Chief Deputy Director

Role Overview

This leadership role sits within the Division of Disability Determination Services (DDS) under the Colorado Department of Human Services. DDS is responsible for delivering accurate, timely disability decisions for Colorado residents in a courteous and cost-conscious way, while following Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, the Program Operations Manual System (POMS), and Social Security Rulings (SSRs). The unit is funded entirely by SSA and handles medical, psychological, functional, and vocational evidence to decide whether a claimant meets SSA medical eligibility standards. It also prepares written justifications for each determination and provides oversight for agency infrastructure, appeals, contracts, security, and onsite IT coordination.

Residency Requirement

This opening is limited to current Colorado residents. The selected candidate must live in Colorado at the time of application and continue to reside in the state for the full duration of employment.

Work Arrangement

The position follows a weekly hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days in the office and up to 3 days working remotely. Work arrangements may change at any time based on business needs.

Leadership Scope

The Chief Deputy Director will train alongside the current incumbent and ultimately take over day-to-day leadership after retirement. The role oversees adjudicative operations, multiple DDS work units, and the agency’s operational standards for production, timeliness, quality, and customer service. It also contributes to executive-level policy development, implements DDS and SSA procedures, acts as the agency’s safety and security lead, and serves as appointing authority when the Director is unavailable.

Key Duties

• Guide personnel and lead multiple teams across the division.
• Direct and monitor examiner unit operations.
• Oversee support unit performance and workflow.
• Act as the safety and security officer for DDS operations.
• Supervise the information technology unit and related coordination.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Standard

The role requires either 10 years of relevant experience in work related to the position, or a combined mix of related education and experience that equals 10 years. No specific degree is mandatory because the division provides training on role-specific information. Education and experience substitutions may be applied in line with State of Colorado guidance. Experience in highly regulated settings such as claims, investigations, project or office management, business analysis, supervision, accounting or auditing, case management, paralegal or contract work, or medical/veterinary technician work may count toward the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Background

Applicants with relevant Colorado state service may receive preference, and for transfers only, that service may carry at least 15% weight in the scoring process. Strong candidates will bring prior experience leading or overseeing multiple units, strategic planning, critical thinking, knowledge of medical terminology, and solid computer, keyboarding, communication, organizational, customer service, and decision-making skills. The ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders is also valued.

Employment Conditions

Hiring is contingent on a 1075 background check for access to federal tax information, reference checks, a valid U.S. driver’s license, and compliance with state residency rules. The position may require frequent travel across Colorado for meetings and training, and occasional out-of-state travel for conferences. Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or who resigned in lieu of termination must disclose that history, explain why it should not bar consideration, and provide their prior employee number; failure to do so may disqualify the application.

Selection Process

Applications are screened through a minimum qualification review based on the work experience and job duties you enter in the official online application. Resumes and cover letters are not reviewed during this step, and applicants should not use placeholders such as “see resume.” Candidates who pass screening move into a comparative review of the full application, and standardized testing may be included. Supplemental questions, if present, must be answered thoroughly with several complete sentences, and writing quality is assessed.

Appeal Rights

If an application is removed from consideration, an appeal may be filed with the State Personnel Board or a review may be requested from the State Personnel Director. The official appeal form must be signed and submitted by email, US Mail, hand delivery, or fax within 10 calendar days of the notice or acknowledgement of action. Assistance is available from the State Personnel Board by phone.

Recruiting Contact

Questions about the recruitment may be directed to Adam.york@state.co.us.

Benefits and Workplace Values

The department highlights a mission-driven work environment focused on safety, independence, and well-being for Colorado communities. Benefits include retirement plans through PERA, medical and dental coverage, an employer-supplemented Health Savings Account, paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, 11 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, an employee resource center, wellness programming, flexible work options, and training opportunities. Some roles may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The organization also emphasizes people-first service, work-life balance, accountability, transparency, ethics, and collaboration.

Additional Notes

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple openings. Employment history is calculated on a 40-hour workweek basis, with part-time experience prorated. Candidates are expected to describe their qualifications, accomplishments, and work products directly in the application because only the application content is used for qualification review.