Exam Bulletin - Disability Insurance Program Representative

Employment Development Department

Exam Code: EX-1668

Examination Plans Included:

  • DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE: $3,822.00 - $4,559.00 (A) per Month
DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE: $4,138.00 - $5,180.00 (B) per Month
DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE: $4,751.00 - $5,948.00 (C) per Month

View the DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

    1668

For DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-01668

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00109233 - DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE

Either 1

Four years of experience with the Employment Development Department. (Candidates who are within six months of completing the required experience will be admitted to the examination; however, they must meet the required experience before being considered eligible for appointment.)

Or 2

Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of college course work. and

Two years of public contact experience providing services or information.

Or 3

Equivalent to graduation from college. (Must provide evidence of registration as a senior in a recognized educational institution to be admitted in the examination, and must secure evidence of graduation or its equivalent before being considered eligible for appointment.)

Position Description

00109233 - DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE

Examining and investigating all types of Disability Insurance claims; scheduling independent medical examinations when appropriate, and analyzing all employment data in order to determine claimant's eligibility and claim duration; making eligibility determinations and informing claimants; filing workers' compensation liens when injury is work related; documenting all actions and decisions; following up on claimant's status through duration of claim; identifying and reporting any suspected fraudulent claims or activities; and responding to inquiries from claimants and the public.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. General labor, economic, and business trends 
  2. Labor market conditions 
  3. Interviewing techniques 
  4. Principles of insurance payments programs 
  5. Medical terminology and common medical references used in interpreting medical findings 
  6. Employment practices and conditions and physical demands of occupations in industrial, domestic, professional, commercial, and agricultural employment in California 
  7. Workers' compensation and employer liability laws affecting California workers
  8. Provisions of State and Federal laws affecting disability insurance programs

Ability to:
  1. Interpret and apply provisions of the California Unemployment Insurance Code, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Employment Development Department, and precedent decisions of the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and Workers' Compensation Appeals Board relating to the Disability Insurance program laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures 
  2. Gather and analyze data and reason logically 
  3. Comprehend written material and interpret and apply rules and instructions 
  4. Communicate effectively 
  5. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action 
  6. Utilize automated data systems 
  7. Interpret medical facts and determine the probable duration of disability 
  8. Secure and evaluate facts and evidence by interview or correspondence, make sound decisions, and present testimony at hearings 
  9. Establish and maintain cooperative relations with others 
  10. Relate to members of all ethnic, racial, and disability groups and be sensitive to community group needs

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the DISABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE Classification will be established for:

  • Employment Development Department

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 18 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Disability Insurance Program Representative Training and Experience Exam Preview

SECTION A – Analytical
For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience do you have:

1. Making decisions regarding policy interpretation?
2. Assessing conflicting information and determining the best course of action to resolve the situation?
3. Performing precise manual mathematical calculations on paper or by calculator to correctly complete a task?
4. Gathering information, analyzing the situation, and determining the appropriate action to take?
5. Identifying suspicious situations/activities?
6. Resolving problems or issues where there is missing or incomplete information?
7. Researching and/or using appropriate resources to accomplish goals?
8. Reviewing information from a variety of sources and determining the benefits, costs and risks of alternative solutions and/or courses of action?
9. Verbally explaining or clarifying policies based on laws, rules, and regulations?
10. Explaining technical or other complex material in common, everyday language?
11. Reviewing and evaluating forms and/or other types of documents and making determinations regarding acceptance or rejection?
12. Searching out appropriate resources to help resolve conflicts or problems?
13. Analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of programs, policies, or procedures?
14. Successfully completing a course in statistics?

SECTION B – Effective Communication

For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience do you have:

15. Giving or receiving constructive feedback?
16. Verbally communicating with people that have a limited English vocabulary?
17. Communicating verbally with people with disabilities and/or other barriers?
18. Persuading or influencing others through the verbal explanation of data or issues? (e.g. policies, procedures, etc.)
19. Reading and interpreting written material and/or technical references?
20. Providing verbal instructions or directions to individuals related to assigned tasks to achieve progress on projects or assignments?
21. Preparing memos, letters, and correspondence to communicate with peers, supervisors, or the public?
22. Listening intently to others (e.g. investigating, counseling, etc.)?
23. Proofreading a variety of documents and written materials to verify the use of correct format, punctuation, grammar, syntax, and sentence structure?
24. Writing instruction manuals to clarify complex procedures?
25. Writing promotional material and/or brochures?
26. Writing reports or documents that included facts, conclusions, and/or persuasive arguments?
27. Successfully completing a critical writing course?
28. Successfully completing a course in communications?

SECTION C – Technical Skills
For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience, whether at work or home, training and/or education do you have:

29. Using a personal computer?
30. Using word processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, etc.) to develop or format documents (e.g. memos, letters, and reports.)?
31. Using spreadsheet software to present data and information in an organized manner (e.g. Excel, Quatro Pro, Lotus, etc.)?
32. Using and navigating in database systems to extract information (e.g. access, Dbase, FoxPRO, etc.)?
33. Using computer based electronic mail to communicate with others?
34. Using computer based electronic calendaring to maintain your schedule?
35. Using a keyboard to enter information?
36. Using a 10-Key or a calculator?
37. Operating voicemail systems?
38. Operating a multi-line phone?
39. Successfully completing formal classroom training on the operations of a personal computer or software?

