State of Illinois

DISABILITY CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR 1 (UMP)

State of Illinois$66K — $94K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with relevant major (medical, legal, nursing, etc.) or current Registered Nurse licensure in Illinois with 3 years of nursing experience.
  • Completion of bureau's training program or 1 year of professional social security disability adjudication experience is preferred.
  • Ability to analyze complex data and medical evidence.
  • Strong communication skills for interacting with claimants of varying backgrounds.
  • Familiarity with regulatory changes and medical technologies affecting adjudication.

Responsibilities

  • Examine and analyze initial disability claims applications.
  • Review and assess medical evidence and documentation.
  • Obtain job descriptions from claimants’ past employment.
  • Communicate effectively with claimants, helping to address crises as needed.
  • Stay updated on regulatory changes and professional advancements relevant to adjudication.
  • Screen final decisions regarding disability claims.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned related to adjudication tasks.

Benefits

  • Pension Program for retirement security.
  • Comprehensive group insurance including health, life, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Generous paid time off: 12 sick days and 10-25 vacation days annually.
  • Flexible work schedules and options for remote work when available.
  • 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave for new parents.
  • Eligibility for loan forgiveness programs for public service.
  • Opportunities for career advancement through the Upward Mobility Program (UMP).
Full Job Description
Job Requisition ID: 56268

Opening Date: 06/05/2026
Closing Date: 06/18/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: DISABILITY CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR 1 - 12537
Skill Option: UMP Credential
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary (Eff 7/1/26) $5,572-$7,898/month ($66,864-$94,776/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 4
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

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.
  • Communicates with claimants regardless of their language, educational level or type of impairment and effectively handle crisis.
  • 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 adjudication.
  • Screens all final decisions.
  • 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.

*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.

Conditions of Employment

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 A Unit 5

(1 vacancy) Section A Unit 25

(1 vacancy) Section A Unit 26

(1 vacancy) Section H Unit 35

Headquarter Location: 100 N 1st St , Springfield, Illinois, 62702

Division of Rehabilitation Services

Bureau of Disability Determination Services

Technical Services/Training Unit

Work County: Sangamon

Agency Contact: [email protected]

Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance; Social Services

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: https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee.html

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 the Additional Documents OR Grade Documentation section of the application.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the "Apply" button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees - a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the "View Profile" link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com - click "Application Procedures" in the footer of every page of the website.

State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your "junk mail", "spam", or "other" folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

About State of Illinois

The name "Illinois" comes from a Native American word meaning "tribe of superior men." Louis Joliet and Father Marquette were the first Europeans to arrive in Illinois in 1673. Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818 and was the 21st state to enter the Union. The state motto is "State Sovereignty, National Union." Illinois is the fifth most populous state in the country with almost 12.9 million people. Abraham Lincoln and three other U.S. Presidents have called Illinois home, including Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. The General Assembly adopted the state slogan, "Land of Lincoln" in 1955. Springfield is the state capital and home to more Abraham Lincoln sites than any other place in the United States, including the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, and Lincoln-Herndon Law Office.

State of Illinois Careers

Join the dedicated team at the State of Illinois and discover a wealth of job opportunities where professional growth and innovation are at the forefront of its mission. The State of Illinois is renowned for its commitment to excellence and diversity, offering careers that cater to a variety of skills and interests.

Work You’ll Do

At the State of Illinois, every position contributes to the betterment of its community and the nation. Whether it's through leadership roles or entry-level positions, the impact of your work will be felt across various sectors. The State provides a platform where skills are honed, and professional aspirations are nurtured.

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The State of Illinois offers a range of employment options from administrative roles to environmental conservation, healthcare, and more. Each career path is equipped with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career advancement.

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Kickstart your career with the State of Illinois through its dynamic internship programs. These opportunities are designed for those who are looking to develop their professional skills in a real-world setting, providing a stepping stone to full-time employment.

Innovative Work Environment

Innovation is key in the operations at the State of Illinois. Employees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, driving the State towards efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

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The State of Illinois is committed to the professional development of its team. With access to diverse training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, employees are well-equipped to ascend in their careers.

Benefits and Culture

The employment experience at the State of Illinois is enhanced by its inclusive culture and comprehensive benefits package. The State values the well-being and satisfaction of its team, ensuring a supportive and positive work environment.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within the State of Illinois can significantly enhance career trajectories. Employees have numerous opportunities to connect with leaders and peers through various events and professional groups, fostering a community of collaboration and support.

Join the Team

The State of Illinois is continuously hiring new talent. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests. The hiring process at the State of Illinois is transparent and thorough, ensuring that the best candidates are selected for the right positions. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a team that values hard work and dedication.

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