Disability Claims Examiner Assistant

The State of Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Disability Determination Services, is presently accepting applications for three (3) vacancies to fill the Disability Claims Examiner Assistant positions. 

In Disability Determination Services, disability examiners are responsible for adjudicating disability claims filed through the Social Security Administration (SSA).  Disability examiners are required to analyze medical evidence, evaluate vocational information, assess technical criteria of the Social Security Administration disability program, and prepare written determinations to evaluate eligibility for benefits.  Computer and telephone skills are required.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Sabrina Betts at sabrina.betts@ct.gov or (860) 424-4985.

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

NOTE:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  If selected to interview, please bring the following at the time of interview:

• Non State Employee: Three (3) professional references from current or former Supervisor. 
• State Employee: Two (2) most recent service ratings at the time of interview. 

In the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Disability Determination Services, this class is accountable for the determination of eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.

Performs a limited range of duties in the determination of disability benefits; evaluates and adjudicates initial, reconsiderations and childhood applications for disability filed under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs; reviews evidence and renders determinations of eligibility in accordance with Social Security Administration law, court orders, rulings, and regulations; develops and analyzes complex medical, non-medical, and vocational evidence for consistency, validity, and sufficiency; contacts claimants, physicians, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, rehabilitation facilities, attorneys and other claimant representatives to gather documentary evidence; confers with medical and other consultants to resolve complex problems; determines need for consultative examinations to obtain additional evidentiary documentation; prepares pertinent findings of fact, evaluates totality of evidence, and determines capacity of claimant to engage in substantial gainful activity; prepares written reports to document decision and issues formal determinations of eligibility; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of disabling conditions and medical terminology; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to gather, analyze, evaluate significant information pertinent to the claimant; ability in report writing; ability to relate to different cultural and economic backgrounds; ability to organize time, set priorities and manage workload using an electronic system.

Five (5) years of experience in the determination of disability within a state disability determination agency.

College training in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, special education, social work, or related behavioral or social science may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree OR a Master's degree.

Candidates must possess:

• Knowledge of disabling medical conditions and medical terminology with an understanding of vocational issues and the demands of work. 
• Understanding of the Social Security Administration disability program.   
• Case management skills along with experience dealing with high volume caseloads. 

Preference will be given to those with a Master’s degree.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license or Identification Card.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel with or without an accommodation.

Under Sec 17b-651a of the CGS each incumbent offered a position of employment with the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Disability Determination Services, shall be required to submit to fingerprinting and state and national criminal history records checks as provided in section 29-17a and 404.s.c. S 11331, the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 and Executive Order 13467; and individuals must meet the credentialing standard of 221 of the Social Security Act.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.