Disability Specialist II

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Functional Title: Disability Specialist II 
Job Title: Claims Examiner III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: DDS - Program Admin 
Posting Number: 7642 
Closing Date: 08/13/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 6101 E OLTORF 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: No direct military equivalent. 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Disability Specialist II/Claims Examiner III adjudicates all levels and types of Social Security Administration (SSA) adult and childhood disability cases – Initial, Reconsideration (Recon), Continuing Disability Review (CDR), Appellate, and Special Caseload cases.  Researches and verifies Disability Determination Services (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 and Medical Improvement Review Standard (MIRS) 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 claimant’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.  Provides backup for absent Disability Specialists (DS).  Works under general supervision with moderate 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 Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Develops adult physical/mental residual functional capacity (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 Social Security Administration (SSA) vocational standards and evaluative tools to assess a claimant’s potential ability to return to past relevant work (PRW) or perform other work.   (20%)

Reviews all file documentation upon receipt of disability cases, researching and investigating information that may affect Disability Determination Services (DDS) jurisdiction to adjudicate the case.  Returns cases that are not DDS jurisdiction to SSA without action for correction or closure.  Applies provisions of the Social Security Act, as amended, related Federal and State statutes, regulations, SSA rulings, and pertinent Federal Court rulings to decide whether a claimant is or is not disabled; applies the SSA sequential evaluation standard to render decisions as soon as possible.   (20%)

Establishes standards for customer-focused communication and coordination within areas of responsibility and with all internal and external associates and customers. (20%)

Develops cases in a timely manner by contacting medical and non-medical sources for medical evidence of record (MER) relevant to alleged physical/mental impairments.   Obtains functional and work history information about claimants in order to evaluate how alleged mental and physical impairments affect their daily lives and ability to work.   Orders Consultative Examinations (CE) to clarify evidence and properly document the impairments and the claimant’s current condition. (15%)

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.  (15%)

Provides backup for absent Disability Specialists in accordance with established procedures.   (5%)

Coaches and mentors Disability Specialists as assigned; provides advice and/or recommendations regarding the SSA disability program and its policies, procedures and processes.   (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Extensive Knowledge of:

• the provisions of the Social Security Act, as amended, related Federal and State statutes, regulations, Social Security rulings, pertinent court rulings, and the paper and electronic folder disability case processes for Initial, Recon, Continuing Disability Review (CDR), and appeals cases.
• medical terminology, physical and mental conditions and impairments, disease processes, the current impact/future implications/prognosis associated with mental and physical diagnoses, signs/symptoms/tests/lab results, and selected treatment modalities, and the potential impact of the impairments on SSA disability eligibility.
• pediatric medical terminology, age-appropriate childhood development standards and milestones, the impact of physical/mental impairments and disease processes on childhood development, and the degree of severity of cumulative developmental deficits that is required to be eligible for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.
• non-medical and vocational factors affecting job opportunities and a claimant’s ability to work, including: age; education; skills and abilities; vocational background; occupational categories/classifications; exertional and non-exertional criteria and standards used by the industry to classify all occupations in the national economy.

Knowledge of:

• legal principles as they apply to the SSA disability program, including: Res Judicata, Collateral Estoppel, Administrative Finality, Medical Improvement Review Standard, Evidentiary Findings of Fact, Evidence Admissability, Fraud and Similar Fault, and Witness Credibility.
• the adjudication process and documentation requirements for all types of SSA disability cases.
• the use of a Personal Computer and peripherals, Microsoft Suite or equivalent software, and SSA-unique software applications such as the national Query system and the case management system and adjudication system.
• all Federal and State laws governing confidentiality personal information accessible in Social Security, medical evidence of record, and disability case files.

Skill in:

• making timely and accurate independent decisions.
• adapting to program changes and fluctuating work loads.

• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• managing time, organizing job related responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and accomplishing portions of several tasks simultaneously and out of sequence.
• gathering, assembling and evaluating pertinent information for all levels of cases, including appellate cases.

Ability to

• coach and mentor other unit Disability Specialists.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. A current Disability Determination Services employee with at least 3 years experience adjudicating disability claims. [Required]

2. Demonstrated employment stability in applicant's work history. [Required]

Additional Information:

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.

This position occasionally requires work during the weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours.

Individuals selected for positions with the Disability Determination Service (DDS) will go through a complete federal background investigation. 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. The job offer is contingent upon a full suitability clearance through SSA.

Consideration will be given to filling additional vacancies that occur during this posting period. 

Individuals with the same FJD may not apply. 

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits, follow HHS salary administration policy and guidelines and based on the candidate's qualifications.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This position is only available to current employees of a state Disability Determination Services agency with an approved hardship transfer from the Social Security Administration.

1. Onsite Position - Due to the nature of the work, this is a fully onsite position.

2. You must follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application and your application should include the job title, dates of employment, and the requested employer information.  Your application MUST contain a full employment history for each position held, even those with the same employer, in a way that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria.  Missing information may lead to disqualification.

3. Candidates may upload a resume but must have a complete State of Texas Employment application filled out and there must be enough information available, including summary of experience and duties performed, to demonstrate you meet the initial selection criteria.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.