<p>The posting is hiring for Disability Analyst positions. Federal positions may be filled based on availability of Federal funds. Are you looking for a job with flexibility that supports work/life balance? At the North Carolina Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS), there are several aspects that support work/life balance. After completing your first four of the twelve months onboarding program, you also are able to work with your supervisor to determine start times between 6:00 am and 9:30 am for your 8-hour workday. Upon completing the 12-month onboarding program, if you meet the work expectations outlined in the office procedure, you are able to request a Flexible Working Schedule (four ten-hour days and one day off or four nine-hour days and one four-hour day with a half day off). After sixty days from the start of the onboarding calendar and successful employment, we offer hybrid teleworking options. We offer a wellness room for exercise and free parking. Food Truck options are often available. Our office is easily accessible from many locations (440 Beltline and Highway 64). At the DDS, we care about providing a timely and accurate decision for people applying for disability benefits as well as look for opportunities to support work-life balance for our employees. Our employees regularly share appreciation for these work schedule flexibilities offered. Additionally, we offer clear career growth pathways and mentoring for new Disability Analysts. </p> <p>This position is located at the Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services in Raleigh, NC. This division makes medical entitlement decisions on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid disability claims. In order to adjudicate initial-level disability claims, individuals analyze and develop complex medical, vocational, functional, and programmatic data to determine whether an individual is eligible for benefits. The Disability Analyst must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine an applicant's ability to engage in productive work. Work performed by the Disability Analyst is production oriented involving tight deadlines, high quality demands, and high work volume expectations. All work is performed in an electronic environment. This work environment utilizes a personal computer with dual monitors. Production of forms and evaluations are done utilizing the computer. Selected applicants must pass a screening test to qualify for an interview. After four months of classroom training on program criteria, Disability Analysts begin working initial-level disability claims. </p> <p>For New Disability Analyst (1.0) positions, the ideal candidates must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and candidates contacted by the hiring team will be required to complete an assessment that analyzes critical thinking skills. </p> <p> For Experienced Disability Analyst (1.5, 2.0, 2.5) positions must possess formal DDS training in the evaluation of Social Security or Medicaid Disability claims and a minimum of one year's experience in the adjudication of initial Disability claims. Candidates with advanced level of DDS claims adjudication experience, as outlined in the Management Preferences section, may qualify for the Advanced Senior Disability Analyst level within the position classification. Disability Analyst at this level must to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine and applicant's ability to engage in productive work, and routinely adjudicate Initial, Reconsideration, Age 18 Redetermination Cases, Continuing Disability Reviews, agency policy training, mentoring staff, and work unit quality review. Only applicants with this specific experience will be considered. Candidates also must possess detailed familiarity with SSA disability medical and vocational criteria, policies and procedures, related court decisions and administrative rulings. This position requires the ability to process initial-level disability claims, which include the development of medical and other information in an electronic or paper environment to determine whether an applicant is eligible for benefits, and make a decision of entitlement. The Disability Analyst must be able to assess impairment severity, propose a statement of residual functional capacity, and determine an applicant's ability to engage in productive work. Production of forms and evaluations are done utilizing the computer. This includes reading electronic images of medical records. </p> <p>The Disability Determination Services Division has Career Progression opportunities that provides Disability Analysts making satisfactory progress after 18 months a maximum of 10% In-Range Adjustments within 12-month period.</p> <p>About the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):</p> <p>The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.</p> <p>Compensation and Benefits:</p> <p>The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits. Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis). Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave. In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees. Visit website for benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits.</p> <p>For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/Management preference will be given to candidates with:</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrated strong organizational skills with managing several tasks simultaneously.  </li><li>Documented experience providing customer service to the public. </li><li>Demonstrated analytical and problems solving skills. </li><li>Proficiency in use of computer applications and keyboarding skills.  </li><li>For Experienced Disability Analysts (1.5, 2.0, 2.5) positions: At least 12-months of documented experience as a Disability Analyst (48-months without a four-year degree) at a State DDS office or federal SSA component.  </li><li>Documented experience adjudicating all of the following claim types: Initial, Reconsideration, Age 18 Redetermination Cases, Continuing Disability Reviews, agency policy training, mentoring staff, and work unit quality review. </li></ul> <p>Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See https://oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details.</p> <p>Qualified applicants must possess, and application must clearly reflect work experience that demonstrates the following:</p> <p>Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution;</p> <p>OR</p> <p>An equivalent combination of education and experience.  </p> <p>The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws and Executive Orders.  We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job.  For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.</p> <p>DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.</p> <p>  </p> <p>It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive information. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas to include the beginning and ending dates of jobs worked, education with the date graduated, all work experience, and certificates / licenses.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.  Answers to Supplemental Questions must refer to education or work experience listed on this application to receive credit.  Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.</p> <ul> <li>Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. </li><li>Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.  If a former member of the NC National Guard, who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22. </li><li>If applicants earned college credit hours but did not complete a degree program, they must attach an unofficial transcript to each application to receive credit for this education. </li><li>Applicants may be subject to a criminal background check. All candidates selected for positions considered "Positions of Trust" will be subject to a criminal background check. </li></ul> <p>Applications for positions requiring specific coursework must be accompanied by a copy of the applicant's transcript. Applicants with degrees not conferred at a United States college or university must attach verification that their degree is equivalent to a similar degree from a U.S. institution. The Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members.  Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application.</p> <p>NOTE:  Applicants will receive communication via email only for updates on the status of their application or any questions on their application.  If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact Talent Acquisition at talentacquisition@dhhs.nc.gov..</p> <p>To check the status of an application, please log in to your NC Government Job Opportunities account and click "Application Status". </p> <p>For technical issues with your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 877-204-4442.   If you have a technical issue with your Government Jobs account, please call their Help Line at 1-855-524-5627.</p>