1/24/2005 45090

DISABILITY ADJUDICATION HEARINGS OFFICER

DEFINITION: This is quasi-judicial work in the conduct .of hearings involving the determination of disability benefits.

Employees in this job are responsible for scheduling and conducting quasi-judicial evidentiary hearings made under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs sponsored under the Social Security Administration. Work involves taking testimony, examining records and documents and preparing adjudications. Hearings are conducted in an office setting and employees are required to travel to hearing locations. Employees work independently in carrying out each hearing to completion, with final signatory authority of allowing or disallowing all claims. Employees consult with their supervisor only on the most unusual issues. Work is reviewed by the supervisor through conferences, reports, and observation of hearings in process.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts quasi-judicial hearings regarding the disposition of appeals initiated by applicants or recipients aggrieved by agency actions or policies affecting the receipt or determination of disability benefits.

Researches existing policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to cases heard.

Confirms hearing dates, location, recording services and participating parties.

Travels to hearing locations in order to conduct appeals.

Reviews hearing records and documents and pertinent Departmental regulations.

Prepares adjudications and notifications.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of Title II and XVI of the Social Security Act which enables the adjudication of medical disability cases.

Knowledge of medical criteria used to determine the degree of physical and mental limitations resulting from impairment.

Knowledge of medical evidence and tests and their application to specific cases or general applications.

Knowledge of non-medical evidence such as vocational factors, work history, lay observations and economic patterns which affect an individual's ability to function in a work environment.

Knowledge of due process standards to conduct an orderly, fair, and impartial hearing.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise obtain personal or public transportation to and from hearing locations.

Ability to establish positive relationships with claimants, associates, legal representatives, and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years as a Disability Claims Adjudicator;

                                                                                                                                            or

Three years of experience in work involving medical and/or vocational and/or psychological evaluations, of which two years must have been in disability claims adjudication, and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                           or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.