DAS - Disability Hearing Officer (DHO) – 4 Internal & External Positions

Job Code: LEP013

Pay Grade: L

Department: Disability Hearing Unit (DHU)

Report To: DHU Supervisor 2

Salary Range: $65,000

Overview:

Disability Adjudication Services (DAS) makes Social Security disability determinations under an agreement with the Social Security Administration. The main DAS office is in Stone Mountain with branch offices located in Athens, Dalton, Thomasville and Savannah. Positions filled through this announcement will be based in Stone Mountain, Athens, and Savannah, GA.

Job Summary:

Disability Hearing Officers conduct statewide administrative hearings on Social Security Administration Title II and Title XVI medical cessations at the reconsideration level of appeal.

Principal Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepares clear and well-written hearing decision for the continuance or cessation of disability benefits.
• Conduct disability hearings (in-person, MS Teams, Telephone, or Video)
• Obtain testimony provided by the claimant/witnesses
• Ensures the beneficiary or appointed representative has sufficient opportunity to present evidence and make statements about the case
• Maintain the proper pace and decorum during the proceeding
• Research laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions
• Analyze and evaluate all evidence, prior decisions and vocational factors
• Evaluate the need for additional evidence
• Assess the level of severity of the claimant’s medical impairment (independent decision maker)
• Minimal travel required (reimbursement is available)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related area from an accredited college or university AND four years of experience interpreting and applying laws regarding program eligibility OR two years of experience required at the lower level Adjudicator 3 (LEP012) or position equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, preference will be given to those who meet the following:

• At least three (3) years of experience processing Social Security Disability Determination claims, specifically Continuing Disability Review (CDR) claims.

Guides, and/or instructs the work assignments of subordinate staff. Oversees personnel conducting hearings to decide or recommend decisions on claims or appeals concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Manages and directs on-going case reviews. Supervises and plans work of assigned staff. Provides on-the job training and performance coaching for assigned staff. Authorizes payment of valid claims and determine method of payment. Conducts hearings to review and makes decisions regarding government programs or other government-related matters such as unemployment, social security, and tax administration claims. Determines penalties or the existence and the amount of liability, or recommends the acceptance or rejection of claims, or compromise settlements. Determines validity of claim or appeal and associated liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence. Ensures that all hearings are conducted fairly and just while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties. Explains the rights of appeal to the involved parties. Oversees the research and analysis of laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions. Performs on-going case reviews to ensure compliance with federal, state and agency policies and procedures. Recommends the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements. Reviews and/or prepares written opinions and decisions