting medical and non-medical sources for medical evidence of record (MER) relevant to alleged physical/mental impairments. Obtains functional and work history information about claimants to evaluate how alleged impairments affect their daily lives and ability to work. Orders Consultative Examinations (CE) to clarify evidence and properly document the impairments and the claimant’s current condition. (15%)
• Provides backup for absent Disability Specialists in accordance with established procedures. (5%)
• Identifies and reports for investigation cases involving potential fraud.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by September 1, 2026, or at least 24 months of experience as a Texas Disability Determination Services Pre-Development Specialist.
• Employment stability as demonstrated on the application.
• Documented experience using a personal computer.
• Documented experience communicating effectively in writing.
• Documented experience in managing time, organizing job-related responsibilities, and meeting deadlines.
• No history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers.
• Applicants with a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing to work in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment under constant pressure to meet required deadlines.
• Must successfully complete a federal background investigation and receive a suitability clearance through the Social Security Administration (SSA) to access SSA disability data, records, and systems.
• Fully onsite position; telework is not eligible.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the provisions of the Social Security Act, related Federal and State statutes, regulations, SSA rulings, pertinent court rulings, and the paper and electronic folder disability case processes for adult and childhood disability cases.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, physical and mental conditions and impairments, disease processes, the current impact/future implications/prognosis associated with mental and physical diagnoses, signs/symptoms/tests/lab results, and selected treatment modalities, and the potential impact of impairments on SSA disability eligibility.
• Knowledge of pediatric medical terminology, age-appropriate childhood development standards and milestones, the impact of physical/mental impairments and disease processes on childhood development, and the degree of severity of cumulative developmental deficits required for SSA disability benefits eligibility.
• Knowledge of legal principles as they apply to the SSA disability program, including: Res Judicata, Collateral Estoppel, Administrative Finality, Evidentiary Findings of Fact, Evidence Admissibility, Fraud and Similar Fault, and Witness Credibility.
• Knowledge of non-medical and vocational factors affecting job opportunities and a claimant’s ability to work, including: age; education; skills and abilities; vocational background; occupational categories/classifications; exertional and non-exertional criteria and standards used by the industry to classify all occupations in the national economy.
• Knowledge of all Federal and State laws governing confidentiality of personal information accessible in Social Security, medical evidence of record, and disability case files.
• Skill in documenting and adjudicating SSA disability cases.
• Skill in using a personal computer and peripherals, Microsoft Suite or equivalent software, and SSA-unique software applications such as the national Query system and the case management and adjudication system.
• Skill in making timely and accurate independent decisions.
• Skill in adapting to program changes and fluctuating workloads.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage time, organize job-related responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to gather, assemble, and evaluate pertinent information for all levels of cases, including appellate cases.

Pay

Salary Range: $4,594.16 - $5,094.16 per month

Schedule

• Full-time
• Day shift
• Monthly pay frequency

Benefits

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Generous time off benefits
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.