Entry-level Disability Examiner

Introduction

Attention bookworms and puzzle lovers!  Do you love to learn? Do you love the satisfaction of solving problems?  Do you want your work to make a difference in the lives of Wisconsinites?  Apply to become a Disability Examiner!  We are seeking self-motivated critical thinkers to produce accurate and timely disability determinations under Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and regulations. 

The Wisconsin Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) is hiring several Entry-Level Disability Examiner positions. DDB is located at 1400 E. Washington Avenue. Free onsite parking is available and there is opportunity for growth within DDB.

The DDB consists of approximately 250 employees, including some contractors. The DDB operates on a yearly budget of approximately $30 million funded by the SSA to do medical determinations for SSA disability claims.  The DDB also processes a small number of State Medicaid disability claims funded by DHS.  The DDB must follow all SSA policies and regulations for safety, security and hiring as well as State of Wisconsin policies and regulations. 

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time. 
• Top rated health plan options starting at $39/month for single plans and $97/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment, plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package! 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program 

The work schedule for the first 20 weeks is Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm while in classroom training. This is mandatory training and selected candidates must be able to meet this schedule. The anticipated start date for these positions is July 2024.

After classroom training, the work schedule is Monday-Friday, with flexible daytime hours. Additionally, after the initial training there will be an opportunity for a hybrid schedule working remotely 1-4 days per week subject to training and operational needs.

Position Summary

As a Disability Examiner you will:

• Independently read and analyze medical, psychological, and vocational records and interpret complex legal policy to make legally and medically sound decisions about disability claims and support their conclusions in writing. 
• Use excellent critical thinking and strong persuasive writing skills. 
• Learn and apply the medical, legal, and vocational factors involved in the documentation, assessment, and determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security law. 
• Attend comprehensive training in a classroom setting for 20 weeks with gradual transition to on-the-job training and increasing independence over the next year. Full proficiency is typically achieved within two years. 
• Independently manage a caseload to meet high production and accuracy standards in an effective, timely and cost-efficient manner. 
• Perform work that is almost entirely self-directed and independently set and achieve goals and solve problems.
• Have daily phone contact with (often challenging) claimants.  Challenging situations and changes in policy and procedures are frequent. Strong customer service skills are important. 

Salary Information

The starting pay is between $28.96 - $30.62 per hour depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. An 18-month probationary period is required. 

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Disability Determination Specialist - Entry and is in pay schedule and range 12/64.

Job Details

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to go through a complete federal background investigation. A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary prior to hire to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet for remote work option. Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided. 

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have the following:

• Work, educational, or other setting experience researching and summarizing complex information, formulating conclusions and supporting conclusions in writing. Examples of written documents could include, a thesis, research paper, issue paper, white paper, research article, story, proposal, or grant, etc.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience or training in a medical, healthcare, or psychological related field.
• Work experience with Social Security Disability claims.

The letter of qualifications is limited to one page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process.  Sign in to your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. 

Helpful Tips: 

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline. 
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline. 

Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. Please monitor your email for communications related to this position. Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered. 

If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs. 

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. 

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Stacy Koenig in Human Resources at stacym.koenig@dhs.wisconsin.gov. 

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is April 24th at 11:59pm.