Disability Support Technician

• Focus heavily on determining what medical and vocational evidence is needed for a decision. A Disability Support Technician reviews claims to determine whether they are appropriate for further review based on SSA requirements, determines proper jurisdiction, and onset date correctness.
• Build knowledge of medical terminology and basic anatomy and physiology to make presumptive disability decision based on SSA directives.
• Develop disability claims processing tasks independently, under the general guidance of their supervisor, with all aspects of claim development.
• Provide back-up and support for administrative staff as needed.

Our Mission, Values, and Culture: Alaska Disability Determination Services (DDS) is uniquely the only DDS in the State of Alaska.

DDS Mission Statement: The Alaska DDS exists to provide accurate, timely medical determinations for the Social Security Administration’s Title II and Title XVI applications for disability claimants.

DDS Vision Statement: To create a work environment and culture that attracts and retains high quality employees, enabling the DDS to provide stellar customer service through perpetual efficiency gains and value stream mapping focused on continual process improvement.

Benefits of Joining Our Team: The work is fast-paced and challenging yet allows some autonomy. You will learn cursory level medical knowledge of the body systems to inform your work as to determine what pre-development actions are necessary on a case-by-case basis.

The program is perpetually evolving as SSA responds to advances in medical science, legal precedents, etc. creating opportunities for continued learning. There is refresher training on a consistent basis as policies and procedures change.

Hybrid telework is potentially available upon completion of the probationary period and successfully meeting and upholding performance metrics.

The Working Environment You Can Expect: This position is located in the downtown area, overlooking Ship Creek at 619 Ship Creek Suite 305. The work conditions include participating as a member of fast past self-directed work team, meeting weekly productivity and quality goals, meeting short deadlines and having occasional contact with claimants., * A list of three (3) professional references, one of which should be your most recent supervisor, including name, job title, employer, and current phone number(s).

• A copy of your last two (2) performance evaluations, or two (2) letters of reference if evaluations are unavailable.
• Copies of post-secondary transcripts, if using education to meet the Minimum Qualifications (unoffical copies are acceptable with the name of the accrediting institution clearly visible).

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.

Do you have experience in Individual consumer customer service?, We are interested in candidates who possess some or all of the following position specific competencies:

• Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Reading Comprehension: Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations.
• Adaptability: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment., Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with competencies in:
• Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
• Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
• Interpersonal Skills: Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
• Standards: Knowledge of standards that either are compliant with or derived from established standards or guidelines.

Equivalent to those typically gained by: Any combination of postsecondary education from an accredited college and/or experience that involved: 1) clerical experience that included computer skills, claims or application processing, and information gathering, or 2) experience with medical technology and/or claims, nursing, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation., The State of Alaska (SOA) uses four levels of proficiency to measure and describe an applicant’s level of competence in applying certain behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish a specific task. The four proficiency levels are: Mastery, Fluency, Literacy, and Discovery. You will need to rate your proficiency level for each competency listed in the supplemental questions.

SPECIAL NOTICE This position requires a federal background check and subsequent federal security clearance in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 on Standard Form 86 that includes fingerprinting, in-depth work and residence location histories., If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts must be attached at the time of application or submitted to the contact information below prior to the close of recruitment. If you’re unable to attach to your application, email it to the contact provided in the job posting. If email is not an option, please call the contact person to obtain a fax number., Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable. If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Pulled from the full job description

• AD&D insurance
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance, The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.

For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)

Insurance Benefits

• Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental

• The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information. o AVTEC o Confidential o Correctional Officers o Marine Engineers o Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers o Supervisory o Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatman’s Union o Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)

• The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information. o General Government o Labor, Trades and Crafts o Public Safety Employees Association o Masters, Mates & Pilots

• Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)

Optional Insurance Benefits

• Group-based insurance premiums for
• Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents)
• Long-term and short-term disability
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
• Supplemental Survivor Benefits
• Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS)
• Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees)
• Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees)
• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security
• Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
• Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options

Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits