Job/Position DescriptionThe Disability Specialist I adjudicates Social Security Administration (SSA) adult and childhood disability cases. Researches and verifies DDS jurisdiction to process incoming cases; returns to SSA any cases DDS is proscribed from processing. Solicits medical evidence of record (MER), activities of daily living (ADL) information, detailed descriptions of past relevant work (PRW), education records and teacher evaluations on child claimants, and other information required to evaluate disability and properly document the case file. Applies the SSA Sequential Evaluation (SE) process to determine whether a claimant is disabled. Orders Consultative Examinations (CEs) to investigate undocumented claimant allegations and/or clarify medical evidence. Prepares a detailed analysis of the cumulative effect of all medically determined physical and mental impairments on: residual functional capacity (RFC) for adults; ability to function at an age-appropriate level in six developmental domains for children. Assesses the cumulative impact of developmental deficits to determine disability in childhood cases. Develops complete claimant vocational profiles for adults. Determines adult disability by assessing a claimantand#146;s potential ability to work based on a complex analysis of: vocational profiles; RFC limitations; PRW performance criteria as described by the claimant and by standard occupation references; results from research of national economy job references. Creates forms, letters and supporting materials required to document disability decisions. Identifies and reports for investigation cases involving potential fraud. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position occasionally requires work during the weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours. DDS employees perform all business functions for SSA, using the federal SSA network and equipment.Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 security clearance is required.Essential Job FunctionsAttends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.Develops adult physical/mental RFC and childhood developmental assessments to: document diagnoses/objective evidence, including signs, symptoms, and lab/test results for all alleged disabling impairments; assess residual capacity to function based on extensive knowledge of physical/mental conditions and disease processes and their effect on functionality; apply witness credibility legal standards to assess claimant or treating physician statements regarding disability in the final decision process. Develops comprehensive vocational profiles for adults, and determines adult medical/vocational eligibility for disability, applying complex SSA vocational standards and evaluative tools to assess a claimantand#146;s potential ability to return to PRW or perform other work.Determines when available information is sufficient to evaluate impairments alleged by the claimant. Creates all forms, letters, and supporting materials required to properly document the final disability determination. Completes the determination in a timely manner.Reviews all file documentation upon receipt of disability cases, researching and investigating information that may affect DDS jurisdiction to adjudicate the case. Returns cases that are not DDS jurisdiction to SSA without action for correction or closure. Applies pr https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=619224 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.
