SC Disability Determination Services
SC DDS Psychologists
About a Career as a Disability Determination Service Psychologist
For psychologists looking for a “second career” after work in a more traditional clinical setting or for psychologists who want to engage in non-clinical work while maintaining a part-time private practice, work as a psychological consultant for the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department’s Disability Determination Services presents a unique opportunity. This employment enables psychologists to keep their clinical knowledge current while enjoying the challenge of learning the rules and policies of the Social Security Administration’s disability program. The Disability Determination Service utilizes state-of-the art technology to obtain electronic medical records that the psychologist reviews in making decisions regarding disability determinations. In making these decisions, psychologists are afforded the opportunity to talk with treatment providers in the community and to consult with other psychologists at the disability determination office.
A Typical Day
A day in the life of a disability determination psychologist can vary. While the primary focus is on making case decisions about the severity of disability, in reaching these decisions a psychological consultant may consult with colleagues in the community by telephone and may consult with disability examiners, highly trained individuals who obtain and analyze medical records and interview disability claimants. Psychological consultants also consult with each other on difficult cases, either informally or more formally during case conferences. Disability psychologists are often involved in training efforts in the office and often interface with contract psychologists who perform disability examinations in the community. Disability psychologists have no direct contact with the disability claimants. As disability examiners are not required to have formal education in psychology, the psychological consultant is often involved in helping examiners understand complex diagnostic issues.
Job Requirements
The job requirements for a SCVR DDS psychological consultant include a doctoral degree in psychology from a program in clinical psychology from an educational institution accredited by an organization recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation or listing in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, two years of supervised clinical experience as a psychologist in health service, at least one year of which is post master’s degree, and current licensure or certification as a psychologist at the independent practice level from the State of SC’s Board of Examiners in Psychology. Demonstrated clinical experience and a thorough knowledge of psychological evaluation are preferred. It is typically assumed that it will take a full year for new psychological consultants to become versed in SSA policy and disability determination issues. During this year, an initial orientation period that includes numerous classes on policy and the disability determination process is followed by close work and mentoring from experienced psychologists in the office. Computer skills are necessary; however, there is ample support from peers and on-site IT specialists to aid in learning to navigate SSA’s paperless system.
Job Satisfaction and Benefits
Owing to a number of factors, most psychological consultants come to the Disability Determination Service and stay! Most consultants find this job affords them the opportunity to stay current in their field and to have access to valuable consultation and interaction with colleagues, office physicians as well as other psychologists. Unique to this setting, physicians and psychologists often work in a very collaborative, non-hierarchical manner in order to make decisions about complex disorders that involve both psychological and physical components. Absent are some of the stressors associated with clinical work. For example, there is no expectation of work during weekends, evenings, or state holidays. There is no on-call expectation; when you log off for the day, your work is done until you return! There is no need to carry independent malpractice insurance as liability for decisions made is carried by the agency, not the individual psychologist. Productivity requirements are reasonable and ample time is provided psychologists to become trained.
Benefits are numerous and include the possibility of part-time or full-time work in one of three offices around the state (Greenville, Columbia, Charleston). Once trained, flexible hours are often possible. Full-time psychologists are afforded all the typical benefits of state employment, including insurance and retirement packages, paid holiday and sick leave, and access to the state’s deferred compensation program. Most of all, there is enormous benefit in working with and developing relationships with a dedicated team of professionals who all strive to do their best for disability claimants.
Contacts
More information about becoming a Medical Consultant for SCVR DDS may be obtained by contacting:
Sylvester Jackson (Columbia Regional Office Supervisor): 803-896-6702
Dr. Ellen Humphries (Medical Services Supervisor): 803-896-6426
Blake Monson (Charleston Regional Office Supervisor): 843-953-0374
Dr. Ted Keller (Medical Services Supervisor): 843-953-0315
Chris Porter (Greenville Regional Office Supervisor): 864-282-4001
Dr. William Crosby (Medical Services Supervisor): 864-282-4015