About the Position
Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is the federally designated legal and protection advocacy organization for persons with disabilities in Texas to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. The primary role of the Social Security Representative Payee Reviewer is conducting site reviews of Organizations and Individuals that serve as a representative payee for Social Security beneficiaries following specific guidelines and protocols as set forth by the Social Security Administration. The Reviewer works extremely independent of others in the Organization, travels to many locations across Texas, conducts interviews of representative payees and beneficiaries, reviews worksites and housing facilities, reviews financial records, assesses violations or potential incidents of mismanagement of beneficiary funds and then writes up a report regarding findings. Further, the reviewer develops corrective action plans to assist representative payees in meeting requirements specified by the Social Security Administration Commissioner.
Government clearance by the United States Government Office of Personnel Management is required for this position.
About the Team
The Representative Payee Program team conducts reviews of Representative Payees on behalf of the Social Security Administration. A representative payee handles the Social Security and/or SSI payments of Social Security beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their own cash benefits.
The position requires government clearance (suitability) before being able to perform the duties of the job or view any beneficiary information. The clearance process typically takes between 3 – 6 weeks. As a result, newly hired reviewers will begin after clearance is received. Current DRTx staff that transfer to the team will maintain full time status.
Our team does not provide direct client services and is an excellent position for those that would like the opportunity to impact the lives of beneficiaries with disabilities by assuring that those with control of their finances are providing for their best basic care needs.
Essential Functions
The ability to conduct thorough investigations including interviewing individuals, reviewing confidential and private records, collecting information, documenting observations, and collecting evidence and information of value while performing a site visit.
The ability to complete multiple interview forms, financial reconciliation documents, and prepare comprehensive reports which detail the investigation, findings and recommendations for corrections, if needed.
The ability to analyze gathered information and comprehensively indicate issues and deficiencies.
The ability to use alternative methods of communication in order to interview persons who many have impaired verbal communication skills.
Inspecting facilities for possible health and safety violations.
Reviewing and analyzing written and financial records.
Cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals, agencies, and organizations involved in investigating, preventing or otherwise responding to similar investigations.
Attend all required trainings.
Master technical information of applicable program areas and relevant statutes and policies. Should be considered a content expert on program area.
Coordinate with others, as assigned.
Maintains effective communications and develops cooperative working relationships with others.
Moderate travel.
Work independently.
Maintain confidentiality as directed by Social Security Administration.
Appropriately prioritize tasks as needed and to multi-task numerous responsibilities in a timely manner.
Establish personal credibility throughout the organization and with associated partner organizations, in order to be an effective partner and advisor.
Maintain thorough, complete, and timely records.
Clearly, accurately, and effectively communicate information to others.
Apply the principles of the organization’s vision and values in all work-related business and interactions.
Ability to pass initial and any subsequently required background checks by the organization and government.
Perform other duties as requested or required.
Required Qualifications
A minimum of four (4) years previous investigations experience with demonstrated success working with persons with disabilities and maintaining confidential information.
Ability to pass Federal government security clearance.
Demonstrated functional knowledge in basic accounting principles and terminology.
Strong and effective writing, verbal, and negotiating communications skills including the ability to do so in a concise manner, even when doing so regarding complex issues to a variety of people.
Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and collaboration skills to be able to work effectively with others inside and outside of the organization; relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to “manage by influence”.
Demonstrated functional knowledge of complex state and federal laws, rights protection statutes and regulations.
The ability to take direction and independently follow through on all instructions.
The ability to research, analyze, and disseminate relevant issues and apply information effectively.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively, even to remote rural locations.
Excellent detail-orientation, follow-up skills and organizational skills plus the ability to multi-task and work under challenging conditions while meeting deadlines.
Knowledge and skills to appropriately implement instruction.
Demonstrated ability to manage individual workload so services are delivered timely and appropriately.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
High level of commitment to service excellence, plus high degrees of integrity, ethics and judgment are a must.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience reviewing and analyzing financial records
Experience or understanding of Social Security Income and resources regulations
Experience working with government entities and contractors.
Bilingual in Spanish – both written and spoken
Interested in applying? Please visit our website to apply directly on our careers page: https://disabilityrightstx.org/en/get-involved/careers/.
This position may be located in North Houston, Dallas, or Fort Worth