9-Month Temporary Aide - Disability Examiner

Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

This work unit exists to produce accurate and timely disability determinations for the residents of Colorado in a courteous and cost-conscious manner following Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and regulations.  Disability Determination Services (DDS) receives applications from SSA and makes a medical eligibility determination using SSA’s criteria, found in the Program Operations Manual and Statistics (POMS) and judicial Social Security Rulings (SSRs).  DDS is 100% funded by SSA.  DDS gathers medical, psychological, functional, and vocational evidence to determine whether a claimant meets SSA’s medical eligibility criteria and writes a justification rationalizing its determination. The Policy Assurance Flex, PA/Flex, Unit of DDS identifies deficient disability claims at all stages of production and outlines the appropriate corrective action.  Inaddition it analyzes deficiency trends from SSA quality oversight teams; and recommends training and operational changes to the Management Team to address the deficiencies. This unit is responsible for the overall agency quality assurance components of the SSA program.

This is a Remote, Part-Time position.

 

Job Duties:

These temporary positions will: 

• Perform case adjudication, including Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), to assist with backlog. 
• Independently determine medical eligibility for disability benefits under the SSDI/SSI Program by gathering, evaluating and analyzing medical and non-medical data. 
• Independently review and analyze evidence of illness, injury, disease or other medical conditions and vocational factors which prevent an individual from working or gaining employment and render a determination to approve or deny disability benefits. Data is consolidated and correlated with SSDI/SSI program regulations, directives and agency guidelines to determine applicant’s ability to perform physical/mental work-related functions. 
• Evaluates continuing eligibility for people already receiving benefits using medical improvement standards. Based on preliminary evidence and Social Security disability regulations, program directives, and agency guidelines, position determines which claims will receive immediate temporary disability payments of about $500 per month plus Medicaid. The determination is carried out by accessing and evaluating electronic data. 
• Acts to prepare medical and psychological assessments independently, which allows experienced adjudicators to expedite the initial determination of disability in coordination and consultation with the state agency medical consultant (SAMC), whose signatory input is required by statute with narrow exceptions. Medical evaluation and analysis are completed, and the results are keyboarded into appropriate programs. 
• Documents the disability decision by citing legal references from the Social Security regulations. 
• Writes rationale to explain and justify the disability decision. Decisions and rationale are documented/recorded by keyboarding the information into the appropriate SSA/DDS software programs.

Interviews applicants, various professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, school psychologists, counselors, speech language pathologists, etc.) and other interested parties to obtain information critical to the disability determination. Information is documented by keyboarding it into the appropriate SSA/DDS software programs. Explain the Social Security disability programs to applicants, the public and various other professionals. Confers and collaborates with DDS contract medical consultants and other DDS specialists to clarify gathered data as needed.

Experience

What are the specific job experiences required from the applicant?

• Experience adjudicating disability claims

• Knowledge of medical terminology

• Proficiency using basic computer software and email

• Keyboarding proficiency

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• Excellent customer service skills

• Excellent decision-making skills

• Ability to work with a diverse constituency. 

Education

No specific degree is required as the DDS will train on specific information. The DDS will follow DPA guidelines for general degree (i.e. Bachelor’s degree) with experience substitutions for degree on a year-to-year basis in the following areas: (any combination of education and experience to equal the MQs from DPA.

Experience in an industry, professional environment, or government (State, Federal, County), agency that is highly regulated where a person has to evaluate and apply policy such as: Claims adjuster, examiner or investigator, Project/office management, Business Support Services/Analyst, Supervisory/Management, Accounting/Auditing, Case Management, Paralegal/Contract management, Medical/Veterinarian Technician - will substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.

Please note the experience substitutions are meant to be broad and inclusive of a variety of experience types.

• COWINS Partnership Agreement: Relevant years of State service should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process. Part-time relevant years of State service will be prorated. 

• TRANSFERS ONLY: Relevant years of State service will be considered as a preferred qualification and given the weight of at least 15% of the overall score under the process.

• Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidate's position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior, or other posted competency 

• Two years of disability determination work experience using SSA, SSI, and SSDI rules and regulations in a DDS electronic environment

• Demonstrated proficiency in Initial, Reconsideration (Recon) and Continuing Disability
  (CDR) case types

• Proficiency using basic computer software and email

• Keyboarding proficiency

• Ability to communicate effectively in potentially high-stress and confrontational situations

• Ability to multi-task and stay organized despite interruptions

• Excellent customer service skills

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with individuals with diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
  
  

Conditions of Employment:

• Standard background check and reference check required
  

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

  • Disclose that information on the application.

  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

CDHS Selection Process Explanation:

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hours per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process:

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review:

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties:

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. Ensure this information is documented in the Work Experience section of the application.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.     

Supplemental Questions:

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email ([email protected]), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

• Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

• The Assessment Process

• For additional recruiting questions, please contact [email protected].

Our Values:

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations:

CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

EEO Statement:

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  

The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application:

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.