Social Insurance Specialist (Disability Processing Specialist) Direct Hire

About the role

This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available. Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement.

Responsibilities

• Serves as an authoritative specialist and expert in the adjudication of disability cases under Title II and Title XVI programs.
• Makes determinations on disability claims – including initial claims, reconsiderations, and medical continuing disability reviews (CDRs) – in accordance with SSA program rules.
• Provides appropriate support and compelling rationale for conclusions, including preparing assessments of physical and psychological residual functional capacity and medical improvement in CDRs.
• Obtains and analyzes medical and other evidence in case records, collaborates with medical consultants, and reviews information from beneficiaries, claimants, third parties, and authorized representatives.
• Effectively organizes and prioritizes multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely and accurate completion despite shifting deadlines.
• Prepares correspondence, including notices of determinations affecting claimants’ rights and benefits, and provides responses to inquiries regarding claims information or rationale for determinations.
• Performs a comprehensive and intensive review of the disability aspects of selected Title II and Title XVI claims and continuing disability reviews, including initial actions and reconsideration of previous denials or cessation by state agencies to evaluate regionwide application of disability policies and procedures.
• Modifies, reverses, or reaffirms state agency determinations in accordance with the provisions of Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act.
• Approves disability claims for payment and continuance of benefits; reviews payment and eligibility quality review program sample cases.
• Prepares reports on serious deficiencies and trends in the quality of state agency operations; identifies significant operational problems and training needs.
• Reviews new instructions and policies; conducts training for new examiners.

Requirements

• Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered. Visit the new resume guidance for more information.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• To qualify for this GS-12 Disability Processing Specialist position, you must demonstrate at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-11 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
• Such experience should primarily include:
  • Making medical determinations of disability at the initial, reconsideration, and/or continuing disability review level.
  • Reviewing, developing, examining, investigating, and/or adjudicating and authorizing complex claims for medical disability programs.
• Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.

Education

For GS-12: Substitution is not applicable for the grade level.

Additional Information

• Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
• This is a bargaining unit position represented by the American Federation of Government Employees.
• This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing.
• One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.
• This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule; Alternate Work Schedules (AWS) may be authorized.
• This position is not a hybrid telework position. This position is in office five days per week. Episodic telework may be permitted on an occasional, irregular basis for special situations, subject to supervisory approval.
• Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
• Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Join SSA, one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government, to help manage Social Security programs, analyze and solve problems, advise millions of retired and disabled individuals, and work on a team to make a difference in people's lives.