DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY

Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME)

Disability Determination Services Administration (DDSA)

Address: 4710 South Palo Verde Road, Tucson, Arizona 85714 

Salary: 24.1905 Hourly

Grade: 19

Closing Date: October 15, 2024

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov or click on the link here to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team!

The Disability Determination Services Administration is seeking a Disability Determination Specialist that can skillfully incorporate the goals of the company. This position will review  medical evidence to decide whether applicants applying for Social Security disability benefits meets eligibility criteria.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment while processing/making decisions on Social Security Disability Claims, including Re-determinations and Reconsideration Disability Claims (1st level of appeal) as described by SSA/DDSA policies and procedures in accordance with Federal and State rules and regulations.
- Makes final decisions on complex Social Security Disability claims.
- Gathers vocational, functional or medical evidence from claimant, third parties and existing medical sources.
- Interviews claimants by phone/or in person to resolve questions on application forms.

Knowledge of:

- Complex Federal laws, regulations and policies governing eligibility for disability benefits under provisions of the Social Security Act
- Program planning and evaluation methods, management and program policies, practices and procedures
- Medical, physiological, and psychiatric terminology, including the effects of medical, physiological, and psychiatric conditions on functional capacity
- Policies and procedures established for the work system; research analysis of statistical data or policy/procedural changes; computer programs; principles and practices of leadership and management

Skill in:

- Critical thinking, detail-oriented, using automated systems to enter, retrieve, research, analyze and interpret statistical and programmatic data
- Reading, understanding, and interpreting complex federal, state, department, and legislative rules, laws, policies and procedures
- Managing and balancing various management and administrative functions and presenting information on complex issues and ideas clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Navigating multiple applications simultaneously and gathering, organizing, and summarizing information and data from varied sources, creating and maintaining comprehensive reports

Ability to:

- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of public and private organizations, institutions, agencies, and individuals
- Communicate effectively while exercising a high degree of discretion and independent judgment
- Create, maintain, and complete special projects and reports with accuracy and timeliness while handling daily demands, change of priorities, and adapt to rapid changes in workload as required
- Effectively communicate and/or present plans and respond to questions from management and work with limited direction, independently as well as in a team.

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

- Bachelor’s degree plus two years of professional level experience in adjudicating disability determinations for the Social Security Administration OR five years of related experience.

- If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
- Successfully pass background and reference checks; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the agency’s ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
- All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities
• Flexible schedules to create a work/life balance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.

On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact Jason Hamm at 520-235-1130 or JHamm@azdes.gov.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 520-235-1130 or JHamm@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.