PDIS Technician

Job Description:
Administrative Asst IV

The Program Development and Information Services (PDIS) Technician performs advanced administrative support work. The PDIS Technician works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Work involves considerable decision-making in executing administrative and programmatic support. Serves as the workflow coordinator by organizing, prioritizing, assigning, and distributing work, disseminating information, maintaining filing systems, maintaining databases, monitoring electronic queues, and performing administrative work. Trains new and temporary employees. Responds to complex program-related telephone questions/concerns from claimants, beneficiaries, recipients, congressional and legislative staff, governmental agencies, public officials, physicians, attorneys, authorized representatives, Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Office and SSA Regional Office personnel, advocacy groups, and other interested third parties. Responds to requests from legal representatives, attorneys, doctors, and interested third parties for confidential information from Social Security disability claim files and authorizes the release of information based on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA). Researches and provides information to Trainers and the Directorate Manager about various concerns/questions. Compiles and prepares PDIS monthly reports submitted to the Senior Director of Disability Policy and Program Support (DPPS), HHSC management, DDS management and staff, and SSA Regional Office staff. Produces complex routine and non-routine correspondence documents. Routes correspondence, claim folders, and records, as indicated. Maintains complete and accurate department record systems. Reports maintenance and equipment problems.

This position occasionally requires work during the weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours. DDS employees perform all business functions for SSA, using the federal SSA network and equipment. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 security clearance is required.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Communicates, coordinates, and interacts with various DDS, HHSC, and SSA components, as well as congressional/legislative offices, public officials, other third parties, and the general public to resolve concerns/questions and facilitate the proper application of disability program guidelines, including resolving sensitive situations such as suicide, homicide, or dire need issues. Makes appropriate referrals to various agencies, DDS, HHSC, and SSA components, as well as Trainers and Directorate Managers.

Establishes standards for customer-focused communication and coordination within areas of responsibility and with all internal and external associates and customers.

Uses personal computer to research complex program-related information in order to respond to concerns/questions, as well as to create, update, prepare, and maintain requests, correspondence, documents, records, databases, reports, and manuals.

Organizes, assigns, and oversees daily work assignments to staff to ensure efficient PDIS workflow.

Responds to telephone concerns/questions and processes routine written requests for information from Social Security disability claim files by authorizing release of confidential information in accordance with the provision of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act and other applicable state and federal laws, regulation, policies, and procedures.

Prepares and distributes routine and non-routine documents, correspondence, reports, and other memoranda.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act, as well as other applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing the release of confidential information from Social Security disability claim files.

Extensive knowledge in interacting tactfully and positively, and communicating clearly with DDS employees, other HHSC employees, Social Security personnel, congressional and legislative staff, governmental agencies, public officials, physicians, attorneys, authorized representatives, other interested third parties, claimants, beneficiaries, recipients, and the general public.

Knowledge of SSA laws, rules, regulation, policies, and procedures, in addition to other applicable federal and state laws as related to the adjudication of Social Security initial, reconsideration, and Continuing Disability Review disability claims.

Knowledge of personal computer applications including databases, spreadsheets, and word processing software.

Knowledge of applying business English, grammar, and composition in preparing routine and non-routine correspondence, reports, studies, forms, miscellaneous documents, and filing systems.

Knowledge in managing complex and sensitive records, conducting research for case-related information and providing accurate data and/or appropriate referrals.

Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.

Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and completing tasks, duties and other work assignments in a timely and independent manner.

Skill in using sound judgment in making decisions and solving problems.

Skill in instructing and training others.

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