Salary: $105,000.00 - $126,410.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal Promotional - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: ESA
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe Washington Division of Disability Determination Services, within DSHS is currently seeking a Disability Hearings Unit (DHU) Manager. In this role, you will work closely with other members of the Executive Leadership Team to develop, plan, and implement division-wide policies, procedures and strategic initiatives. Traveling is required, as you manage experienced, program expert adjudicators that conduct Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Social Security Administration (SSA) disability hearings statewide; process complex specialized caseloads, and represent the Executive Leadership Team for federal disability hearing and state Fair Hearing policy matters.
You will use your knowledge and expertise regarding the application of federal law and adjudication of Social Security disability claims to all levels of adjudicative staff, including supervisors, managers, senior leadership and SSA specialists.
Some of what you will do- Oversee statewide operation of the Disability Hearings Unit.
- Supervise, train, and certify hearing officers;
- Assuring quality control and compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and the SSA Program Operation Manual Systems (POMS);
- Responsible for the training and quality assurance of written decisions;
- Provide assistance in complex cases;
- Appear as an expert witness for Title XIX Non-Grant Medical Assistance Fair Hearings;
- Determine production, goals, standards, workflow and accuracy, assign cases;
- Develops hearing procedures, interprets policy, problem solves and reviews work to ensure accuracy of hearing decisions;
- Implements and assures compliance with SSA policy and regulation mandates and changes, quality and production initiatives, and budgetary changes.
- Evaluates, develops and establishes business processes and policies to ensure goals and objectives can be met and maintained;
- Respond to questions; advise and problem solve with staff from SSA, DSHS, State and Federal Administrative Law Judges, advocates, attorneys and claimants;
- Evaluates workload and resources and determines the number of staff necessary to meet SSA • annual performance goals;
- Direct, mentor, train and advise DHU staff statewide and establish performance plans;
- Ensure that all DHU staff receive appropriate training and experience to perform the duties of their position and create a work environment that will retain a productive and efficient workforce.
- Oversight of hearing officers who travel to SSA and DSHS offices around the state, conducting face-to-face administrative hearings with claimants and their representatives, and administering travel budgets and reimbursements for staff;
- Responsible for ensuring hearings are conducted according to federal law and ensure safety of hearing officers.
* Individuals selected for positions with the Division of Disability Determination Services (DDDS) must undergo a Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) background investigation. This requires fingerprinting to be submitted to the FBI and a complete Federal Background check. A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials to have access to Social Security data, records and systems. Continued employment is contingent upon a full suitability investigation.
Who should apply? Professionals with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with course work in social science, a medical-related discipline, or other applicable field, and at least three years of supervisory, managerial, or specialized experience in a Disability Determination Services or Social Security Administration office.
Additional qualifying experience at a DDS or SSA office may be substituted year for year for the bachelor's degree requirements.
And, at least five years of experience working in a Disability Determination Services or Social Security Administration as an Adjudicator.
To Apply: Interested applicants should complete an online application to include a letter of interest. Your letter of interest should detail your experience and qualifications regarding supervision, disability claims experience, and knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to the Social Security disability program.
Questions?Contact the recruiter, Chris Pulley, at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference project 08408 as the subject.
Supplemental Information Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
