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Post by JudgeRatty on Apr 22, 2014 9:11:15 GMT -5
Just FYI, the transfer list is still active. There is a St. Louis NHC ALJ coming to my home office. We were notified today. Now, I have no idea how/why this corresponds to the current cert situation, except to say that it results in one more open spot in a NHC.
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Post by moopigsdad on Apr 22, 2014 9:20:25 GMT -5
It seems like the ALJs are deserting the NHCs, like rats off a sinking ship. I don't blame them mow that they lost some of the advantages they had until the most recent contract. Also, I think many NHC ALJs get burned out by doing all their hearings via video. If you are not a real people person and would rather do most of your interaction with people an arm's length away and without personal in-the-room interaction, then the NHC positions would be perfect for you. I think in some ways with the present video set-up ALJs miss a lot of cues and things that those ALJs sitting in the same office with the claimants can catch. There are still limitations in the video hearings as to clarity and ability to see everything going on in the hearing room. If my only chance for an ALJ job was to take a NHC position or nothing, I guess I would do it, but my individual preference clearly would be to avoid being at an NHC.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Apr 22, 2014 9:40:04 GMT -5
It seems like the ALJs are deserting the NHCs, like rats off a sinking ship. I don't blame them mow that they lost some of the advantages they had until the most recent contract. Also, I think many NHC ALJs get burned out by doing all their hearings via video. If you are not a real people person and would rather do most of your interaction with people an arm's length away and without personal in-the-room interaction, then the NHC positions would be perfect for you. I think in some ways with the present video set-up ALJs miss a lot of cues and things that those ALJs sitting in the same office with the claimants can catch. There are still limitations in the video hearings as to clarity and ability to see everything going on in the hearing room. If my only chance for an ALJ job was to take a NHC position or nothing, I guess I would do it, but my individual preference clearly would be to avoid being at an NHC. I think it is a combination of the office area (fenced in prison like environment with a guard gate LOL!), lack of in person hearings (like you said), weather (for people who are used to the south), and lack of flexiplace. Add all that up, and if given a choice to move to a place near family, and all of the familiar things.... easy to understand. I have been to that office and found it to be ok. IN fact, I liked the idea of having such good security in the parking area. Many ODAR offices have very little security, some with open parking with no separation between the public and employees, and some are in federal buildings with other federal agencies. It varies so much from office to office. Pros and cons to every office, just like everything! Half full... and all that jazz. Happy Earth Day people! |
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Post by moopigsdad on Apr 22, 2014 10:06:56 GMT -5
It seems like the ALJs are deserting the NHCs, like rats off a sinking ship. I don't blame them mow that they lost some of the advantages they had until the most recent contract. Also, I think many NHC ALJs get burned out by doing all their hearings via video. If you are not a real people person and would rather do most of your interaction with people an arm's length away and without personal in-the-room interaction, then the NHC positions would be perfect for you. I think in some ways with the present video set-up ALJs miss a lot of cues and things that those ALJs sitting in the same office with the claimants can catch. There are still limitations in the video hearings as to clarity and ability to see everything going on in the hearing room. If my only chance for an ALJ job was to take a NHC position or nothing, I guess I would do it, but my individual preference clearly would be to avoid being at an NHC. I think it is a combination of the office area (fenced in prison like environment with a guard gate LOL!), lack of in person hearings (like you said), weather (for people who are used to the south), and lack of flexiplace. Add all that up, and if given a choice to move to a place near family, and all of the familiar things.... easy to understand. I have been to that office and found it to be ok. IN fact, I liked the idea of having such good security in the parking area. Many ODAR offices have very little security, some with open parking with no separation between the public and employees, and some are in federal buildings with other federal agencies. It varies so much from office to office. Pros and cons to every office, just like everything! Half full... and all that jazz. Happy Earth Day people! So, sratty, in the perfect world, would you rather land a position in a NHC location or a non-NHC location? Please don't say it doesn't matter, because a lot of us feel that way, but I am asking you your personal preference among the two types of offices. Yes, there are pros and cons to both, but in my mind the cons somewhat outweigh the pros in NHCs, but it is just my own opinion. |
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Post by JudgeRatty on Apr 22, 2014 10:19:12 GMT -5
I think it is a combination of the office area (fenced in prison like environment with a guard gate LOL!), lack of in person hearings (like you said), weather (for people who are used to the south), and lack of flexiplace. Add all that up, and if given a choice to move to a place near family, and all of the familiar things.... easy to understand. I have been to that office and found it to be ok. IN fact, I liked the idea of having such good security in the parking area. Many ODAR offices have very little security, some with open parking with no separation between the public and employees, and some are in federal buildings with other federal agencies. It varies so much from office to office. Pros and cons to every office, just like everything! Half full... and all that jazz. Happy Earth Day people! So, sratty, in the perfect world, would you rather land a position in a NHC location or a non-NHC location? Please don't say it doesn't matter, because a lot of us feel that way, but I am asking you your personal preference among the two types of offices. Yes, there are pros and cons to both, but in my mind the cons somewhat outweigh the pros in NHCs, but it is just my own opinion. In a "perfect" world, I would get to be an ALJ in the very office where I currently work.  But that would be like winning the lottery. Wishful thinking, and not likely to happen. If I had a preference between working in a NHC and working in a non-NHC office, I would choose non. My reason, flexiplace. I work flexiplace 2 days a week (soon to be 3) in my current job and love it. I have no office distractions, can pet my dogs on occasion, etc. Now, would I take a NHC position? You bet I would! Working at home has been a privilege and going back to the office environment 5 days a week is not that big of a deal, after all, it still beats working private practice or working on my feet 12 hours a day in my prior career. It's all relative, and depends on the goal. My goal....ALJ position. So I will take what they serve me, I just hope to be in line before the doors close.  |
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Post by mamaru on Apr 22, 2014 11:08:37 GMT -5
I agree that loss of flexiplace would be the worst thing about being at an NHC, as opposed to a hearing office. I too would like to be able to stay where I am, but would not turn down appointment at a hearing center. I really think that rats jumping ship analogy is extreme because so many judges went to the NHCs under the old system because of the transfer preference and are still trying to get home. I think the pros and cons of NHCs and hearing offices have been covered on these pages (over and over) and it's an individual choice. I simply don't think it's accurate to assume that they are a bad place to work because so many ALJ's transfer out. I think that is misleading. Maybe we should poll the ALJ's who have left as to why they transferred.
