Salary: $35,474.00 - $57,292.00 Annually
Location : Wake County, NC
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 24-05779 DDS 60055962
Department: Dept of Health and Human Services
Division: Disability Determination Services
Opening Date: 04/26/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Class Title: 30000172
Position Number: 60055962
Salary Grade: NC09
Description of Work
This post is hiring for Trainee and Disability Analyst positions. Federal positions and Medicaid positions may be filled based on the availability of Federal funding.
Are you looking for a job with flexibility that supports work/life balance? At the North Carolina Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS), there are several aspects that support work/life balance. After completing four of the twelve months in the trainee program, you also are able to work with your supervisor to determine start times between 6:00 am and 9:30 am for your 8-hour workday. Upon completing the 12-month training program, if you meet the work expectations outlined in the office procedure, you are also able to request a Flexible Working Schedule (four ten-hour days and one day off or four nine-hour days and one four-hour day with a half day off). After sixty days from the start of the training calendar and successful employment, we offer hybrid teleworking options. We offer a wellness room for exercise and free parking. Food Truck options are often available. Our office is easily accessible from many locations (440 Beltline and Highway 64). At the DDS, we care about providing a timely and accurate decision for people applying for disability benefits as well as look for opportunities to support work-life balance for our employees. Our employees regularly share appreciation for these work schedule flexibilities offered. Additionally, we offer clear career growth pathways and mentoring for Trainees.
This position is located at Disability Determination Services (DDS), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services in Raleigh, NC. This division makes medical entitlement decisions on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid disability claims. In order to adjudicate initial-level disability claims, individuals analyze and develop complex medical, vocational, functional, and programmatic data to determine whether an individual is eligible for benefits. The Analyst must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine an applicant's ability to engage in productive work. Work performed by the Disability Analyst is production oriented involving tight deadlines, high quality demands, and high work volume expectations. All work is performed in an electronic environment. This work environment utilizes a personal computer with dual monitors. Production of forms and evaluations are done utilizing the computer. Selected applicants must pass a screening test to qualify for an interview. After four months of classroom training on program criteria, trainees begin working initial-level disability claims.
For Trainee positions, the ideal candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and candidates contacted by the hiring team will be required to complete an assessment that analyzes critical thinking skills. The starting salary is $48,470.
For Disability Analyst positions, applicants must possess formal DDS training in the evaluation of Social Security or Medicaid Disability claims and a minimum of one year's experience in the adjudication of initial Disability claims. Only applicants with this specific experience will be considered. Candidates also must possess detailed familiarity with SSA disability medical and vocational criteria, policies and procedures, related court decisions and administrative rulings. This position requires the ability to process initial-level disability claims, which include the development of medical and other information in an electronic or paper environment to determine whether an applicant is eligible for benefits, and make a decision of entitlement. The Analyst must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine an applicant's ability to engage in productive work. Production of forms and evaluations are done utilizing the computer. This includes reading electronic images of medical records.
The Disability Determination Services Division has Career Progression opportunities that provides Disability Analysts making satisfactory progress after 18 months a maximum of 10% In-Range Adjustments within a 12-month period.
Candidates with advanced level of DDS claims adjudication experience, as outlined in the Management Preferences section, may qualify for the Advanced Senior Disability Analyst level within the position classification. Analysts at this level must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine and applicant's ability to engage in productive work, and routinely adjudicate Initial, Reconsideration, Age 18 Redetermination Cases, Continuing Disability Reviews, agency policy training, mentoring staff, and work unit quality review.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
To receive credit for all of your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information listed under the text resume section or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
Qualified applicants must document on the application that they possess all of the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or equivalent combination of education and experience
  
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills with managing several tasks simultaneously.
  
• Documented experience providing customer service to the public.
  
• Demonstrated analytical and problems solving skills.
  
