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.

• 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.

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution; and or equivalent combination of education and experience.