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Post by hopefalj on Apr 22, 2014 11:41:05 GMT -5
Agreed. Not sure the rats off a sinking ship is entirely accurate. First, I'm not sure that the theories that the NHCs will receive several new hires is indicative of massive vacancies from departing ALJs. It's probably more indicative of the growing trend of nationalizing the hearing process, and the new judges will be additions more than replacements. With regard to sratty's new judge, it could very well be that this is the first opportunity the judge has had to transfer to a desired office.
Just a couple of personal thoughts on NHCs. The issue of flexiplace is only relevant after the first year, so if you start out in an NHC, you won't be missing it for at least twelve months. Your writing is likely going to be much more consistent and of a better overall quality than in a hearing office given who will be writing for you. All NHCs are in cities with large airports, which might permit easier commuting if you choose to try to maintain two households.
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Post by moopigsdad on Apr 22, 2014 12:29:03 GMT -5
Agreed. Not sure the rats off a sinking ship is entirely accurate. First, I'm not sure that the theories that the NHCs will receive several new hires is indicative of massive vacancies from departing ALJs. It's probably more indicative of the growing trend of nationalizing the hearing process, and the new judges will be additions more than replacements. With regard to sratty's new judge, it could very well be that this is the first opportunity the judge has had to transfer to a desired office. Just a couple of personal thoughts on NHCs. The issue of flexiplace is only relevant after the first year, so if you start out in an NHC, you won't be missing it for at least twelve months. Your writing is likely going to be much more consistent and of a better overall quality than in a hearing office given who will be writing for you. All NHCs are in cities with large airports, which might permit easier commuting if you choose to try to maintain two households. If nationalizing the hearing process was truly the objective of SSA, we would hear of SSA slating to build two or three new NHCs in the next couple of years along with a consolidation or weaning of existing ODAR Hearing offices in the next couple of years. Yet, there is no discussion of either right now. Of course, much of that is due to budgetary restraints. Also, unless Congress and SSA change the video hearing regulations and rules, there will always be attorneys choosing to opt out of the video hearings. I must tell you as one who has represented numerous claimants at all types of hearings, video and in-person, I much rather prefer in-person hearings, especially depending upon the claimant's disability. Also, as I have stated in earlier posts, in dealing with many different ALJs who have presided over both types of hearings, most will say the video hearings still are lacking technical capabilities in terms of viewing and observing the claimant, in addition to hearing all things said in the hearing room. |
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Post by mamaru on Apr 22, 2014 12:51:02 GMT -5
It's true you can't flex anywhere for 12 months, but I think at this point if you accept a position at an NHC you have to assume you will not move out any sooner than you would be able to transfer from a hearing office. That means flexing can be gone for a very long, long time if you go to an NHC. But I'm not sure why this matters - unless the process is really turned upside down, it's not as if those of us lucky enough to get offers are going to have a choice. I just wanted to make the point that the NHC's are not necessarily bad places to work simply because they have tended to be "revolving doors" - that probably has had more to do with transfer policy and labor contracts than work environment.
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Post by hopefalj on Apr 22, 2014 12:53:50 GMT -5
I think you've hit on the biggest reason why we're not hearing about new NHCs being created. It's expensive. It's far easier to do what ODAR appears to be doing... Trying to bolster staff at current NHCs, the NCAC, and regional writing units; enhancing videoconferencing inside current ODAR offices to allow those judges to hear cases from anywhere; shipping cases from busier hearing offices to slower offices for processing and writing; etc. The process will never go completely national, but increasing their ability to shift workloads should reduce workloads and wait times.
I won't disagree about the issues of video hearings versus live hearings. There are more issues with the former than the latter. I'm certainly not advocating for one over the other, either. I'm just making an observation.