• Proficiency in use of computer applications and keyboarding skills.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:
For positions other than Trainee: At least 12-months of documented experience as a Disability Analyst (48-months without a four-year degree) at a State DDS office or federal SSA component. Documented experience adjudicating all of the following claim types: Initial, Reconsideration, Age 18 Redetermination Cases, Continuing Disability Reviews, agency policy training, mentoring staff, and work unit quality review.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.
Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution; and or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Supplemental and Contact Information
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log into your account and click "Application Status". You will either receive a call to schedule an interview or an e-mail notifying you when the job has been filled.
For technical issues with your applications, please call the NeoGov help line at 855-524-5627 . Applicants will be communicated with via e-mail only for updates on the status of their application.
Applications must be received by 5pm on the closing date. Please follow the instructions to apply online. In order to receive credit for all of your work and education history, all information must be listed on the State of North Carolina application. Statements such as "see resume" will not be accepted and will be considered incomplete.
Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference should submit a copy of Form DD-214. RIF candidates must attach their notification letter.
A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems. Following the interview process, the recommended candidate will be contacted and asked to submit to an initial pre-screen Federal background investigation through the SSA Office of Human Resources (DCHR). If the pre-screen is favorable, a conditional job offer can be extended. After a new hire's start date, continued employment is still contingent upon full suitability clearance through the DCHR, which entails submitting to a detailed security questionnaire and a potential interview from a DCHR investigator that may include the need for a medical release from the individual during the investigative process. At any point during employment, a final determination by the SSA that the employee does not have a favorable suitability determination will lead to termination of employment.
DHHS selects applicants based on job related knowledge, skills & abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or political influence.
NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.
For permanent and time-limited appointments: Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 + hours work/week for participation.
01
I UNDERSTAND that DHHS requires a complete descriptive work history with all employment experience detailed to be considered for employment. I have included all of this information within my application. (NOTE: AN ATTACHED RESUME DOES NOT SATISFY THE REQUIREMENT OF COMPLETING THE APPLICATION. If you haven't completed the application requirements, please return to your application to finish it before submitting your application.)

• Yes, I understand and have fully completed all requirements.

02
Which of the below best describes your highest level of education completed?

• Less than a high school diploma/GED
• High school diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03
Which of the following best describe your area of academic concentration?

• Communications
• Science
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Business
• Behavioral Science
• Health Science
• Social Science
• Other related field

04
If you selected "other related field" in question #3, please identify the area of your academic concentration.
05
Please describe your experience with prioritizing and/or managing several tasks simultaneously. If you do not have any experience, enter "N/A."
06
Please describe your experience in interviewing individuals to obtain information. If you do not have any experience, enter "N/A."
07
Which of the below best describes your skill level navigating between multiple software applications in a paperless office environment?

• None
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Expert

08
Please describe your experience in providing customer service to the public. If you do not have any experience, enter "N/A."
09
Which of the below best describes your proficiency in use of computer applications and keyboarding skills?

• None
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Expert

10
Which of the below best describes your proficiency in use of computer applications and keyboarding skills?

• None
• Basic
• Intermediate
• Expert

11
Please given an example of when you applied analytical and problem solving skills in a work setting. If you do not have an example, enter "N/A."
12
Please describe your experience in gathering, analyzing, and summarizing complex information to write a clear and concise rationale supporting your conclusion(s) in a work setting. If you do not have any experience, enter "N/A."
13
For Disability Analyst Applicants ONLY: Which of the below best describes your experience adjudicating Social Security disability claims for the Social Security Administration in a Disability Determination Services Office?

• Applying for Trainee position, therefore no experience.
• Less than 12 months
• 12 - 18 months
• 18 - 24 months
• 24 - 30 months
• 30+ months

14
For Disability Analyst Applicants ONLY: Which of the below best describes your experience adjudicating Initial claims for the Social Security Administration in a Disability Determination Services Office or federal SSA component?

• Applying for Trainee position, therefore no experience.
• Less than 12 months
• 12 - 18 months
• 18 - 24 months
• 24 - 30 months
• 30+ months

15
For Disability Analyst Applicants ONLY: Which of the below best describes your experience adjudicating Reconsideration claims for the Social Security Administration in a Disability Determination Services Office or federal SSA component?

• Applying for Trainee position, therefore no experience.
• Less than 12 months
• 12 - 18 months
• 18 - 24 months
• 24 - 30 months
• 30+ months

16
For Disability Analyst Applicants ONLY: Which of the below best describes your experience adjudicating Age 18 Redetermination Cases Disability Review claims for the Social Security Administration in a Disability Determination Services Office or federal SSA component?

• Applying for Trainee position, therefore no experience.
• Less than 12 months
• 12 - 18 months
• 18 - 24 months
• 30+ months

17
For Disability Analyst Applicants ONLY: Which of the below best describes your experience adjudicating Continuing Disability Review claims for the Social Security Administration in a Disability Determination Services Office or federal SSA component?

• Applying for Trainee position, therefore no experience.
• Less than 12 months
• 12 - 18 months
• 18 - 24 months
• 24 - 30 months
• 30+ months

18
Where did you learn about DHHS or this opportunity?

• Company or OSHR Website
• Employee Referral
• Conference / Career Fair
• Email campaign
• Professional Association or Industry-specific job board
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• NC Nursing Board email
• Google
• Other General Job Boards
• Other Search Engines
• Other Social Media
• Internet Advertisement
• TV / Radio

Required Question