Overview
What is a Disability Claims Adjudicator and what do they do?
At OOD, a Disability Claims Adjudicator (DCA) is a State of Ohio employee who considers medical and vocational information to process Social Security disability determination claims for Ohioans; gathers and analyzes information from various sources to include medical, psychological and functional evidence in determining one’s work-related limitations; interacts frequently with claimants, attorneys, medical sources and other professionals to obtain evidence used to evaluate the severity of medical conditions and a claimant’s ability to perform work-related activities.
Characteristics of a Successful Disability Claims Adjudicator
Ability to manage a high-paced workflow in a time-efficient manner
Ability to stay organized and quality-focused
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
Ability to make decisions independently with good judgement
Motivation and ability to deliver excellent customer service
About Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Qualifications
Completion of undergraduate core program in human/medical services area (e.g. psychology, sociology, criminology, pre-medicine, special education), public relations, public administration, business administration, communications or closely related field.
-Or 24 mos. exp. in adjudication of social security disability benefit claims for another state jurisdiction or federal component of social security administration.
-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
Knowledge of: disability claim development procedures*, Social Security disability law (e.g. Program Operations Manual System (POMS))*, procedures & regulations*, HIPAA Privacy Act*, natural & physical sciences (e.g. biology, anatomy, physiology)* vocational analysis*, psychological testing & measurement*, behavioral assessment*, medical terminology*, psychology*, sociology*, body systems/functions & disorders*, diseases & disabling conditions *, adjudicative practices*, critical thinking/problem solving techniques, interviewing techniques, computer applications (e.g. Microsoft Office), public relations/customer service.
Skill in: operation of office equipment, related agency software*.
Ability to: interpret extensive variety of technical, medical & vocational data, identify problems with complex variables, analyze, evaluate & draw valid conclusions, maintain high level of accuracy while handling a constantly fluctuating workload, manage an individual caseload of claimants (with both physical &/or mental disabilities) with successful performance as demonstrated by quality/timely production which meets or exceeds the expectations for the position, gather & collate information about data, people or things, communicate effectively (both verbally & in writing), work efficiently & accurately, maintain composure & flexibility under pressure, challenging conditions & job related stress, work in cooperation with all levels of government structure, medical community & individuals with life-threatening diseases, emotional distress, severe mental illness & significant economic difficulties, handle sensitive inquiries from & contacts with general public, retain & apply newly learned concepts, work independently.
*Developed after employment