State Agency Medical Consultant for SSA/D

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Brief Job Description:

A State Agency Medical Consultant (SAMC) is a licensed physician (medical or osteopathic doctor) in the State of Texas, hired by and reporting to the Social Security Administration (SSA) state Disability Determination Services (DDS) Medical Consultant Services Division. The SAMC is responsible for making accurate and timely physical and/or mental disability determinations on SSA disability claims based on SSA disability regulations. 

Duties include:  Performing highly advanced disability determination medical case reviews ensuring the Social Security disability case is fully documented; all significant facts are reflected in the determination; conflicting evidenced is reconciled; the conclusion reached is sound and rational; the weight given to the evidence is explained; the reasoning and thought process followed in evaluating the evidence are reflected; and the effect of the impairment(s) on the disability applicant’s work capacity is clearly indicated.  Work is performed under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and judgment.

This position occasionally requires work during the weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours.  DDS employees perform all business functions for the Social Security Administration (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.

Performs a full professional evaluation of the case, including the assessment of residual functioning capacity and, assess other specific medical issues, signing assessments and determinations as appropriate for all claim types/levels as assigned by the DDS.

Assists Disability Specialists, as necessary, in determining whether proposed development seems likely to provide sufficient detail about the applicant’s impairment to complete the case to the extent necessary for a disability determination and evaluates the sufficiency of the evidence and need for further testing. 

Establish standards for customer-focused communication and coordination within areas of responsibility and with all internal and external associates and customers. 

Determines severity, whether the claimant meets or equals a listing, or for a Title XVI child whether the claimant’s impairment functionality equals the listings.

Acts as a liaison between the DDS and the medical community making physician-to-physician contacts to obtain or clarify medical evidence, as needed. 

Participates in training and staff development for new and current adjudicative staff and serves as a Subject Matter Expert when called upon to do so. 

Performs other duties as assigned.                                                                                                                             

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the provisions of the Social Security Act.

Knowledge of legal principles as they apply to the SSA disability program.

Skill in applying SSA medical regulations, policies, and procedures relating to disability adjudication.

Skill in evaluating physical and mental impairments as prescribed by Social Security.

Skill in reading and analyzing documents, reports, and correspondence, and relating the information to the requirements for disability determinations within the framework of the SSA disability program.

Skill in communicating both written and verbally, for understanding, to both medical professionals and lay-persons.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and rapport with managers, co-workers, supervisors, medical community, claimants, attorneys, the general public and other DDS, HHS, and SSA partners.

Skill in adapting to program changes and fluctuating workloads.

Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, procedures and diagnostic evaluations and assessments.

Ability to use Social Security Administration software system or a comparable system.

Ability to protect and safeguard confidential and sensitive personal, medical, and vocational information in accordance with federal and state mandates.

Ability to manage time, work under pressure, organize job related responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a physician (medical or osteopathic doctor) by the State of Texas

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Licensed as a physician (medical or osteopathic doctor) by the State of Texas.

2. Medical Board does not list any board actions.

3. Experience in communicating both written and verbally, for understanding, to both medical professionals and lay-persons.

4. Experience using Social Security Administration software system or a comparable system.

5. Experience in protecting and safeguarding confidential and sensitive personal, medical, and vocational information in accordance with federal and state mandates.

6. Experience in interpreting rules, regulations, policies, procedures, diagnostic evaluations and assessments.

7. Demonstrated employment stability in applicant’s work history.

Additional Information:

Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers.

Applicants who have anon-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. 

Applicants will be assessed through a panel interview.

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

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.

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

Successful applicants must be willing to work in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment, under constant pressure to meet required deadlines.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified.

2) Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties in a way that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.

3) Candidates may upload a resume but must have a complete State of Texas Employment application filled out to include summary of experience and duties performed.

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.