Disability Retirement Investigator (Limited-Term)

DISABILITY RETIREMENT INVESTIGATOR (LIMITED-TERM)

Limited-term positions are funded for a specific duration—this assignment is estimated to last approximately three (3) years. While limited in funding, incumbents appointed to limited-term roles receive the same benefits as regular employees. All limited-term positions are subject to the same probationary period as regular-status positions within the same classification. 

NOTE: All County of Orange classifications will receive a 3% increase to the salary range, effective Friday, September 4, 2026.

The application period will open on a continuous basis until the position is filled.

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is now accepting online applications for the Disability Retirement Investigator recruitment.
 
WHO WE ARE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $30 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.

Mission
OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision
OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values

• Open and Transparent

• Commitment to Superior Service

• Engaged and Dedicated Workforce

• Reliable and Accurate

• Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY
OCERS is seeking a Disability Retirement Investigator. This position will report directly to the Disability Director. In this role, the Disability Retirement Investigator will work closely with the OCERS Disability team and the Legal staff to prepare and process OCERS disability retirement applications. The selected incumbent will be expected to work independently, possess strong analytical and communication skills, be attentive to details and work effectively with others.

Under general supervision, the Disability Retirement Investigator will investigate claims of County and District employees for disability retirement benefits from OCERS. The selected incumbent will interview witnesses, review and analyze medical reports and employer documents, gather information, review records, make recommendations based on the evidence presented and perform other work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The responsibilities of the successful candidate will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Counsel applicants throughout the disability application process.

• Ascertain and implement appropriate methods of investigation for the gathering of evidence presented in support of applications for disability retirement filed by members of the OCERS.

• Thoroughly read, comprehend, and digest extensive volumes of medical records, personnel files, legal documents, and other information related to disability retirement claims.

• Analyze workers’ compensation files and interview applicants, co-workers, supervisors, and others as necessary to obtain a complete record of the circumstances surrounding applicants’ claims for disability retirement.

• Conduct thorough investigations into cases where irregularities or uncertainties arise. Identify red flags, inconsistencies, and missing documents within the medical records.

• Apply critical thinking skills to assess the validity of medical records and determine their alignment with applicable laws and regulations.

• Demonstrate a keen understanding of workers' compensation procedures and regulations, leveraging any existing experience in the field.

• Prepare detailed reports and case summaries. Make well-informed recommendations regarding the entitlement of applicants to disability retirement benefits based on a thorough analysis of medical records and legal criteria.

• May be requested to appear before a hearing officer if cases go to appeal.

• Provide excellent customer service when interacting with applicants, vendors, and representatives, ensuring clear communication and addressing inquiries or concerns promptly.

• Serve as a point of contact for applicants, maintaining professionalism and empathy in all interactions.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
Three years of experience in an assignment that requires the evaluation of workers' compensation claims or other benefits claims applications for a public or private entity.

Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or other closely related field, may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience at the rate of three-semester units equaling one month of experience and one hour of training equaling one hour of experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university beyond a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or other closely related field, may be substituted for up to an additional year of the required experience at the rate of three-semester units equaling one month of experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of
Methods and techniques of investigation, including interviewing, gathering, and analyzing medical evidence; OCERS policies and procedures.

Ability to

• Ability to gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and make sound judgments.

• Ability to prepare clear, concise, comprehensive reports.

• Strong critical thinking abilities to identify inconsistencies and red flags, and assess the overall merit of disability retirement cases.

• Demonstrated attention to detail, leaving no aspect of a case unexamined and ensuring accuracy in decision-making.

• Natural curiosity and a proactive approach to investigating discrepancies or unusual patterns in medical documentation.

• Ability to grasp and apply relevant laws and regulations to make informed recommendations.

• Teachable and adaptable, open to learning and staying updated on changes in disability retirement laws and procedures.

• Preferred experience in workers' compensation to enhance understanding of related processes.

• Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and empathetically.

• Effective collaboration with internal teams, vendors, and representatives to facilitate the resolution of disability retirement cases.

Attributes

• Smart, analytical thinker with a high level of intellectual curiosity.

• Detail-oriented individual who takes pride in thorough and accurate work.

• Proactive problem solver, able to identify and address issues before they escalate.

• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with various stakeholders.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

• Strong work ethic and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes in a timely manner.

License/Certification
Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment.

Special Requirements
Applicants must pass a background investigation to the satisfaction of the hiring authority. Please click here for details on this classification.

Please click here for details on this classification.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Body mobility to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, squat, and work with hands and arms above shoulder level to retrieve case files and mobility to sit for prolonged periods while in meetings; manual dexterity to hand write information and to use a keyboard to enter information into a computer system and operate office equipment; strength to lift and carry case files up to 10 lbs., and to pull open and push closed file cabinet drawers; mental stamina and interpersonal skills to professionally interact and carry out duties; vision sufficient to read standard text and a computer screen; hear and speak well enough to communicate with others in person, in front of a group, and on the phone.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The primary workplace is in an office environment, working with standard office equipment; peripheral office equipment generates a quiet to moderate noise level; operates in an environment that includes elected officials, non-elected officials, government agencies, community interest groups, and the general public in the development and coordination of OCERS affairs; travel may be required to attend professional conferences and meetings.

BENEFITS
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, vacation and healthcare leave, paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a retirement plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Participation in a deferred compensation plan is also available. OCERS also offers a $10,000 annual Educational and Professional Reimbursement.

RECRUITMENT PROCEDURE

Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer)
OCERS' Human Resources Department will screen all application materials to identify qualified candidates. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental information form will be disqualified from further consideration. After screening, the more qualified candidates will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process and notified via e-mail of all further procedures applicable to their application status.

Spark Hire Interview | Video Interview

Referred candidates will be required to complete a one-way pre-screening interview on the Spark Hire video interview platform. In this process, candidates will record their responses to a set of structured questions. Subject matter experts will then evaluate these video interviews to determine if candidates qualify for the next phase of the selection process.

Qualifications Appraisal Panel | Oral Interview

Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.

Based on OCERS' needs and the number of applications received, the selection procedures listed above may be modified, and all affected candidates will be notified.

HOW TO APPLY

• Only online applications with the completed supplemental questions will be accepted. Your application should highlight all of the areas in which you have developed expertise, matching your professional experience with the specific qualifications listed above.

• It is recommended that you record or print your confirmation page, as this verifies receipt of your online application. 

• You may apply online at the OCERS website: https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Alyna Conley at (714) 569-4851 or email aconley@ocers.org.

Do not submit a resume to this email address as they will not be considered in lieu of the required application process.