Physician - Psychiatry

Medical Expert (ME) – Social Security Administration (SSA) Hearings Support (1099/Contract)

Location: Remote (U.S. & Territories)
Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Organization: Social Security Administration (SSA) – Office of Hearings Operations (OHO)

The Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of Hearings Operations (OHO), is seeking Medical Experts (MEs) to provide professional medical opinion and testimony in administrative hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

These hearings involve individuals appealing decisions related to Disability (Title II) and Supplemental Security Income (Title XVI) benefits. This is a flexible, remote opportunity to support critical federal adjudication processes while leveraging your clinical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Review medical evidence and claims files prior to scheduled hearings
• Provide clear, objective medical testimony to an ALJ during administrative hearings (primarily via phone; occasional video or in-person)
• Respond to written interrogatories when requested
• Reference and cite medical findings and supporting documentation during testimony
• Maintain familiarity with SSA Medical Expert Handbook guidelines and expectations

Types of Work

Medical Case Review

• Conduct thorough review of medical records and evidence
• Develop a working understanding of case details and applicable disability criteria

Interrogatories (Written Responses)

• Complete written medical opinions (typically 20–30 minutes per case)
• Submit responses via Electronic Records Express (ERE for Experts)
• Turnaround time: within 15 calendar days

Hearing Testimony

• Participate in scheduled hearings (typically 15–30 minutes)
• Be available 5 minutes prior to hearing and up to 45 minutes after scheduled time for potential delays
• Provide professional, timely responses to ALJ questions

Scheduling & Expectations

• Hearings are typically scheduled ~75 days in advance
• Work is assigned on a case-by-case basis
• Rare travel may be required for in-person hearings

Training

• Training will be provided prior to onboarding and case assignment

Compensation (Tier 2 Rates)

• Medical Study + Testimony (per case): $205
• Medical Study + Interrogatory (per case): $165
• Medical Study Only (per case): $95

Ideal Candidate

• Licensed physician or qualified medical specialist
• Strong ability to review and interpret medical records
• Comfortable providing verbal testimony in a professional setting
• Detail-oriented with the ability to clearly explain medical findings
• Able to work independently and meet deadlines

Additional Information

• Hearings are administrative (not court proceedings)
• Conducted nationwide, including U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa)
• All MEs completing interrogatories must be available to testify if requested

If you’re interested in applying your clinical expertise in a meaningful, flexible capacity supporting federal disability determinations, we encourage you to apply.