Disability Claims Examiner (11150, 11083)

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Disability Employment and Transitions Division, Disability Determination Services Bureau.

The Disability Claims Examiner position works within the Disability Determination Services (DDS) Bureau whose primary function is to make disability determination decisions for the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) under the disability benefits program. Responsibilities of the Disability Claims Examiner include managing a caseload of disability benefit applications; making disability determination decisions following federal laws, rules, and policies; and managing case files via the DDS electronic case management system.

All Disability Claims Examiners participate in a 24-month training program, that provides the guidance and support required to be effective in this position. Upon successful completion of the training program, hourly base rate increases will occur at 12 months and 24 months.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve and protect the health, safety, and well-being, and to empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Flexible to balance between literal adherence to rules and the use of policies as a guide. Does not look to protect the rule, but rather uses the rule to increase engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication demonstrated with strong interpersonal skills used to engage people and develop collaborative relationships.

• Ability to research, interpret, and implement federal and state rules, regulations, policy, and business procedures.

• Ability to work with a large and complex computer/data system to complete work in a highly technical environment.

• Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.

• Meet minimum qualifications:

• Two years of job-related work experience such as case management in the medical, insurance, law, vocational, or worker compensation fields.

• Preferred bachelor's degree in a medical, legal, social work, or education related field or other related degree.

• Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Cover Letter - please describe your experience working with people who live with disabilities.

• Resume

• References

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for partial telework within the state of Montana. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to state policy.

This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.50 an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2024.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants. The first screening of candidates will take place on April 19, 2024.