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Post by ALJD on May 19, 2010 19:28:06 GMT -5
From a long time contributor: "The new cert has been received by SSA. Interviews week of June 7th and 14th, 124 hires in 2 groups, the first to enter on duty about August 30 with training in Falls Church beginning September 13 and the second group entering on duty September 27 and going to training in Falls Church beginning October 12 (yes, you read that right, it's a Tuesday because of the Columbus Day holiday). " Base on the above info, it looks like a very quick turn around from OPM. Request last Friday, cert out less than a week later. Then again, how hard is it to run a computer program and send out the result?  I would guess interview e-mail notifications from ODAR will be going out soon. Good luck to all the candidates. |
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Post by backtoeden on May 20, 2010 9:06:14 GMT -5
No one has said anything about getting an email yet. I thought OPM sent out emails to let us know our name was sent on a certificate. Am I getting something mixed up? Who sends out the cert notifications that people have posted about?
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Post by redwhiteblue on May 20, 2010 9:09:10 GMT -5
The interviewing agency will send out the interview invitation and other paperwork.
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Post by milagros on May 20, 2010 9:32:50 GMT -5
SSA will send an e-mail with the subject "Notification to ALJ Candidate." It starts off "We are pleased to inform you that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has certified your name to the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) for the position of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), AL-3." I have received three such e-mails. No offer yet.  |
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Post by iplawyer on May 20, 2010 10:18:05 GMT -5
Does anyone know how they decide who is within which of the two groups? I'm particularly curious if they will place people who have to move to a new location for the position in the second wave, so that people have time to relocate (sell homes, etc.). Any idea from past experience? Will SSA have some flexibility about starting in the later group, or would it likely be a start-or-give-up-the-job scenario?
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Post by tigerfan on May 20, 2010 13:03:38 GMT -5
Generally speaking, the "insiders" go first because their move is paid for so they are more flexible and the "outsiders" go second because they generally need more time. Not universily true as there is a lot to juggle. Also might depend on when the office is opening if it is a new office etc. If you are selected for the first class and it creates a hardship then ask to be in the second class. They may or may not be able to accomodate you. I am sure that you appreciate the fact that juggling 124 assignments is a daunting task and not every request can be granted.
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Post by Justice-Dude on May 20, 2010 13:18:31 GMT -5
Milagros: What locations or regions did you specify on your GAL?
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Post by iplawyer on May 20, 2010 14:47:47 GMT -5
Thanks very much for the insight!
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Post by northwest on May 21, 2010 6:25:34 GMT -5
Generally speaking, the "insiders" go first because their move is paid for so they are more flexible and the "outsiders" go second because they generally need more time. Not universily true as there is a lot to juggle. I was an outsider last summer. I had to move all the way across the country. I was in the first group. They told me I had no option to start with the second group unless there were some sort of very dire emergency. I gave 2 weeks notice, packed my stuff during those two weeks, drove across the country, and started work the Monday after I arrived in town. I got strep throat due to the stress (which made the drive across the country not so fun). The thing that set me over the edge, I think, was the lengthy security background form I had to fill out before I left. I hadn't allocated time for yet another form, and this one really took a lot of time I could have used for sleeping. Of course, I'm not really complaining. I was glad to get the job. Helpful hint for non-federal employees who don't get travel/moving expenses: I posted an ad on Craig's list seeking a furnished sublet for the summer. This gave me a home base from which I could start looking for a permanent home. |
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Post by Orly on May 21, 2010 7:22:59 GMT -5
The thing that set me over the edge, I think, was the lengthy security background form I had to fill out before I left. Right. I totally forgot about that. After you're hired as an ALJ, you'll have to fill out the OPM security background form online. For those of you in the military, I think it's the same form as one for a Security Clearance. Not sure what level, but I'd assume secret or higher. Anyway, expect to spend about half a day at least to fill it out if you're lucky enough to get hired. |
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Post by hod on May 21, 2010 11:56:44 GMT -5
I know that all who have been chosen are understandably anxious to make a good first impression, but when it comes to your new home office, the HOCALJ there has a bit of sway on how much time a person can be given to get settled. If something happens and you absolutely cannot make it, or you find yourself driving across country sick, call your new office and speak to the HOCALJ. I have been around for a number of entries and usually the home office is very understanding, particularly with those who are trying to close up shop and get on board. The big deal about Monday is that you are to be "sworn in", and I am sure that is very important, but not so much that we need to risk health and sanity. Take a deep breath. They hired you-you are in-if you have a reasonable issue, let them know. I really think your home office will work with you. A lot of those people know just how tough the move is.
For those of you are insiders, you probably have some leave you can use in an emergency. For the outsiders, once you are on board, you begin to accumulate leave, that, in many cases, can be used immediately.
Be safe. The race is won, destress and enjoy.
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Post by nonamouse on May 21, 2010 12:52:04 GMT -5
I don't recall the details but I think there is even a way to borrow against your future sick leave, so if someone gets ill please ask around until you find someone who understands how things work.
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