Disability Analyst

This post is hiring for Trainee and Disability Analyst positions.   Federal positions may be filled based on the availability of Federal funding.
 
Are you looking for a job with flexibility that supports work/life balance? At the North Carolina Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS), there are several aspects that support work/life balance. After completing four of the twelve months in the trainee program, you not only receive a salary increase upon meeting expectations, but you also are able to work with your supervisor to determine start times between 6:00 am and 9:30 am for your 8 hour workday. Upon completing the 12-month training program, if you meet the work expectations outlined in the office procedure, you receive an additional salary increase and are also able to request a Flexible Working Schedule (four ten hour days and one day off or four nine hour days and one four hour day with a half day off). After six months of successful employment, we offer teleworking options. We offer free parking.  Food Truck options are often available. Our office is easily accessible from many locations (440 Beltline and highway 64).  At the DDS, we care about providing a timely and accurate decision for our claimants as well as look for opportunities to support and retain employees.  
 
This position is located at the Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) at the Department of Health and Human Services in Raleigh, NC. This agency makes medical entitlement decisions on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid disability claims. In order to adjudicate initial-level disability claims, individuals analyze and develop complex medical, vocational, functional, and programmatic data to determine whether an individual is eligible for benefits. The Analyst must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine an applicant’s ability to engage in productive work. Work performed by the Disability Analyst is production oriented involving tight deadlines, high quality demands, and high work volume expectations. All work is performed in an electronic environment.  This work environment utilizes a personal computer with dual monitors. Production of forms and evaluations are done utilizing the computer. Selected applicants must pass a screening test to qualify for an interview. After four months of classroom training on program criteria, trainees begin working initial-level disability claims.
 
For Trainee positions, the ideal candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and candidates contacted by the hiring team will be required to complete an assessment that analyzes writing skills.  The starting salary is $44,000.  The Disability Determination Services Division has a Career Progression process that provides Disability Analyst-in-Training staff making satisfactory progress a maximum of 10% In-Range Adjustments within a 12-month period.   After 4 months in the training class, the salary for staff making satisfactory progress increases by 2%. Upon successful completion of the full 12 month training period, the salary increases again by 8% to $48,470.  
 
For Disability Analyst positions, applicants must possess formal DDS training in the evaluation of Social Security or Medicaid Disability claims and a minimum of one year's experience in the adjudication of initial Disability claims. Only applicants with this specific experience will be considered. Candidates also must possess detailed familiarity with SSA disability medical and vocational criteria, policies and procedures, related court decisions and administrative rulings. This position requires the ability to process initial-level disability claims, which include the development of medical and other information in an electronic or paper environment to determine whether an applicant is eligible for benefits, and make a decision of entitlement. The Analyst must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine an applicant's ability to engage in productive work. Production of forms and evaluations are done utilizing the computer. This includes reading electronic images of medical records.

About the NC Department of Health and Human Services:
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to serving the needs of the most vulnerable individuals in North Carolina. The department seeks highly dedicated and compassionate individuals to join its workforce. Meeting the growing demand for services and finding qualified clinical professionals remains an ongoing challenge. The department is committed to providing North Carolinians with the best possible clinical care and is looking for motivated individuals who are up to the challenge.

About the DHHS Human Resources Division:
The DHHS Human Resources Division is responsible for strategic and tactical human capital management within the department. The division ensures compliance with federal and state rules and regulations related to employee relations, recruitment and selection, job evaluation, salary administration, benefits, workers' compensation, safety, and staff development. To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Qualified candidates must document on the application that they possess all of the following:
Please refer to the link below for additional information
https://oshr.nc.gov/work-for-nc/how-do-i-get-job 


•           Demonstrated strong organizational skills with managing several tasks simultaneously

•           Documented experience providing customer service to the public

•           Demonstrated analytical and problems solving skills

•           Proficiency in use of computer applications and keyboarding skills  Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.

Candidates with advanced level of DDS claims adjudication experience, as outlined in the Management Preferences section, may qualify for the Advanced Senior Disability Analyst level within the position classification. Analysts at this level must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine and applicant's ability to engage in productive work, and routinely adjudicate Initial, Reconsideration, Age 18 Redetermination Cases, Continuing Disability Reviews, agency policy training, mentoring staff, and work unit quality review.

MINIMIUM QUALIFICATIONS:  
Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution; and or equivalent combination of education and experience.
 
MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:
For Trainee Positions: Bachelor’s degree in the fields of Communications, Science, Vocational Rehabilitation, Business, Behavioral, Health or Social Sciences or related field.
 
For positions other than Trainee: At least 24 months of documented experience as a Disability Analyst (48 months without a four year degree) at a State DDS office or federal SSA component. Documented experience adjudicating all of the following claim types: Initial, Reconsideration, Age 18 Redetermination Cases, Continuing Disability Reviews, agency policy training, mentoring staff, and work unit quality review.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Consideration for this vacancy, all applicants must complete an on-line application using this link, http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/index.html.  If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting close date will be evaluated for the consideration.  

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log into your account and click "Application Status". You will either receive a call to schedule an interview or an e-mail notifying you when the job has been filled. 
  
For technical issues with your applications, please call the NeoGov help line at 855-524-5627. Applicants will be communicated with via e-mail only for updates on the status of their application. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact the DDS HR Office at 919-814-2441.
  
Applications must be received by 5pm on the closing date. Please follow the instructions to apply online. In order to receive credit for all of your work and education history, all information must be listed on the State of North Carolina application. Statements such as "see resume" will not be accepted and will be considered incomplete. 
  
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference should submit a copy of Form DD-214. RIF candidates must attach their notification letter.
  
A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems.  Following the interview process, the recommended candidate will be contacted and asked to submit to an initial pre-screen Federal background investigation through the SSA Office of Human Resources (DCHR). If the pre-screen is favorable, a conditional job offer can be extended.  After a new hire's start date, continued employment is still contingent upon full suitability clearance through the DCHR, which entails submitting to a detailed security questionnaire and a potential interview from a DCHR investigator that may include the need for a medical release from the individual during the investigative process.  At any point during employment, a final determination by the SSA that the employee does not have a favorable suitability determination will lead to termination of employment.
   
DHHS selects applicants based on job related knowledge, skills & abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or political influence.