Professional Relations Officer

The Disability Determination Bureau (DDB) is recruiting to fill a Professional Relations Officer in Madison.

The DDB consists of approximately 250 employees, including some contractors. The DDB operates on a yearly budget of approximately $30 million funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to do medical determinations for SSA disability claims. The DDB also processes a small number of State Medicaid disability claims funded by DHS.  The DDB must follow all SSA policies and regulations for safety, security and hiring as well as State of Wisconsin policies and regulations. 

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time. 
• Top rated health plan options starting at $39/month for single plans and $97/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service. 
• Premium pension plan with at least a 6.9% employer match in 2024 for most jobs. Plus a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!  
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, and High Deductible Health Savings
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.
   

Our diversity, equity and inclusion team strives to hire, develop and retain a talented workforce representative of the people of Wisconsin. We are searching for people with diverse backgrounds to join our dynamic and team-oriented environment. We promote professional growth and create a healthy work/life balance and inclusive culture. 

This position offers the option to work remotely up to 4 days per week after the completion of 3 months of training and is headquartered at 1400 E. Washington Avenue office in downtown Madison and offers free on-site parking. This schedule may vary based on training or operational need. The start date is subject to SSA approval. 

Position Summary

As a Professional Relations Officer, you will:

• Serve as a liaison for the DDB and Social Security Disability Program with all Wisconsin medical records and consultative examination (CE) providers, hospitals, clinics, advocacy groups, medical and school social workers and other state and federal agencies.
• Foster the development of collaborative environments at the state/federal/local level and monitor both the Medical Evidence of Record (MER) and Consultative Examination (CE) provider program processes and procedures. 
• Work to expand the receipt of electronic records from providers while ensuring high quality and resolving issues that arise.
• Be responsible for the recruitment, training and monitoring of physicians, psychologists and other health professions to provide consultative examinations.
• Serve as a liaison with federal officials, national medical organizations and other State Disability Determination staff.
• Serve as a technical case expert for the unit of contracted medical consultants and internal staff.
• Train, monitor and improve the quantity and quality of the case work of the medical, psychological and speech and language consultants.
• Provide examiner and medical consultant assistance by researching and applying SSA policy and guidance to render accurate medical decisions.

Salary Information

The starting salary is between $35.00 and $41.00 per hour (approximately between $72,800 and $85,300 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is classified as a Human Services Program Coordinator - Senior and is in pay schedule and range 07/03.

Job Details

All applicants who may be appointed to this position will be required to go through a complete federal background investigation. A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems.

For positions that do allow remote working flexibility, although residency in the State of WI is not required for permanent positions, it is not anticipated that working outside of WI or bordering cities will be allowed as positions may at times need to report to office locations in WI on short notice.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

Employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet for remote work option. Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided. 

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:

• Experience fostering relationships or promoting collaboration with a variety of medical professional partners.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies or procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal rules or regulations.
• Experience adjudicating multiple levels of SSA disability claims and applying specific substantive and technical requirements, policies and procedures of claim adjudication at multiple levels.

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience analyzing management information reports to identify and/or resolve problems (e.g., adapting to changes in healthcare trends in the public or private sector, resolving vendor or resource shortages or efficiency issues, identifying barriers to recruitment or adequate training, etc.).
• Experience using and reviewing electronic health medical records.
• Experience adjudicating all levels of SSA disability claims and experience applying specific substantive and technical requirements, policies and procedures of claim adjudication at all levels.
• Experience providing presentations or trainings in a healthcare related field.
• Experience training and reviewing work of others.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to one (1) page. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process.  Sign in to your account or click “Register Now” to create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Helpful Tips:

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.

Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above. Please monitor your email for communications related this position. Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.

If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s affairs, click here.

For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Stacy Koenig in Human Resources at stacym.koenig@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is April 29 at 11:59 pm.