Agency

Division

Job Classification Title

Disability Determination Specialist I (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC09

About Us

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website .

Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

Description of Work

The North Carolina Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) is hiring for Disability Analyst positions. Federal positions may be filled based on the availability of Federal funds.

Are you looking for a job with flexibility that supports work/life balance? At DDS, there are several aspects designed to support this. After completing the first four months of the twelve-month onboarding program, you can 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 onboarding program and meeting the work expectations outlined in office procedures, you may request a Flexible Working Schedule—such as four ten-hour days with one day off, or four nine-hour days with a half-day off.

After sixty days from the start of the onboarding program and successful employment, hybrid teleworking options are available. DDS also offers a wellness room for exercise, free parking, and often provides food truck options. The office is easily accessible from many locations via 440 Beltline and Highway 64. At DDS, we care about providing timely and accurate decisions for people applying for disability benefits while also supporting work-life balance for our employees. Our staff regularly express appreciation for the flexible work schedules offered.

Additionally, DDS provides clear career growth pathways and mentoring for new Disability Analysts. This position is located in Raleigh, NC, at DDS, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. The division makes medical entitlement decisions on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid disability claims. To adjudicate initial-level disability claims, Disability Analysts analyze and develop complex medical, vocational, functional, and programmatic data to determine whether an individual is eligible for benefits. Analysts assess impairment severity, propose statements of residual functional capacity, and determine an applicant’s ability to engage in productive work.

Work performed by Disability Analysts is production-oriented, involving tight deadlines, high quality demands, and significant work volume. All work is performed in an electronic environment using a personal computer with dual monitors, including production of forms and evaluations. Selected applicants must pass a screening test to qualify for an interview. After four months of classroom training on program criteria, Disability Analysts begin working on initial-level disability claims.

For New Disability Analyst (1.0) positions, ideal candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Candidates contacted by the hiring team will be required to complete an assessment that evaluates critical thinking skills. The starting salary is $51,921.

For Experienced Disability Analyst (1.5, 2.0, 2.5) positions, candidates must possess formal DDS training in Social Security or Medicaid disability claims evaluation and a minimum of one year’s experience adjudicating initial disability claims. Candidates with advanced DDS claims adjudication experience may qualify for the Advanced Senior Disability Analyst level. At this level, analysts assess impairment severity, propose statements of residual functional capacity, determine applicants’ ability to work, adjudicate Initial, Reconsideration, Age 18 Redetermination Cases, Continuing Disability Reviews, train agency policy, mentor staff, and conduct work unit quality review. Only applicants with this specific experience will be considered.

Candidates must also have detailed familiarity with SSA disability medical and vocational criteria, policies, procedures, related court decisions, and administrative rulings. The position requires processing initial-level disability claims, developing medical and other information in electronic or paper environments, and making entitlement decisions. Analysts produce forms and evaluations using a computer, including reading electronic medical records.

DDS offers Career Progression opportunities, providing Disability Analysts who make satisfactory progress after 18 months a maximum of 10% in-range adjustments within a 12-month period.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade Range: $41,206.00 – $72,113.00

Recruitment Range: $ 39,671.00 – $ 69,971.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

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.

This Role Is Eligible To Be Hybrid And Requires Onsite Reporting Located Within Raleigh, NC

This Position Is Funded In Part Through Federal Funds.

About Disability Determination Services

The Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes medical determinations for Social Security and state Medicaid Disability claims. Social Security Disability claims are initially processed at local SSA field offices, and the case is sent to DDS to evaluate disability. DDS is responsible for obtaining medical evidence and making the initial determination on whether a person, or a claimant, is disabled or blind under the law.

DDS also processes Medicaid disability claims for the state of North Carolina. Medicaid disability claims can be filed by contacting a county Department of Social Services office (https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory). Once a Medicaid disability application is received, DDS will develop medical evidence and make a determination on disability using the same protocols as outlined for Social Security Disability benefits.

Compensation and Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for State Benefits .

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ .

DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303 , our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application to support your answers.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM the day before the closing date.
Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check.
Due to the 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 in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent.
For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members .

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations, and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.

Veterans’ and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.
Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application, if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.
Applicants who are former members of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DHHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DHHS will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

If there are any questions about this posting, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

Minimum Education and Experience

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 the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution

An equivalent combination of education and experience

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Dreisa Yvonne Johnson

Recruiter Email:

DREISA.JOHNSON@DHHS.NC.GOV

State of North Carolina - Health & Human Services

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