SECTION D – Interpersonal Skills
For the following section you may reference your personal or work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience, whether personal or work related, do you have:

40. Settling disputes through negotiations?
41. Holding a position in which you had to empathize with persons who are experiencing difficulties?
42. Resolving issues for dissatisfied customers?
43. Contacting customers to correct errors that have been made by the customer, yourself, or a co-worker?
44. Working with people from different countries and cultures?
45. Successfully dealing with difficult or hostile people?
46. Working in a team environment, with members from diverse backgrounds, to successfully complete a project or report?
47. Working cooperatively with people outside your immediate academic or work setting?
48. Successfully dealing with workplace issues related to employee relations?
49. Conducting or facilitating conflict resolution?
50. Understanding of the viewpoint and personal experiences of others?
51. Successfully completing a class in cultural diversity?

SECTION E – Customer Service
For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience do you have:

52. Assisting customers or clients in person or by telephone with the interpretation of policies and procedures, laws and/or rules?
53. Requiring you to work cooperatively and demonstrate flexibility?
54. Requiring you to do counseling, investigative, or other similar work?
55. Dealing with customers or clients that continually get off topic requiring you to control the conversation?
56. Performing accurate data entry while assisting customers or clients?
57. Consistently remaining calm, courteous, and tactful while handling problems or complaints?
58. Communicating in stressful situations (e.g. handling multiple requests, defending conflicting opinions/approaches, etc.)?
59. Effectively and professionally representing an organization to the public?
60. Handling a situation in which you had to communicate to others the consequences of their actions?
61. Formally presenting technical or other complex information to others without using jargon?
62. Representing an organization that has a negative public image?
63. Interacting with customers courteously after a previous negative customer interaction?
64. Patiently and thoroughly explaining rules, laws, policies and procedures in a work or academic setting?
65. Effectively dealing with customers in a professional manner?
66. Holding a position that required professional public contact related to problem solving?
67. Working on long-term projects or assignments, for more than 30 days, with a single customer, co-worker, or fellow student?
68. Working on short-term projects or assignments, for less than 30 days, with a single customer, co-worker, or fellow student?
69. Building rapport, by answering questions or providing assistance to others either in person or by telephone?
70. Successfully completing an employer sponsored customer service course?

SECTION F  Organizational Skills
For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience do you have:

71. Working in an environment where attention to detail and accuracy is essential to successful completion of assignments?
72. Maintaining accurate records in an academic or work setting?
73. Working with minimal supervision on multiple projects or assignments in order to successfully complete all assigned work?
74. Working under direct supervision on multiple assignments and completing them timely?
75. Applying organizational planning principles and concepts when assessing workload priorities?

Section G – Time Management
For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience do you have:

76. Working in an environment where you had to independently assess a situation that may require referral to a supervisor due to time constraints?
77. Conducting telephone conversations as efficiently as possible, without making callers feel rushed?
78. Working without supervision on multiple assignments and completing the assignments on time?
79. Developing alternate work plans due to setbacks or changing priorities to allow completion of a project or task on time?
80. Successfully completing an employer sponsored or academic class in time management?

SECTION H – Work Habits

For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience do you have:

81. Communicating in stressful situations (e.g. handling multiple requests, defending conflicting opinions/approaches, etc) in a teamwork or collaborative environment successfully?
82. Handling disruptions in work assignments and still continuing or completing work assignments in a timely manner?
83. Exercising initiative or taking independent action when circumstances demonstrate that additional research or actions are necessary to complete an assignment on a timely basis?
84. Identifying current or potential problems and recommending solutions?
85. Successfully changing tasks or learning new/non-routine tasks on short notice?
86. Working in a stressful environment while continuing and completing assignments?
87. Working in a structured chain of command environment?
88. Regularly interpreting and applying policies, procedures and rules for successful completion of work assignments?
89. Effectively keeping up to date and applying new information in a constantly changing environment?

SECTION I  Ethics and Leadership

For the following section you may reference your work experience whether paid, voluntary, or academic related, unless otherwise stated within the question.

What experience do you have:

90. Conveying to others that you will not be intimidated to do anything illegal or unethical?
91. Working on, or handling projects or information which required you to maintain confidentiality?
92. Reporting unusual or suspicious incidents?
93. Leading, inspiring, or motivating others (e.g. coaching, student body, community organizations, etc.)?
94. Building consensus and agreement within a group of individuals?
95. Controlling conversations, defending conflicting opinions, exhibiting confidence, persuading or influencing others?
96. Developing procedures or systems to help yourself or others complete work more effectively?

Testing Departments

  • Employment Development Department

Contact Information

Technical questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Department of Human Resources
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
P.O. Box 826880
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@CalHR.CA.GOV

Administrative questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Employment Development Department
Employment Development Department
Human Resource Services Division, MIC 54
P.O. Box 826880
Sacramento, CA 94280-0001
Phone: (916) 654-6869

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Employment Development Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)