Job Class: Disability Examiner

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/20/2022
• Closing Date: 06/30/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Employ & Econ Development Dept / Employ & Economic Dev-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Disability Determination SVS / DDS Disability Determination
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Telework: This position may be eligible for some telework after completing 12 week training.
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $22.94 - $33.30/hourly; $47,899 - $69,530/annually
• Hiring Range: Step 01, $22.94/hourly; Salary for current state employees will be evaluated based on contract language
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes

*The successful candidate may be eligible for a $5,000.00 hiring incentive*

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions. Applications received from this posting will be used to fill current and future vacancies in this job class at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) through the closing date.

Please note that first contact with selected candidates will be by email from MNDDSCareer@ssa.gov or the Human Resources Team, please check your email regularly.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

Are you passionate about performing meaningful work and aspiring to cultivate a career in public service?

You will have an impact on the quality of life for Minnesotans with disabilities who apply for or receive Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits by making timely, consistent and accurate disability determinations.

Do you want to be challenged in a fast-paced adjudicative role that requires connecting pieces of a complex puzzle, interpreting regulations and policy?

You will receive training to investigate and make a decision on initial disability claims under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act.

Do you want an important role as a disability examiner?

You will independently maintain a high-volume workload while complying with agency standards for quality, production, and processing time.

You will obtain medical and vocational documentation via mail, phone and computer software systems.

You will interact on a professional level with clients, third parties, medical record departments, coworkers, and medical consultants.

You will read, annotate, and summarize medical records using medical terminology, and resolve conflicts within records, preparing written reports of findings. You will analyze medical assessments and vocational documentation.

You will make a final decision on the claim.

BENEFITS AND PERKS:

Do you want paid training?

You will receive paid training on critical components of the position, including: knowledge of data privacy, medical aspects of disability evaluation, medical terminology, disease processes and treatments, functional limitations, and vocational assessments. You will develop a knowledge of Social Security law, regulations, rulings, policies, and procedures that apply to adjudication of disability claims.

This mandatory twelve (12) week training class will prepare you to perform all of the duties expected of this position. The set hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for the first twelve (12) weeks. Attendance is mandatory for all portions of the twelve (12) week training.

These positions may be elgible for some telework after completing 12 week training.

Do you want opportunity for advancement?

You will be eligible for advancement opportunities in just one (1) year, with satisfactory performance.

Do you want great benefits?

The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

You will have the opportunity for flexible scheduled hours after completion of the mandatory training period.

Enjoy life-work balance.

Do you want a convenient location?

DDS is conveniently located in Downtown St. Paul, just a few blocks from our beautiful State Capitol. We are commuter friendly location with convenient access to I-35E, I-94, I-694, US-52, and US-10. DDS has close proximity to public transportation hubs for Metrotransit Bus and Light rail system with decreased cost Metropasses available through the state. DDS is connected to the Skyway system with access for walking, proximity to multiple health and fitness clubs, and many dining options.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

Expectations:

Friendly people who are comfortable using the telephone to frequently place and receive calls with a variety of clients. Compassionate people who listen attentively to claimant questions and provide policy compliant answers. Intelligent people who communicate clearly and effectively with claimants and co-workers. Professional people who maintain a positive, professional attitude in the face of challenging calls and circumstances. Confident people who take pride in making timely and accurate decisions. Reliable people who consistently attend work as scheduled. Flexible people who are able to adjust to frequent changes in policy and procedures. Focused people who will use a computer with two monitors, continuously during an eight (8) hour work day.

• Hiring Incentive: The successful incumbent of this position may be eligible for a hiring incentive of $5,000 paid out in two (2) lump sums following the completion of the required probationary period and following two (2) years of successful service in the role

Minimum Qualifications

To receive credit for your education and experience, your resume should clearly describe how you meet each minimum and/or preferred qualification listed, including dates of employment.

Two (2) years post-secondary education.

OR

One (1) year work experience in claims processing or caseload management or customer service experience

Qualifications established by experience and/or post-secondary education should demonstrate:

• Written communication skills sufficient to write clearly and organize material logically for inclusion in correspondence and documentation of decisions. Must be able to write clear and concise summaries of information gathered.
• English language reading/writing skills sufficient to clearly and accurately understand and communicate information.
• Proficiency in computer use sufficient to adapt to frequent specialized software updates, navigate and read electronic medical records; manage multiple screens; utilize the internet to research issues; and use various office software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel), email programs (e.g. Outlook), and other database applications.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level reading comprehension and analysis skills in order to understand, apply and interpret laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. A significant amount of time is spent reading complex information.
• Decision making skills sufficient to make accurate and sound determinations on eligibility in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work, including case files. Must be able to multi-task in dealing with multiple cases at one time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical assessments.
• Telephone Customer Service experience

Physical Requirements

Ability to work on computer up to eight (8) hours per day.

Additional Requirements

Resumes of all applicants to this posting are evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. Your written communication skills are initially evaluated based on the overall content and clarity of your application materials. If your skills match those required for this position, the department may contact you for additional pre-screening. Candidates invited for an interview will also be tested in computer proficiency (e.g. navigation, typing), reading comprehension and written communication after the oral interview is complete. Employee reference checks are conducted on all finalists. This will include contact with the applicant's former employers and a review of documentation related to job performance.

Finalists for positions with the MN DDS will complete a federal background investigation. SSA determines whether someone will be issued the credentials required to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems. Further details will be provided during the interview process. .

Resumes of all applicants to this posting will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above. If your skills match the required skills for this position, the department may contact you. Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It includes contact with the applicant's current and/or former employers. Up to 3 professional references and up to 2 supervisory references will be conducted through the SkillSurvey.com website and email addresses for your references are required.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Why Work For Us

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, please contact Amina Hindi at Amina Hindi@state.mn.us

Connect 700 (C700) applicants must email their certificate to talent.acquisition.deed@state.mn.us by 11:59 p.m. of the posting close date to be considered as a C700 applicant.

Department of Employment and Economic Development(DEED) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, veteran friendly employer, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply for job opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application and search tools, please contact Karen Lilledahl at karen.lilledahl@state.mn.us Please indicate what assistance is needed.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need.