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Post by february on Apr 22, 2014 13:27:40 GMT -5
I'm sure I'm missing something obvious, but if NHC ALJs can't telework, why was there a recent announcement, posted in another thread, touting the rollout of VPN access for NHC ALJs? Is the VPN for some other purpose than teleworking?
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Post by mamaru on Apr 22, 2014 16:12:34 GMT -5
Interesting. There seems to be a push in that direction at ODAR - maybe this foreshadows good news on NHC ALJ's flexing in the future.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Apr 22, 2014 16:55:18 GMT -5
I'm sure I'm missing something obvious, but if NHC ALJs can't telework, why was there a recent announcement, posted in another thread, touting the rollout of VPN access for NHC ALJs? Is the VPN for some other purpose than teleworking? The roll out for VPN access is for all ALJ positions in general ( and eventually other positions) and not limited to the NHC ALJs. Hopefully once there is VPN access telework will be more smooth. I have not seen where flexiplace is a go for NHCs but that would sure be great! Edit: and VPN is not a reality just yet last word was it was still being tested with a small number of folks. |
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Post by bartleby on Apr 22, 2014 17:53:02 GMT -5
We received word today that ODAR VPN rollout for all offices will begin in May alphabetically with requesting VPN, training/configuration, and beginning of VPN/telework, each lasting one week, from Debra Bice.
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Post by JudgeRatty on Apr 22, 2014 18:37:04 GMT -5
We received word today that ODAR VPN rollout for all offices will begin in May alphabetically with requesting VPN, training/configuration, and beginning of VPN/telework, each lasting one week, from Debra Bice. That's great news! Thanks Bartleby! |
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Post by cougarfan on Apr 23, 2014 6:20:25 GMT -5
FWIW I don't mind video hearings; I didn't mind them when I was a rep and I don't mind holding them as an ALJ. I applied for a spot at the Albequrque NHC (I wasn't selected despite my excellent qualifications  , I would have placed my name on transfer list to there but I was informed I couldn't make that request, and I would have tried again, for that particular office, if I wasn't transferring elsewhere. Just my two cents. |
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Post by pubdef on Apr 23, 2014 9:08:24 GMT -5
I'm sure I'm missing something obvious, but if NHC ALJs can't telework, why was there a recent announcement, posted in another thread, touting the rollout of VPN access for NHC ALJs? Is the VPN for some other purpose than teleworking? Does anyone know the history of why NHC ALJs cannot telework? My understanding, and this is from an outsider, is that there are few, if any, non-NHC judges ("typical judges" for a lack of better word) who hold hearings daily. Most typical judges will schedule certain days of the week for hearings. For most this is probably one or more of the following reasons: 1) a lack of hearing rooms, 2) to have days to write, and 3) because they telework from home. NHC Judges, I would imagine, also do not hold hearings every single day. Although, if they do, it's not required. I would imagine they could telework and still meet their quotas. Contra to this is attorneys at ODAR are allowed to telework per their union contract. That is changing to 3 days a week. But group supervisors -- even those who are attorneys in the union -- are not allowed to telework. I'm wondering if the reason that NHC Judges cannot telework has less to do with VPN and more to do with that they basically fill the role of the group supervisor as they directly supervise a group of attorneys and case techs? Does anyone know if this is a correct assumption? I wonder because even with VPN they might not be allowed to telework if it's because of supervision. |
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Post by hopefalj on Apr 23, 2014 9:11:10 GMT -5
I could be very wrong, but I thought it was because they were/are technically management and not covered by the ALJ contractual terms. If they've given up the benefits of their management position (not being at the top of a transfer list), I would think they would seek some of the benefits they were once lacking.
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Post by redryder on Apr 24, 2014 12:59:09 GMT -5
HOPEFALJ is correct. Members of management in ODAR cannot currently participate in flexplace and NHC judges are considered management as they are the direct supervisors for the writers at these centers. However, this may be changing. Heard from a group supervisor with field connections that management in field offices are being allowed to work at home. If management in SSA field operations have that privilege, it cannot be long before it trickles over to ODAR.
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Post by carrickfergus on Apr 25, 2014 10:46:31 GMT -5
HOCALJ's can telecommunicate some - this from personal experience - but to what extent may vary depending on the region.
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But that would be like winning the lottery. Wishful thinking, and not likely to happen. If I had a preference between working in a NHC and working in a non-NHC office, I would choose non. My reason, flexiplace. I work flexiplace 2 days a week (soon to be 3) in my current job and love it. I have no office distractions, can pet my dogs on occasion, etc. Now, would I take a NHC position? You bet I would! Working at home has been a privilege and going back to the office environment 5 days a week is not that big of a deal, after all, it still beats working private practice or working on my feet 12 hours a day in my prior career. It's all relative, and depends on the goal. My goal....ALJ position. So I will take what they serve me, I just hope to be in line before the doors close. 
, I would have placed my name on transfer list to there but I was informed I couldn't make that request, and I would have tried again, for that particular office, if I wasn't transferring elsewhere. Just my two cents.
