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DDSSA PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALIST

The Disability Determination for the Social Security Administration (DDSSA) Psychology Specialist is responsible for assimilating the federal DDSSA policies and procedures into clinical psychology settings to determine if an applicant meets criteria listed in the federal social security disability guidelines for disability. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency policy.

Class Code:

L027N

Job Grade:

MP05

Special Job Requirements:

Typical Functions:

Evaluates claimants’ medical and mental health records and evidence to determine whether a medical or mental condition meets or equals the medical criteria listed in the federal social security listing of impairments for social security disability benefit eligibility. Determines claimants’ mental residual functional capacity based on impairments/conditions and third party subjective evidence. Establishes the earliest medical onset date of claimants’ disability by reviewing the claimants’ medical and mental health records based on acceptable psychological theories, concepts, and methods, and federal social security disability rules and regulations. Provides a reasoned statement integrating social security administration disability determination principles with clinical psychology for the purpose of substantiating findings. Conducts psychological consultations with professional adjudicative staff by explaining psychological concepts, theories, and methodologies and how these relate to the mental criteria in the listing of impairments. Participates in training and staff development for new and current adjudicative staff. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Knowledge of psychological theories, concepts and methods. Knowledge of medical terminology, treatment, and disease processes. Knowledge of policy and procedures of disability determination. Ability to integrate clinical medicine/psychology with the principles of disability determination. Ability to interpret manuals, rules and regulations. Ability to present orally or in writing medical and non-medical case information. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with appropriate personnel. Ability to apply federal social security relationships and eligibility to complex cases. Ability to analyze mental health/medical reports according to criteria and make appropriate determinations. Ability to review and analyze mental health and medical evidence/records and understand information pertinent to federal social security rules and regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

The formal education equivalent of a doctoral degree in psychology; plus three years of experience in the field of psychology. The applicant must be able to fully execute the duties of the position after a one year period of training and mentoring.

Required Certificates:

Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State Board of Examiners in Psychology in accordance with ACA 17-97-302.

Exempt:

E
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