Job Code: LEP013

Job Title: Disability Hearing Officer

EEO-4: Professional

Grade: L

Salary Plan: SWD

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

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

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Principal Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare clear and well-written hearing decisions.
• Conduct disability hearings (in-person, MS Teams, telephone, etc.)
• Obtain testimony provided by the claimant/witness
• Administer oath to hearing participants prior to the proceeding
• Research laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions
• Analyze evidence to determine the appropriate conclusion (independent decision-maker)
• Evaluate the need for additional evidence
• Assess the level of severity of the claimant’s medical impairment
• Very limited travel may be necessary/expense reimbursement (Overnight stay may be required).

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

As a condition of employment with Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, you must successfully complete a mandatory federal and national background check, to include fingerprinting, pre-employment testing, and additional checks required for your job.

AAP/EEO Statement

GVRA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

GVRA

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency operates five integrated and interdependent statutory programs that share a primary goal - to help people with disabilities to become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment. Our programs impact both employers and job seekers. Our bottom line is to tailor our services to fit your needs. And our promise to you is consistent professional service with responsive and responsible follow-up.

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