Disability Determination Hearing Officer

Overview

The incumbent for this position processes a variety of levels of Social Security Disability claims and interprets and applies applicable rules, regulations and the Policy Operations Manual governing the program. They will conduct hearings for individuals wishing to appeal a continuing disability review decision. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating new adjudicator training class as well as conduct monthly refresher classes. The individual may liaison with stakeholders and partner with the quality team on office educational needs.

Essential Functions

• Reviews the entire written case record and researches and consults pertinent regulations, rulings and other reference sources prior to each hearing to identify all issues to be considered at the hearing.
• Analyzes case record to determine if sufficient evidence exists in file on which to base a decision; returns cases with insufficient documentation back to adjudicator for further development; determines accuracy of decision to terminate benefits and may reverse decision prior to hearing.
• Conducts hearing with beneficiary and representatives to provide due process; governs the conduct of the parties and regulates the course of the proceedings by administering oaths, ruling on motions, examining evidence and witnesses and resolving conflicting evidence through questioning.
• Completes a written summary during the course of the hearing to serve as a record of the hearing.
• Analyzes and evaluates all evidence, prior decisions and testimony in each case at conclusion of each hearing; determines the weight to be given to evidence and judges the severity of impairments and effects of vocational and non-medical factors in relation to ability to work by consulting Social Security laws, rulings, regulations and guidelines.
• Develops written rationale for the decision of allowance or denial of disability benefit which encompasses all pertinent factors.
• Supervises the preparation of written notification to the beneficiary and other parties of the decision and informs them of appeal rights.
• Performs public relations work across the state, as needed, with legal community for the purpose of facilitating, clarifying and enhancing the hearing process.
• Develops and conducts training programs targeted to the technical training needs of DDS staff.
• Assists with the overall administration of the DDS program by serving on special committees for the on-going development of policy and procedures and recommending on program changes.
• May issue subpoenas as authorized by the SSA Regional Commissioner to obtain evidence or testimony for a hearing.

Job Requirements

Additional Posting Information

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

Conditions of Hire

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.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

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.

Benefits

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

Selection Process

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

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.

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.

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