Director Adjudication Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Division of Disability Determination Services (DDDS) supports the citizens of Washington by making disability determinations for SSA and the State. A division within DSHS's Economic Services Administration, DDDS staff are Washington State employees whose work is funded and directed by SSA. Together with SSA and DSHS, we serve the public by providing an avenue to medical and financial resources. About the Opportunity: As an Adjudicator 4, Lead, within the Division of Disability Determination Services, you will play a pivotal role in assisting the unit supervisor with work assignments, monitoring, mentoring, and providing technical assistance to adjudicators. You will carry a partial caseload of disability claims and independently mentor and coach adjudicators on the Social Security disability program, policy, and technical aspects of claims adjudication. You will collaborate with other Leads to provide comprehensive Desk Coverage to ensure continuity of services to our customers when adjudicators are on leave. This position is telework eligible, and applicants can be located statewide. Some of what you'll do:

• Monitor performance of staff assigned to the unit and assist the supervisor to determine training needs
• Provide technical assistance concerning the interpretation of medical and program policies
• Develop and coordinate caseload management plans for lower-level adjudicator staff
• Provide desk coverage for adjudicators on leave
• Act in the supervisor's absence, attending supervisor meetings, reporting to management, and leading unit meetings
• Advise adjudicators on appropriate medical and vocational development and decision policy
• Mentor and assist trainees through steps of the in-training plan
• Participate in developing and maintaining appropriate and consistent statewide policies, procedures, and standards

Who should apply: Professionals with a Bachelor's degree OR Professional experience working with disability, medical or insurance claims adjudication or investigation, health care, unemployment, workers compensation, social services, or related field will substitute, year for year, for education. AND Three years of recent experience as an adjudicator of Social Security Disability Insurance. Must have successful experience adjudicating all claim types. Note: Recent years of experience must be gained within four years of application.

What we're looking for:

• Excellent working knowledge of Social Security policies and procedures
• Ability to rapidly review and analyze Social Security claims for sufficient supporting documentation and correct decisions
• Proven case management skills in both timeliness and accuracy
• Ability to communicate complex issues both verbally and in writing
• Ability to provide successful coaching, mentoring, and training of staff
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff and contractors

Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization, or community.
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

Interested? Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A letter of interest describing your specific qualifications
2. A list of 3 professional references with contact information

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency's vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Grant Grady at grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 06002.