Social Insurance Specialist (Disability Processing Specialist) Direct Hire

Full Job Description

Positions under this announcement are being filled using a Direct Hire Authority (DHA), open to all U.S. citizens.

Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would be given new appointments to the civil service.

Under the provisions of the DHA, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. NOTE: Telework may be available in accordance with agency policy. This IS NOT a virtual position.

Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

If you are using experience to qualify, you must have: GS-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-11 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Such experience includes all of the following: 1) making medical determinations of disability at the initial, reconsideration, and/or medical continuing disability review level; and 2) reviewing, developing, examining, investigating, and/or adjudicating and authorizing complex claims for medical disability programs; and 3) knowledge of claims analysis and adjudication of medical disabilities, medical terms and findings, causes of diseases, treatment methods and probable results, and relation of physical impairments to ability and vocational analysis; and 4) developing and evaluating pertinent medical facts and evidence to apply and interpret state and federal laws, regulations, policies, precedents and other criteria for physical and mental impairment disability cases.

Major Duties:

• This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
• Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed.
• Serves as an authoritative specialist and expert in the adjudication of disability cases under Title II and Title XVI programs.
• Makes determinations on disability claims – including initial claims, reconsiderations, and medical continuing disability reviews (CDRs) – in accordance with SSA program rules.
• Provides appropriate support and compelling rationale for conclusions, including preparing assessments of physical and psychological residual functional capacity and medical improvement in CDRs.
• Obtains and analyzes medical and other evidence in case records, collaborates with medical consultants, and reviews information from beneficiaries, claimants, third parties, and authorized representatives.
• Effectively organizes and prioritizes multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely and accurate completion despite shifting deadlines.
• Prepares correspondence, including notices of determinations affecting claimants’ rights and benefits, and provides responses to inquiries regarding claims information or rationale for determinations.