Disability Determination Hearing Officer

Disability Determination Service (DDS) is the state agency that processes Social Security Disability claims under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. We are the only DDS in Delaware and receive all disability claims in our state. We provide quality customer service to Delawareans through timely and accurate disability decisions.

The Disability Determination Hearing Officer for this position processes a variety of levels of Social Security Disability claims and interprets and applies applicable rules, regulations, and the Policy Operations Manual governing the program. They will conduct hearings for individuals wishing to appeal a continuing disability review decision. This position will also be responsible for facilitating new adjudicator training classes as well as conducting monthly refresher classes.

They may liaison with stakeholders and partner with the quality team on office educational needs.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Reviews the entire written case record and researches and consults pertinent regulations, rulings and other reference sources prior to each hearing to identify all issues to be considered at the hearing.
• Analyzes case record to determine if sufficient evidence exists in file on which to base a decision; returns cases with insufficient documentation back to adjudicator for further development; determines accuracy of decision to terminate benefits and may reverse decision prior to hearing.
• Conducts hearing with beneficiary and representatives to provide due process; governs the conduct of the parties and regulates the course of the proceedings by administering oaths, ruling on motions, examining evidence and witnesses and resolving conflicting evidence through questioning.
• Completes a written summary during the course of the hearing to serve as a record of the hearing.
• Analyzes and evaluates all evidence, prior decisions and testimony in each case at conclusion of each hearing; determines the weight to be given to evidence and judges the severity of impairments and effects of vocational and non-medical factors in relation to ability to work by consulting Social Security laws, rulings, regulations and guidelines.
• Develops written rationale for the decision of allowance or denial of disability benefit which encompasses all pertinent factors.
• Supervises the preparation of written notification to the beneficiary and other parties of the decision and informs them of appeal rights.
• Performs public relations work across the state, as needed, with legal community for the purpose of facilitating, clarifying and enhancing the hearing process.
• Develops and conducts training programs targeted to the technical training needs of DDS staff.
• Assists with the overall administration of the DDS program by serving on special committees for the on-going development of policy and procedures and recommending on program changes.
• May issue subpoenas as authorized by the SSA Regional Commissioner to obtain evidence or testimony for a hearing.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Disability Determination Hearing Officer

• Three years experience in evaluating disability claims and making disability determinations.
• Six months experience in disability adjudication appeal and review process.
• Three years experience in interpreting Social Security Administration laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Six months experience in…