Disability Determination Administrator

Disability Determination Service (DDS) is the state agency that processes Social Security Disability claims under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. We are the only DDS in Delaware and receive all disability claims in our state. We provide quality customer service to Delawareans through timely and accurate disability decisions.

The Disability Determination Administrator supervises the Quality Assurance Unit, provides policy guidance, develops and recommends training resources based on trends, submits formal rebuttals of federal returns, and represents DDS on quality meetings. You will be responsible for conducting reviews of disability claims by adjudicator staff. This involves identifying deficiencies in case work, documenting findings, and citing the relevant policies to provide next-step actions to bring claims into compliance. As the Administrator, you will work as the Vocational Specialist within the agency.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Reviews claims and plans case development to adjudicate claims.
• Gathers necessary medical, vocational and other evidence by telephone and letter contact to clarify initially submitted information and obtain additional information needed to adjudicate a case.
• Reviews and analyzes medical, psychological, psychiatric, social, educational and vocational evidence to determine the severity of medically determinable impairments, justifiable onset date, and credible work-related limitations in accordance with Federal regulations and programmatic mandates.
• Requests consultative medical examinations to adjudicate claims and manages scheduling arrangements with medical providers and claimants to ensure that claimants attend examinations.
• Researches the affects of disease processes and resulting impact on the ability to perform work-related activities.
• Prepares documentation for favorable decisions; prepares written decision rationales and letters to inform claimants of unfavorable decisions made on their disability applications; and explains due-process and appeal rights.
• Authorizes payment of medical invoices.
• Maintains up-to-date reference materials and manuals necessary to the adjudication process.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Disability Determination Administrator
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Three years experience in evaluating disability claims and making disability determinations.
2. Three years experience in interpreting Social Security Administration laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
3. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
4. Knowledge of program administration such as overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services; planning and establishing short and long range program goals and objectives. Providing advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
5. Knowledge of budget development which includes developing a budget, analyzing financial data and making long and short range plans and projections.
6. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Telework and Alternative Work Schedules after the probationary period as according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy. More information will be shared at the time of interview. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Criminal background check:  A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

At the State of Delaware, we invest in our people and support them in and outside of the office. Our employees enjoy a total compensation package that far exceeds the value of their base salary. We offer comprehensive benefit plans that will give you peace of mind and security. Below is a list of benefits that are offered to eligible employees:

Health and Well Being

*Health Benefits, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance

Just In Case

*Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance

Your Future

*Retirement Benefits, Deferred Compensation

Professional Growth

*Training and Development Programs

Work Life Balance

*Paid Leave, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Alternative Work Schedules

More Benefits

*Flexible Spending, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

Visit Statewide Benefits for more information!

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. 

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. 

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.