DISABILITY ADJUDICATOR I

Date: Mar 20, 2026

Req ID: 56261

Location:

Little Rock, AR, US, 72201

Category: DISABILITY DETERMINATION

Anticipated Starting Salary: 47396.96

Position Number: 22145007 MULTIPLE POSITIONS
County: Pulaski ONSITE EMPLOYMENT
Posting End Date: April 12, 2026
Anticipated Starting Salary: 47396.96 NON-NEGOTIABLE
Potential Salary in 2-years: $57,351*
Tentative Onboarding Date: July 6, 2026

To learn more about the position, please watch this video: Becoming a disability examiner: Is this the position for me?

Eligible applicants will be required to take a written examination, which will be administered in Little Rock. The examination is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026.

>>>Details regarding the written examination will be sent via email by close of business on April 15, 2026.<<<

Applicants who are interviewed and selected will receive a contingent offer of employment. At that time, the applicant will begin the Tier2 federal background investigation process to determine suitability for access to Social Security facilities, systems, information, and/or classified materials. This process includes fingerprinting, online completion of Standard Form 85P (SF85P), and credentialing. Applicants are encouraged to review the SF85P before applying.

*Employees will go through a one-year intense training and mentoring program followed by a second year of training on additional case types and processes. All job duties, including training and mentoring, will be performed onsite. At 12 months and 24 months, an employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, and workload responsibilities will be reviewed to determine eligibility for a job series promotion. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the agency and the Office of Personnel Management. Potential Salary in 2-years: $57,351. Starting salary is non-negotiable.

Position Information

Job Series: Disability – Career-path

Classification: Disability Adjudicator I

Class Code: PDI01P

Pay Grade: SGS05

Salary Range: $47,397 - $70,148

Job Summary

The Disability Adjudicator I is an entry-level position in the disability adjudication series. Incumbents in this role are responsible for evaluating disability claims, reviewing medical records, and assessing vocational histories. While they may handle fewer complex cases, adjudicators at this level are expected to learn disability eligibility criteria, medical conditions, and relevant legal requirements through training and experience.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist in reviewing disability claims, including medical, vocational, and other relevant documents. Evaluate basic disability claims under supervision and make preliminary determinations based on established guidelines. Work closely with more experienced adjudicators to ensure the accuracy of determinations. Attend training sessions and apply knowledge to improve adjudication skills. Document all claim evaluations and decision rationales accurately.

Knowledge and Skills

Basic understanding of medical conditions and their impact on work ability. Familiarity with the requirements for disability eligibility under SSDI and SSI programs. Ability to follow detailed instructions and apply policies and procedures to claims processing. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Good communication skills for interacting with claimants, medical professionals, and internal teams.

Minimum Qualifications

Preference for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Psychology, Biology, Sociology, Life Sciences, Social Work, Legal Studies, or Public Administration). Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements. Must successfully pass the written examination.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Contact Information:
Melissa.Thomas@ssa.gov

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.