Social Insurance Specialist (Training Coordinator)

INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Department on Disability Services (DDS), Disability Determination Division (DDD). The mission of the Division is to provide accurate and timely disability determinations on claims filed with Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide training to new hires and ongoing training to experienced staff in the areas of reviewing case development procedures, case processing, monitoring case management and procedural accuracy to improve the operation.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Provides initial and on-going training of staff, new and experienced, to improve claims process development quality, decisional direction for Title II and Title XVIII claims issues, and claims documentation in technical coordination of new initiatives and workload projects.

• Serves as a policy expert responsible for developing and adjudicating the most complex, non-routine disability claims, and on public fraud issues in specific claims and post-entitlement cases.

• Coordinates and evaluates effective implementation of Social Security Administration training policies and procedures regarding case development documentation and adjudication.

• Provides lead role in technical training and mentoring other employees; provides technical expertise on the most effective use of software systems to process specific complex claims.

• Provides key input in unit and division training program. Plans, organizes, and presents introductory and ongoing training for all professional adjudicators and medical consultants.

• Assumes responsibility for the smooth transition of a Social Insurance Specialist trainee under his/her guidance. This includes working on multiple tasks under time constraints; analyzing and resolving immediate and long-term problems related to personnel and the disability determination case development process; understanding and applying numerous laws, regulations, procedural guidelines, etc.; and communicating effectively with individuals both inside and outside the Division.
• Submits reports to Social Security Administration that are used to evaluate Social Security Disability training procedures/policies.

• Provide oversight and coordination to agency mentoring programs, fostering both on-the-job training and professional development opportunities.

• Identify and negotiate with contractual training consultants and facilities to provide training and related services for the DDS/DDD staff.

• Conduct an annual division-wide training needs assessment. Prepare and publish the agency’s annual training plan.

• Determines deficiencies in case documentation. Recommends corrective action when necessary and additional evidence, as needed.
• Creates and implements Disability Examiner Basic Training; advanced examiner training (i.e., reconsideration, CDR, DC), and clerical support training.
• Develops and implements effective training procedures to assure valid sampling of unit and specialist case production. Provides expert consultation to unit staff regarding policies and procedures.
• Analyzes and review the more difficult and complex claims to determine adequacy of medical evidence.
• Develops training manuals and trains on program policies and procedures and systems software.
• Conducts training analyses to measure and evaluate existing agency procedures, claims workflow and policies/procedures.
• Publish and maintain an on-line calendar of all training activities. Represent DDS/DDD on various training workgroups, committees, etc.
• Maintain and monitor the training records of division staff.
• Develop and maintain training packages, including curricula and training manuals.
• Monitors efficiency of workflow and case development techniques.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicant must have one (1) year of Specialized Experience at the next lower grade level. Four (4) years of related work experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is related to training and resolving cases that contain unusual issues or situations or change disability decisions.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

EDUCATION

2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree or master’s equivalent graduate degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

WORK EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Comprehensive knowledge of social insurance programs of sufficient breadth or intensity to perform the complete range of training and adjudicative functions within an assigned area without limitation as to type of case or degree of difficulty, to analyze and correct systems and operational problems, or to develop new or modified systems, methods, policies, procedures, and other guidelines to support program operations.

Ability to assist and interpret broad procedures and regulations to coordinate and evaluate division implementation of Social Security Administration policies and procedures regarding case development, documentation, and adjudication.

Skill in using this knowledge to resolve cases in which issues, circumstances and/or governing provisions require advanced technical proficiency; to decide special entitlement matters; to review and improve operational and systemic quality; and to perform other similar program related functions.

Knowledge of and ability to interpret medical and non-medical data and analyze the adequacy of medical and non-medical evidence submitted on a claim.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Skill in the use of computers and associated software, as required to store, retrieve, and utilize information related to office responsibilities.

Collective Bargaining Unit

This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by local union AFSCME 2401.

Additional information

Once applications are submitted, applicants will not be able to change their responses to the online questions.

The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as requiring enhanced suitability screening.

If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and

The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.

Work Schedule

This position offers a hybrid in-office and remote schedule, requiring at least 3 days a week in-office flexible schedule.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application includes your resume, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your resume will result in a "not qualified" determination.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.