Disability Digest

Strategic Disability Partner Network (SDPN) In-House Social Security Disability Hearing RepresentativePurpose

As The Disability Digest continues to grow, our hearing volume is steadily increasing. Once we consistently average approximately five or more hearings per month, there is a need for a hearing representative who is fully aligned with TDD's processes, values, and culture.

While past contract representatives have provided valuable support, we believe having one reliable hearing representative will create a more consistent experience for both our claimants and our internal team. Rather than relying on multiple outside representatives with different communication styles and workflows, our goal is to build a standardized hearing process that reflects how TDD approaches every disability claim.

This individual should become an extension of our Delivery Team—someone who understands our case development philosophy, communicates proactively, and provides claimants with a consistent, high-quality hearing experience.

Why This Position Matters

This role is about much more than representing claimants before an Administrative Law Judge.

The hearing representative will become part of the claimant's journey during one of the most important stages of their disability claim.

Because of this, we are looking for someone who aligns with The Disability Digest's expectations for communication, reliability, professionalism, and empathy.

Required Qualifications

• Experience representing claimants in 200+ Social Security Disability hearings
• Thorough knowledge of SSA regulations, hearing procedures, and vocational testimony
• Experience preparing hearing briefs and developing hearing strategy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable using technology and remote meeting platforms
• Ability to work collaboratively with Delivery and Case Management

Core Values We Are Looking For

1. Communication

Communication is one of the most important qualities we are looking for.

In the past, we have experienced situations where hearing representatives:

• Waited until the day before the hearing to contact the claimant.
• Failed to adequately prepare claimants for what to expect.
• Were slow to confirm hearing assignments.
• Did not keep our team informed throughout the hearing process.

We want someone who communicates proactively—not reactively.

The ideal candidate should:

• Confirm hearing assignments promptly.
• Schedule pre-hearing meetings well in advance.
• Respond to claimant questions in a timely manner.
• Keep the Delivery Team informed throughout hearing preparation.
• Complete post-hearing communication promptly.

Our goal is for claimants to feel informed and supported throughout the hearing process.

2. Empathy & Claimant-Centered Representation

Every claimant enters the hearing stage differently.

Some are anxious.

Some have cognitive impairments.

Some have severe mental health conditions.

Others simply need reassurance.

The representative should be able to adapt their communication style to each claimant while maintaining patience, professionalism, and compassion.

We are looking for someone who understands that hearing preparation is not just about legal strategy—it's also about helping claimants feel confident and prepared for one of the most important conversations of their disability claim.

3. Credibility & Technical Knowledge

Our representative should inspire confidence in both claimants and Administrative Law Judges.

The ideal candidate should:

• Have substantial hearing experience.
• Understand SSA regulations and hearing procedures.
• Be comfortable analyzing medical evidence.
• Prepare persuasive hearing briefs.
• Conduct thorough claimant preparation meetings.
• Effectively question vocational experts when appropriate.

Primary Responsibilities

The representative will:

• Review TDD's complete case file.
• Analyze medical evidence.
• Review and build upon TDD's case theory.
• Prepare hearing briefs.
• Conduct comprehensive pre-hearing preparation meetings.
• Represent claimants during Administrative Law Judge hearings.
• Submit post-hearing documentation when necessary.
• Provide Delivery with a post-hearing summary and recommendations.

Desired Characteristics

We are looking for someone who is:

• Reliable
• Organized
• Responsive
• Compassionate
• Professional
• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Detail-oriented
• Interested in growing with TDD over the long term

Long-Term Vision

Our goal is to develop an in-house hearing representative who grows alongside The Disability Digest.

As hearing volume increases, this individual should become the standard for how TDD prepares and represents claimants at the hearing level. Beyond hearing representation, we envision this role contributing to process improvement, hearing preparation standards, AI-assisted workflow development, advocate education, and the continued refinement of our hearing program.

Compensation Structure

Initial compensation will be based on a per-hearing contract model.

Current proposal:

• $500–700 per hearing
• New representatives complete a 5–10 hearing evaluation period
• Exceptional candidates may begin at the higher compensation tier based on experience and qualifications
• Long-term compensation structure may evolve as hearing volume increases

Future Growth Opportunities

Referral Partnership: TDD screens prospects, enrolls qualified members into the Disability Approval Course, educates them on expectations and case development, then refers qualified cases. Partner tracks referrals, reports outcomes, follows service standards, and pays the agreed referral percentage (currently 25%).

Guest Speaking: Participate in YouTube Live, interviews, webinars, and educational content that may also become part of the Disability Approval Course.

If interested; send your application at opportunity@thedisabilitydigest.com