Position Information

Disability Retirement Investigator
Click HERE to apply!
 

DISABILITY RETIREMENT INVESTIGATOR (LIMITED-TERM)

 

Limited-term positions are funded for a specific duration—this assignment is estimated to last approximately three (3) years. While limited in funding, incumbents appointed to limited-term roles receive the same benefits as regular employees. All limited-term positions are subject to the same probationary period as regular-status positions within the same classification. 


NOTE: All County of Orange classifications will receive a 3% increase to the salary range, effective Friday, September 4, 2026.

The application period will open on a continuous basis until the position is filled.

 

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) is now accepting online applications for the Disability Retirement Investigator recruitment.
 
WHO WE ARE

Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability, and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 55,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $30 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click
here.

Mission

OCERS' mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision

OCERS' vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship.

Values

  • Open and Transparent

  • Commitment to Superior Service

  • Engaged and Dedicated Workforce

  • Reliable and Accurate

  • Secure and Sustainable

THE OPPORTUNITY
OCERS is seeking a Disability Retirement Investigator. This position will report directly to the Disability Director. In this role, the Disability Retirement Investigator will work closely with the OCERS Disability team and the Legal staff to prepare and process OCERS disability retirement applications. The selected incumbent will be expected to work independently, possess strong analytical and communication skills, be attentive to details and work effectively with others.

 

Under general supervision, the Disability Retirement Investigator will investigate claims of County and District employees for disability retirement benefits from OCERS. The selected incumbent will interview witnesses, review and analyze medical reports and employer documents, gather information, review records, make recommendations based on the evidence presented and perform other work as required.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The responsibilities of the successful candidate will include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Counsel applicants throughout the disability application process.

  • Ascertain and implement appropriate methods of investigation for the gathering of evidence presented in support of applications for disability retirement filed by members of the OCERS.

  • Thoroughly read, comprehend, and digest extensive volumes of medical records, personnel files, legal documents, and other information related to disability retirement claims.

  • Analyze workers’ compensation files and interview applicants, co-workers, supervisors, and others as necessary to obtain a complete record of the circumstances surrounding applicants’ claims for disability retirement.

  • Conduct thorough investigations into cases where irregularities or uncertainties arise. Identify red flags, inconsistencies, and missing documents within the medical records.

  • Apply critical thinking skills to assess the validity of medical records and determine their alignment with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Demonstrate a keen understanding of workers' compensation procedures and regulations, leveraging any existing experience in the field.

  • Prepare detailed reports and case summaries. Make well-informed recommendations regarding the entitlement of applicants to disability retirement benefits based on a thorough analysis of medical records and legal criteria.

  • May be requested to appear before a hearing officer if cases go to appeal.

  • Provide excellent customer service when interacting with applicants, vendors, and representatives, ensuring clear communication and addressing inquiries or concerns promptly.

  • Serve as a point of contact for applicants, maintaining professionalism and empathy in all interactions.

Position: Disability Retirement Investigator
Organization: OCERS
Location: Santa Ana,  CA 
United States
Salary: $66,227.20 - $88,566.40
Posting Start Date: 8/27/2026
Date Posted: 8/27/2026
Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience

Three years of experience in an assignment that requires the evaluation of workers' compensation claims or other benefits claims applications for a public or private entity.

 

Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or other closely related field, may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience at the rate of three-semester units equaling one month of experience and one hour of training equaling one hour of experience.

Graduation from an accredited college or university beyond a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or other closely related field, may be substituted for up to an additional year of the required experience at the rate of three-semester units equaling one month of experience.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of
Methods and techniques of investigation, including interviewing, gathering, and analyzing medical evidence; OCERS policies and procedures.

 

Ability to

  • Ability to gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate facts and evidence, draw logical conclusions, and make sound judgments.

  • Ability to prepare clear, concise, comprehensive reports.

  • Strong critical thinking abilities to identify inconsistencies and red flags, and assess the overall merit of disability retirement cases.

  • Demonstrated attention to detail, leaving no aspect of a case unexamined and ensuring accuracy in decision-making.

  • Natural curiosity and a proactive approach to investigating discrepancies or unusual patterns in medical documentation.

  • Ability to grasp and apply relevant laws and regulations to make informed recommendations.

  • Teachable and adaptable, open to learning and staying updated on changes in disability retirement laws and procedures.

  • Preferred experience in workers' compensation to enhance understanding of related processes.

  • Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and empathetically.

  • Effective collaboration with internal teams, vendors, and representatives to facilitate the resolution of disability retirement cases.

Attributes

  • Smart, analytical thinker with a high level of intellectual curiosity.

  • Detail-oriented individual who takes pride in thorough and accurate work.

  • Proactive problem solver, able to identify and address issues before they escalate.

  • Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with various stakeholders.

  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

  • Strong work ethic and commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes in a timely manner.

Status: This listing expires on: 10/26/2026
Apply Apply for this Position
Send to a Friend  Send to Friend
   Print Job
Return to Job Search  Return to Job Search
Post a Position  Post a Position
Organization Information
Name:
OCERS
Address:


Santa Ana,  CA 92701
United States
Email:
jtnguyen@ocers.org
Phone:
Fax:
Contact:
John Nguyen
Become A Member

Becoming a member of NASRA offers a unique opportunity to join a community committed to the sound, efficient, and innovative stewardship of public retirement systems. Membership connects you with a network of professionals and experts, providing valuable insights into managing public retirement systems with a focus on sustainability and risk-averse strategies.

By joining NASRA, you gain the tools and resources to enhance the management of public retirement systems, ensuring their long-term success and reliability for generations to come.

What’s New at NASRA: Employee Contributions to Public Pension Plans

Employee contributions remain a central part of public pension financing, and the way those contributions are structured is subject to change depending each states' governance rules. . NASRA’s 2026 updated brief finds median employee contribution rates of 6.2 percent of pay for employees who participate in Social Security and 9.0 percent for those who do not. For employees who do not participate in Social Security, the public pension often plays a broader role in retirement security, effectively providing two of the traditional three legs of the retirement stool rather than one.

Since 2009, 41 states  increased employee contributions in at least one plan, while some states recently reduced rates for selected employees. Variable contributions are also becoming more common, with 26 plans in 17 states adjusting employee rates based on funding, plan costs, or other factors. The brief provides current trends and a state-by-state look at employee contribution requirements across public retirement systems.