MassAbility and the Disability Determination Services (DSS) Unit is seeking experienced and mission-driven individuals to fill the role of Vocational Disability Examiner. In this role, the selected candidates will adjudicate SSA Disability cases; review decisions and appeals on previously adjudicated cases, and analyze findings of fact in prior decisions. The Vocational Disability Examiner will also evaluate applicants’ eligibility for disability insurance benefits, contact applicants and others to verify information, confer with medical consultants to evaluate diagnoses, determine need for consultative examinations, and prepare detailed determination rationale.

At MassAbility, we are driven by a fundamental belief that we are all different but connected - individuals who share a common purpose and who bring our own talents, ingenuity, and perspective to achieve our vision. That belief puts diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of everything we do. We are keenly aware of the barriers that many of us face as we strive to live life on our own terms. That’s why, as a community, we are committed to always being part of the solution. This work is essential to who we are as an organization. Together, we are making a better state possible for everyone. As a team member, you’ll join an agency that values a learning and participatory performance culture with an emphasis on high-performance teams, individual contribution/impact, and engagement in activities to promote and support programs, divisions, and the overall agency vision and mission.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)

• Analyze findings of fact in initial claims including medical, psychiatric, psychological, vocational and educational information for consistency with evidence submitted by claimant and/or others to determine whether all information is valid, consistent and sufficient to determine eligibility and whether all information has been properly weighted as well as determining potential need for DPH child referrals.
• Review previously adjudicated cases and determine need for reopening.
• Based on findings of facts, affirm or reverse original case decisions and recommend continuation or cessation of benefits with referral to DHU when necessary.
• Confer with medical and psychological consultants to determine merits of cases and necessity of obtaining additional information, and resolve cases by confirming or rebutting opinion or conflicting evidence submitted by claimant, physicians, employers or other parties involved.
• Confer with the consultants to determine the need for consultative examinations and tests to provide medical and/or psychiatric evidence.
• Contact applicants, applicants’ physicians, hospitals, school, third party sources and places of employment to verify, clarify, elaborate on, or supplement previously submitted data and advise applicants on how to obtain required information to support claim.
• Confer with consultants to evaluate diagnoses, prognoses, and degree of medical and mental impairments and compare medical information with vocational impairment on clients in order to determine extent of vocational impairment.
• Determine date of onset of disability by reviewing work history and establishes reevaluation date for all allowed cases.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to develop strong working relationships and work collaboratively with diverse entities within public and private sectors.
• Capability to understand, explain, and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned program activities.
• Ability to analyze, present, and determine the applicability of data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information, maintain accurate records.
• Responsible for learning and staying up to date on MRC’s diversity, equity, inclusion and racial equity skills, results and expectations specific to DDS programs.
• Experience working in a team culture that values inclusivity, performance, transparency, and authenticity.
• Knowledge of and experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial equity and effective engagement across differences.
• Experience working in a team culture that values inclusivity, performance, transparency, and authenticity.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook as well as technologies supporting Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Solid written and oral communication skills and proficiency establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of diverse consumers, families, staff, and organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of reference sources for occupational information.
• Experience with the types, uses and location of agency forms and software.
• Ability to read and interpret medical documents such as laboratory results and doctors’ requests as well as medical terminology and abbreviations.
• Understanding of the methods and techniques used for appraising physical and mental capacities relative to the disability determination function.
• Current understanding of the types of laboratory tests used to obtain evidence of impairment of function of human organs.
• Awareness of the principals and techniques used for the evaluation of rehabilitation potential of individuals with physical, mental and emotional impairments.
• Experience with managing a caseload of consumers.

To Apply

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

About MassAbility

MassAbility provides services that break down barriers and empower people with disabilities to live life on their own terms. Our programs focus on vocational rehabilitation, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs. We are change agents and community builders. And we put the people we serve at the heart of everything we do. We envision a Commonwealth that is open to all, where everyone can seize their true potential and contribute fully to our communities and the world. Together with stakeholders, partners, and allies, MassAbility collaborates, problem-solves, and innovates to bring about a better Massachusetts for everyone—one that is truly equitable, accessible, and inclusive.

For more information about our agency and programs, visit: MassAbility | Mass.gov

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check (CORI) will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. In addition, the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors, requires candidates for positions in the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission / Disability Determination Services to undergo a complete federal background investigation. A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems. For more information, please visit:

http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

http://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-presidential-directive-12

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1 (800) 510-4122, Ext. #4.

Please upload both a Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying for the Vocational Disability Examiner requisition.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have (A) at least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in disability claims adjudication, nursing, vocational or rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation, physical therapy or sports medicine, social work, social casework, job placement, recruitment, employment counseling, disability legal counseling or disability legal advocacy or other related field, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, counseling, physical therapy, sports medicine, sociology, human services, human relations, social work, education or other related field may be substituted for the required work experience.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.