CHIEF DISABILITY CLAIMS SERVICE
Career Family: CHIEF
To land Chief Disability Claims Service in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
A master's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it. The FY2026 range lands between $97,100 and $143,176, and state payroll currently lists 5 people in the title, most of them at Labor.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Labor and Workforce Development's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 5 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $138,568. The agencies employing the most are:
- Labor (5)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under direction of an Assistant Director or other supervisory officer in Disability Determinations, Department of Labor, oversees a major program area such as a region of personnel engaged in the processing and adjudication of disability claims, a training and quality assurance program as mandated by the Social Security Administration; does other related duties.
Examples of work
Manages a staff engaged in various activities related to the processing of disability claims including claims analysis and adjudication, evaluation of Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income programs through the quality assurance operation, monitoring disability claims processing, and developing and implementing policies, procedures, training and quality assurance program. Directs the development of new or revised programs, policies and procedures, and provides technical assistance for implementation consistent with laws and regulations, and to ensure accurate and timely adjudication. Reviews and analyzes statistical and narrative reports to identify performance problems relative to quality, timeliness and productivity. Provides assignments and instruction to subordinate staff. Represents the Department at meetings, conferences, workshops and other gatherings. Prepares and supervises the preparation of reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Meets with department staff and management to discuss policy and administrative, legislative and operational changes and develops plans for compliance. Monitors the scheduling and convening of disability reconsideration hearings. Prepares and supervises the preparation of correspondence. Develops and implements procedures consistent with Social Security Administration Regulations and the laws of the State of New Jersey. Oversees the review and revision of Division forms, methods and manuals. Provides technical advice and assistance. Identifies staff training needs. Directs the development and coordination of special studies, evaluations and investigations. Oversees the preparation and circulation of significant, precedent-setting and/or innovative case studies and incidents to staff. Oversees the evaluation of methods used in case adjudication and the development of corrective action reports. Oversees the evaluation of the case appraisal system to ensure operations are in accordance with federal guidelines. Oversees staff involved in random sample review of open cases to identify and correct adjudication errors, workflow problems or issues that affect processing time or quality. Establishes procedures for controlling the expenditure of consultative examinations while ensuring the accuracy, quality and timeliness of claims adjudication. Provides liaison to the Social Security Administration (SSA)district offices within the region to communicate the programs, policies and procedures of the Division, and improve the quality of case receipts from the SSA. Manages and evaluates the operation of the local integrated computer system with the region. Oversees the review and analysis on select cases returned from the Social Security Administration Office of Disability Operations and the Regional Disability Assessment Branch Office. Provides liaison with regional medical, educational and government authorities to communicate agency goals and requirements to facilitate the expeditious receipt and processing of claims-related information. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the provisions of the Social Security Administration's Disability Insurance Program. Knowledge of the methods used to manage and evaluate a disability determination program. Knowledge of the methods used to determine eligibility for benefits and claims. Knowledge of the effects of substance abuse on medical impairments and relationship to disability guidelines. Knowledge of human impairments, medical terms, and medical testing procedures associated with disability claims. Knowledge of the legal aspects, procedures and ramifications when affording "due process" to claimants whose claims will be unfavorably revised. Knowledge of the factors considered in the determination of eligibility claims. Knowledge of supervisory methods. Ability to manage activities and staff involved in the review, evaluation and determination of initial, reconsideration and continuing disability cases. Ability to interpret and evaluate medical information for disability determinations. Ability to interpret Social Security and disability laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations. Ability to handle and resolve complaints from claimants and/or their representatives. Ability to evaluate program activities and recommend changes and improvements. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those interested or involved in the work of the unit. Ability to provide assignments and instruction to staff and supervise their work performance. Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of reports and correspondence. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in a benefits program involving the review, evaluation and determination of initial, reconsideration and continuing disability insurance benefit cases, or in the assessment and evaluation of a benefit program, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. OR Possession of a Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or other related area from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
Study guides for this exam
- Management Test Battery (MTB) National Learning Corporation · $52.95
- Manager/Administrator Test National Learning Corporation · $49.95 · general prep, not specific to this title
The Civil Service Commission does not publish official study guides or release past tests. These are independent equivalency guides.