DISABILITY CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR I (UMP)

Disability Claims Adjudicator I (UMP)

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome.

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application. Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

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Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you're helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you're part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you're looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Bureau of Disability Determination Services is seeking to hire a Disability Claims Adjudicator to perform responsible, complex administrative, medical and legal work pursuant to the adjudication of initial claims for disability benefits under Title II and Title XVI of the Social Security Act. This position reviews paper or electronic initial claim application, initiates request for necessary medical or non-medical evidence such as job descriptions or activities of daily living through contact by letter or telephone including but not limited to medical treatment sources, employers, Social Security field offices, legal representatives, etc. and prepares and authenticates decision of allowance (establishing onset), denial or a closed period of disability for Illinois residents who have disabling impairments which preclude substantial gainful activity as defined in the Federal regulations.

Essential Functions:

• Examines and analyzes data recorded by Social Security field office obtained through an interview or internet application of clients who file for disability.
• Reviews and assesses medical and lay evidence received through the paper or the electronic case process.
• Obtains full job description of all relevant past employment.
• Reviews regulatory changes, policy guidelines, procedures and transmittals received electronically from state and federal operations, keeps informed of professional and medical technological advances which affect adjudications.
• Develops, updates and maintains skills necessary to generate changes in the interfaced state-federal data control system (coding, diary dates, capability alerts, messages, decisions, etc.).
• Screens all final decisions.
• Communicates in Spanish with claimants regardless of their educational level or type of impairment and effectively handle crisis.
• Provides input to update and maintain current information in the medical reference source book and assess effectiveness of the consultative examination panel physicians.
• Ensures that proper disclosure rules are followed to preserve the confidentiality of the client's record following HIPPA guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree, with major courses in medical, premedical, legal, prelegal, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, health, biological sciences, physical sciences, business administration, management, or disability claims adjudication. OR Requires current valid licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois, plus three (3) years of professional registered nursing experience. In addition to either of the above, requires successful completion of bureau's training program OR one (1) year of professional social security disability adjudication experience. Requires ability to speak, read, and write Spanish at a colloquial skill level.

*Qualifying state employees, in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this class.

Requires ability to pass a federal employment background check. Individuals selected for positions with the Illinois Disability Determination Service (DDS) must go through a complete federal background investigation suitability determination by the Social Security Administration. Those individuals meeting the state requirements for employment must first complete the federal background investigation prior to their start date. This is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to the Social Security Disability data, records and systems. Further details will be provided during the pre-employment background check process.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch. (1 vacancy) Section C Unit 07 (1 vacancy) Section H Unit 32 Headquarter Location: 100 N 1st St, Springfield, Illinois, 62702 Division of Rehabilitation Services Bureau of Disability Determinations Services Technical Services/Training Unit Work County: Sangamon Agency Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance; Social Services

About the Agency: The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link:

This title is within the Upward Mobility Program (UMP). General Program information can be found by clicking on the Upward Mobility Program link or for specific title information at UMP Titles. To utilize upward mobility contractual rights for this position, employees must apply internally and must upload a copy of the UMP grade notice to their application documents prior to submission. UMP grades can be uploaded to