DSHS DDS Disability Hearings Manager

About the role

The Washington Division of Disability Determination Services, within DSHS, is seeking a Disability Hearings Unit (DHU) Manager. In this role, you will work closely with other members of the Executive Leadership Team to develop, plan, and implement division-wide policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives. Travel is required as you manage experienced, program-expert adjudicators who conduct Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Social Security Administration (SSA) disability hearings statewide, process complex specialized caseloads, and represent the Executive Leadership Team for federal disability hearing and state Fair Hearing policy matters. You will use your knowledge and expertise regarding the application of federal law and adjudication of Social Security disability claims at all levels of adjudicative staff, including supervisors, managers, senior leadership, and SSA specialists.

Responsibilities

• Oversee statewide operation of the Disability Hearings Unit
• Supervise, train, and certify hearing officers
• Assure quality control and compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), and the SSA Program Operation Manual Systems (POMS)
• Responsible for the training and quality assurance of written decisions
• Provide assistance in complex cases
• Appear as an expert witness for Title XIX Non-Grant Medical Assistance Fair Hearings
• Determine production goals, standards, workflow, and accuracy; assign cases
• Develop hearing procedures, interpret policy, problem-solve, and review work to ensure accuracy of hearing decisions
• Implement and assure compliance with SSA policy and regulation mandates and changes, quality and production initiatives, and budgetary changes
• Evaluate, develop, and establish business processes and policies to ensure goals and objectives can be met and maintained
• Respond to questions; advise and problem-solve with staff from SSA, DSHS, State and Federal Administrative Law Judges, advocates, attorneys, and claimants
• Evaluate workload and resources and determine the number of staff necessary to meet SSA annual performance goals
• Direct, mentor, train, and advise DHU staff statewide and establish performance plans
• Ensure all DHU staff receive appropriate training and experience to perform the duties of their position and create a work environment that will retain a productive and efficient workforce
• Oversee hearing officers who travel to SSA and DSHS offices around the state, conducting face-to-face administrative hearings with claimants and their representatives, and administer travel budgets and reimbursements for staff
• Responsible for ensuring hearings are conducted according to federal law and ensure safety of hearing officers

Qualifications

Professionals with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in social science, a medical-related discipline, or other applicable field, and at least three years of supervisory, managerial, or specialized experience in a Disability Determination Services or Social Security Administration office. Additional qualifying experience at a DDS or SSA office may be substituted year for year for the bachelor's degree requirements. And, at least five years of experience working in a Disability Determination Services or Social Security Administration as an Adjudicator.

Additional requirements

• Individuals selected for positions with the Division of Disability Determination Services (DDDS) must undergo a Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) background investigation, including fingerprinting submitted to the FBI and a complete Federal Background check
• A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials to access Social Security data, records, and systems
• Continued employment is contingent upon a full suitability investigation
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted; information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence
• Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license
• Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle

Supplemental information

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. If selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command per DSHS Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy prohibiting nepotism. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.