SSA’S USER NEEDS ANALYSIS
(UNA) FOR THE OCCUPATIONAL
INFORMATION SYSTEM (OIS) CONTENT MODEL
Shirleen Roth and Michael DunnSocial Security Administration
Office of Program Development and Research
January 2010
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Overview Objectives Research Question Research Participants Development Methodology Results Discussion
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The Two Worlds of WorkAbstract/Hypothetical
Specific/Observable/Verifiable
Use Swiss-hole
micrometerto adjustdrill press
Use Swiss-hole
micrometer to
adjust bottling machine
Carry heavy Objects
(51-100lbs.)by hand for
< 50 feet
Hand-HeldTools
Carry bricks
and mortarto masons
on scaffoldingusing hod
Sit forlong
periods
Use tapemeasure
to measurelumberto be milled
MechanicalActivities
Things
CarryLift
Physical
What is923 / 27
?
What is103 / 12
?
< 10 lbs
ManagingEmotions
“Turn theother cheek”
if provoked at work?
Data People
“Can you…”“Does the job require you to…”
Use displays,gauges, meters,
measuringinstruments
Physical andMechanical
Activities
Use sightand visualinformation
GettingInformation
Workers directlyinvolved in machine
operations
CommunicatingWith People
Inside theOrganization
Delegatejob activities
to clericalworkers
Mathe-matical
Reasoning
DynamicStrength
Organizing,Planning,Prioritizing
Addition
10 lbs
20 lbs
50 lbs
100 lbs
Division PerceivingEmotions
Justify taking
revenge ifyou werestronglyslighted?
See smalldetails of
close objects
Unload 70 poundbags of salt and
empty intowater
treatmentsystem
Visually inspect
newly cut diamondsfor flawswithout
magnifica-tion aids
Mental/Cognitive
Interpersonal/Temperaments
ColorDiscrimi-
nation
WrittenCompre-hension
EmotionalIntelli-gence
Person-Side Job-Side
1
2
3
4
5
3 digitby 2 digit
w/remainder
2 digitby 1digit,
noremainder
Repeat-edly
Occasion-ally
PhysicalDemands
Level
UseOther
Senses
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Objectives Primary Objective: Development of OIS
Content Model Secondary Objective: Inform Future
Integration of the OIS into SSA’s Disability Claims Processes
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Research Question What occupational, vocational, and
medical-vocational information does SSA need or would SSA like to have in order to adjudicate claims for adult disability benefits?
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Research Participants Research participants were SSA users of
occupational information (that is, SSA disability adjudicators and reviewers).
SSA is respectful of needs and contributions of other users of occupational information.
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SSA UNA Development Evolved out of a series of prior
investigations◦ Physical and Mental Demands of Work
Questionnaire◦ UNA Pretest Atlanta, GA◦ UNA Pretest Chicago, IL
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Methodology: Sampling Frame SSA headquarters components and DDS
offices in the Philadelphia region Particular office selection based on:
◦ Public Law (P.L.) 104-13, The Paperwork Reduction Act (1995)
◦ Our ability to obtain a professional and geographically diverse sample
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Methodology: Sampling Frame Factors considered in office selection:
◦ Time and resource constraints◦ Goal was to include at least three DDS offices◦ Centralized and decentralized DDS office
structures◦ Service areas with potential differences in
industries or occupations◦ Willingness to participate
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Participating Offices Disability Determination Services (DDS), Maryland DDS Clarksburg, West Virginia DDS, Greensburg, Pennsylvania Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), Office of
Appellate Operations Office of Operations, Atlanta Regional Office, Center for Disability
Operations Office of Operations, Chicago Regional Office, Center for Disability Office of Quality Performance (OQP), Atlanta Disability Quality
Branch (DQB) OQP, Baltimore DQB OQP, Chicago DQB Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Office of Medical and
Vocational Expertise
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Methodology: Interviews Presented to participants as a brainstorming
activity Semi-structured design
◦ Questions◦ Written responses were analyzed in conjunction
with digital recordings◦ Digital recordings◦ Duration of one hour
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Methodology: Interviews Nine Impairments selected:
◦ Herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine◦ Osteoarthritis of the upper and lower extremities◦ Depression◦ Ischemic heart disease◦ Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease◦ Borderline intellectual functioning ◦ Cerebrovascular accident◦ Schizophrenia ◦ Multiple Sclerosis
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Sample Questionnaire Picture an individual with (insert
impairment); what work-related limitations or restrictions might a person have as a result of this impairment?
Additional follow-up questions provided for each impairment.
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Methodology: Focus Groups Primary source of information in the UNA Developed to:
◦ Elicit users’ perceptions of the essential physical and mental/cognitive requirements of work, and
◦ Elicit any ideas for later integration of the OIS into SSA’s disability claims processes, including improvements in documenting a claimant’s allegations and past relevant work.
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Sample Questions Based on your interview, what are some of
the requirements of work (physical/mental) with regards to the various impairments discussed?
Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding how to obtain information about the claimant’s functioning more efficiently?
Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding how to obtain information about the claimants past work more efficiently?
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Results Physical Data Sensory Data Environmental Data Mental Data Task Data Workplace Tolerances, Flexibilities, and
Standards General Comments and Suggestions
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Discussion of Results Generated a substantial number of ideas
and opinions from subject matter experts, Produced consistent responses in terms of
Content Model data elements and measurements,
Generated unique ideas for later integration of the OIS into SSA’s disability claims process, and
Produced wish list of items for new OIS.
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Discussion of Results Themes
◦ Content Model: Worker Traits and Work Demands◦ Updated Occupational Information Versus an
Updated Dictionary of Occupational Titles◦ Data Versus Their Application◦ Classification: US Labor Market Connection◦ Data Suggestions for Work History and
Transferability Assessments◦ Work Options
