Position Overview
Project Lead: Senior Director of Programs, Rocky Mountain MS Center
Position Type: Part-time, Contract (Grant-funded)
Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week (flexible scheduling; may be split between two or more individuals)
Compensation: $50 per hour
Location: Remote (via Zoom); occasional in-person meetings as needed
Grant Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Grant Funding Source: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
About the Rocky Mountain MS Center
The Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center is a patient- and family-centered nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive and integrated wellness approach to MS and related diseases, life-changing support services, top-notch education programming, and cutting-edge research. Founded in 1978, RMMSC has decades of experience helping individuals with neurological disabilities navigate disability benefits through partnerships with disability professionals and healthcare providers.
Program Background
RMMSC is launching the Comprehensive Disability Navigation and Medical Documentation Support Program, an early-intervention service designed to help individuals with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions successfully navigate the Social Security disability benefits process. People living with MS frequently experience abrupt loss of work capacity due to fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, pain, depression, and other “invisible” symptoms that are difficult to measure through standard testing. Many disability claims fail because the medical record does not clearly describe work-related functional limitations, even when treating clinicians are supportive. This program directly addresses that gap.
The program provides medical documentation development and support through the Documentation Consultant. The Documentation Consultant works independently to help applicants strengthen their medical evidence and self-advocacy skills.
Role Summary
We seek an experienced independent contractor to provide medical documentation and patient advocacy support to our nonprofit organization. This engagement is project- and deliverable-based and offers flexibility in work schedule and methods. The contractor will work collaboratively with a disability attorney to help individuals with MS and other neurological conditions applying for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI/SSI). Responsibilities include helping applicants access and understand their medical records, identify documentation gaps, prepare draft functional limitation letters for clinician review, and develop self-advocacy skills for communicating with their healthcare providers. The role also involves assisting with disability application forms and function reports. The contractor will achieve agreed objectives while maintaining independence in how services are performed. This is a non-employee, contract position and is not eligible for employee benefits.
Key Responsibilities
Medical Record Access and Participant Empowerment
- Help applicants access their medical records through patient portals (e.g., Epic MyChart) and medical record systems.
- Guide participants in understanding what documentation currently exists in their records.
- Develop long-term self-advocacy skills so participants can effectively communicate functional limitations to their healthcare providers.
Medical Record Review and Functional Analysis
- Review medical records with the applicant to identify documented symptoms and functional limitations.
- Align findings with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability criteria.
- Identify documentation gaps that can be addressed during future medical visits.
- Coach applicants on how to discuss functional limitations with their doctors in a natural, credible manner.
Preparation of Clinician-Facing Functional Support Letters
- Using the existing medical record, help applicants prepare draft functional limitation letters that describe work-related limitations, reference specific medical evidence, and align with SSA adjudication standards.
- Ensure the treating clinician retains full editorial control and clinical judgment over any final documentation.
Application Support
- Assist applicants in completing disability forms and function reports.
- Ensure medical evidence is appropriately integrated into initial applications.
- Track each participant’s progress and maintain organized records of where they are in the process and what follow-up is needed.
Collaboration and Training
- Participate in training on Social Security disability criteria, the adjudication process, and effective documentation strategies.
- Participate in occasional outreach to community neurologists and healthcare providers to promote awareness of the program and other RMMSC services.
Deliverables
In addition to direct participant services, the Documentation Consultant will be expected to meet the following program deliverables throughout the grant period:
- Monthly Activity Reports summarizing both quantitative data (e.g., number of participants served, consultations completed, letters drafted, applications or appeals supported) and qualitative information (e.g., participant progress, program successes, challenges encountered, and lessons learned).
- Participant Tracking Documentation maintained on an ongoing basis, reflecting each applicant’s current stage in the process and outstanding follow-up items.
- End-of-Grant Summary Report providing a comprehensive overview of program outcomes, impact, and recommendations for future program development.
Qualifications Required
- Clinical or healthcare background (e.g., RN, LPN, social worker, psychotherapist, or similar).
- Familiarity with medical record systems and patient portals (e.g., Epic MyChart).
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, professional correspondence.
- Strong organizational and tracking skills, with the ability to manage multiple participants at various stages of the process.
- Interest in patient advocacy and helping individuals develop self-advocacy skills.
- Ability to work a flexible, part-time schedule, potentially including some evening or weekend hours to accommodate participants who are still working.
- Comfort with remote work and Zoom-based consultations.
Preferred
- Nursing background (RN or NP), particularly experience with neurological conditions or chronic illness.
- Knowledge of or experience with multiple sclerosis and related conditions.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- Experience coaching or educating patients on navigating the healthcare system.
- Familiarity with Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI) processes or disability documentation.
Who We’re Looking For
This contract position may be an especially good fit for a retired or semi-retired nurse, social worker, or psychotherapist who wants to use their clinical knowledge to make a direct difference in people’s lives. It’s also well-suited for a medical professional who already has benefits through another employer and is seeking a flexible, remote opportunity to supplement their income while doing impactful work.
How to Apply
Please submit a letter which outlines your relevant experience and qualifications, a current resume, and three references to Kerri Cechovic, Senior Director of Programs, kerri@mscenter.org. We encourage interested candidates to apply July 27th, though the position will remain open until the ideal candidate is identified.
Compensation
Compensation will be paid on a contract basis via invoicing for services rendered. The contractor is responsible for all applicable taxes, insurance, licenses, and business expenses.
Benefits Disclaimer
Contractors are not eligible for employee benefits, paid leave, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation coverage, or retirement benefits offered to employees of the organization.
Equal Opportunity
The Rocky Mountain MS Center is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are dedicated to advancing health equity in our healthcare systems. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and those with lived experience navigating the disability system.
