Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Under general supervision provides professional adjudication of Social Security Administration disability claims. Develops and adjudicates decisions for initial claims for Social Security and/or Supplemental Security Income disability benefits in accordance with federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Defines the scope of information pertinent to and supporting the application for benefits and develops a strategy to obtain that information. Reads and analyzes medical information and evidence received, compares objective medical findings from differing medical sources. Applies judgment to ascertain the existence, nature, and severity of the impairment or impairments. Evaluates statements, claims and evidence for sufficiency, consistency, validity and credibility. Researches medical and vocational issues through the use of written policy and instructional material or consults medical, vocational or other specialists concerning specific issues of the claim. Determines eligibility for disability benefits by preparing a formal determination including completion of forms and an explanation of the determination. Determines the type of documents necessary to support a decision. Using a legal framework establishes pertinent findings of fact and uses those to rationalize and explain disability decisions. Incorporates new material and· updates knowledge of program standards as a result of reading, feedback and training.

• Review initial claims and applications
• Request additional information from applicant and review data to see if it fits within the scope of the disability program
• Analyze data including diagnostic and assessment tests
• Contact doctors, psychologists, and other health care professionals to obtain information
• Evaluate occupational information to assess claimants’ work potential; explain program eligibility and interpret medical and vocational information
• Compose technical explanations of decisions
• Keep current on changes in federal rules and regulations