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Medical Consultant, Department of Social Services Consolidated Series

Medical Consultant, Department of Social Services Consolidated Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established May 9, 1989

Scope

This consolidated series specification describes classes which review and interpret medical evidence submitted by treating sources and consultative physicians, and assess the need for additional medical examinations and laboratory studies necessary to determine an applicant's eligibility for disability benefits under Titles�II, XVI, and XIX of the Social Security Act. Specific classes have been established for the following specialties:

 

Medical Consultant, Department of Social Services Series Specification - Class Titles and Codes
Schem CodeClass CodeClass
SM407784Medical Consultant I, Department of Social Services
SM417785Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist), Department of Social Services
SM507786Medical Consultant II, Department of Social Services (abolished 05/07/2015)

Job Description

Incumbents in this series evaluate medical evidence to determine its adequacy for making disability decisions as defined by Social Security Regulations. They assess the severity of physical and mental impairments in relationship to specific guidelines. They evaluate the possible effects of medical or surgical treatment; project the level of recovery resulting from traumatic illness or injury; examine all available medical information in order to determine an applicant's physical and/or mental restrictions; and assess residual functional capacities. They attempt to resolve problems in obtaining evidence of record; contact physicians and other treatment sources for the purpose of obtaining specific medical information; advise and consult with other physicians on complex medical conditions; review assessments made by other staff physicians to determine adherence to guidelines and regulations; assist in developing local panels of consultative physicians; participate in professional relations activities to improve relations with the medical community; and provide medical training for professional staff. In conjunction with Disability Evaluation Analysts, reviews and makes decisions on cases which have been developed in accordance with standards set forth by the Social Security Administration, and signs all completed decision documents reviewed.

Definition of Levels

Medical Consultant I, Department of Social Services

The incumbent, under general direction in a Disability Evaluation Division Branch Office, reviews and interprets medical evidence submitted by physicians and treating sources to determine an applicant's eligibility for disability benefits.

Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist), Department of Social Services

The incumbent, under general direction in a Disability Evaluation Division Branch Office, reviews and interprets medical evidence submitted by physicians and treating sources to determine an applicant's eligibility for disability benefits which involve mental impairments.

Medical Consultant II, Department of Social Services

The incumbent acts as Senior Medical Consultant or Chief Medical Officer. As Senior Medical Consultant, incumbents provide professional advice and guidance on the medical aspects of the Disability Evaluation Program to staff for their respective geographical area. They provide liaison to the medical community.

 

The Chief Medical Officer is responsible for ensuring that medical policies and practices are consistent and uniform throughout the Division. The incumbent reviews medical directives and policies transmitted from the Social Security Administration, and is the final authority on medical issues.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

License: Possession of the legal requirements for the practice of medicine in California as determined by the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance or the California Board of Osteopathic Examiners. (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval by the Board of Medical Quality Assurance or the Board of Osteopathic Examiners will be admitted to the examination, but the Board to which application is made must determine that all legal requirements have been met before candidates will be eligible for appointment.)

Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist), Department of Social Services

Possession of a valid certificate in Psychiatry issued by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, or eligibility for examination for such a certificate as evidenced by a written statement from the Secretary of either Board. (Applicants who are in the process of establishing specialty board eligibility will be admitted to the examination but the required verification must be submitted before appointment.)

Medical Consultant I, Department of Social Services

One year of experience in the practice of medicine exclusive of the internship.

Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist), Department of Social Services

One year of experience in the practice of psychiatry exclusive of the internship.

Medical Consultant II, Department of Social Services

Either I

 

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Medical Consultant�I, Department of Social Services.

Or II

 

Three years of experience in the practice of medicine exclusive of the internship including one year of administrative, supervisory, or consultant experience in a public health or welfare agency, or in a medical care or rehabilitative program.

Knowledge and Abilities

Medical Consultant I, Department of Social Services

Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist), Department of Social Services

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of general medicine and surgery with particular reference to the techniques and trends in the diagnosis of physical and mental handicaps and in treatment programs for such handicaps; interrelationships of Federal, State and local professional and voluntary public health and welfare agencies and of the programs and services of such agencies; principles of community organization and skill in their application; principles of preventive medicine.

 

Ability to: Interpret and apply the medical policies and standards of the Department's program; promote the organization to community health resources and their effective utilization; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the work; write effectively; speak effectively before professional and lay groups.

Medical Consultant II, Department of Social Services

Knowledge of: All of the above and principles and techniques of personnel management; Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

 

Ability to: All of the above and effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.

Class History

Medical Consultant, Department of Social Services Series History - Dates Established, Revised, and Title Changed
ClassDate EstablishedDate RevisedTitle Changed
Medical Consultant I, Department of Social Services05/09/1989----
Medical Consultant I (Psychiatrist), Department of Social Services05/09/1989----
Medical Consultant II, Department of Social Services05/09/1989----
  Updated: 6/3/2012
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