Social Insurance Specialist (Disability Processing Specialist) Direct Hire

Summary Positions under this announcement are being filled using a Direct Hire Authority (DHA), open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the DHA, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. NOTE: Telework may be available in accordance with agency policy. This IS NOT a virtual position. Learn more about this agency Duties This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available. Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed. Serves as an authoritative specialist and expert in the adjudication of disability cases under Title II and Title XVI programs. Makes determinations on disability claims – including initial claims, reconsiderations, and medical continuing disability reviews (CDRs) – in accordance with SSA program rules. Provides appropriate support and compelling rationale for conclusions, including preparing assessments of physical and psychological residual functional capacity and medical improvement in CDRs. Obtains and analyzes medical and other evidence in case records, collaborates with medical consultants, and reviews information from beneficiaries, claimants, third parties, and authorized representatives. Effectively organizes and prioritizes multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely and accurate completion despite shifting deadlines. Prepares correspondence, including notices of determinations affecting claimants’ rights and benefits, and provides responses to inquiries regarding claims information or rationale for determinations. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship required Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov) Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results Selectees may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period Relocation expenses will not be paid All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available. Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed. Qualifications Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. If you are using experience to qualify, you must have: GS-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-11 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience includes all of the following: 1) making medical determinations of disability at the initial, reconsideration, and/or medical continuing disability review level; and 2) reviewing, developing, examining, investigating, and/or adjudicating and authorizing complex claims for medical disability programs; and 3) knowledge of claims analysis and adjudication of medical disabilities, medical terms and findings, causes of diseases, treatment methods and probable results, and relation of physical impairments to ability and vocational analysis; and 4) developing and evaluating pertinent medical facts and evidence to apply and interpret state and federal laws, regulations, policies, precedents and other criteria for physical and mental impairment disability cases. Education For GS-12: Substitution is not applicable for the grade level. Additional information Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. This is a bargaining unit position represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.