Info on training dates, etc. Call local HO.

[odarite]

jagghagg said:

Didn't I hear someone ponder (weak and weary) that they (SSA) were gonna train all the "insiders" together and keep all the rest of us (if we get hired) in separate classes ? Seemed illogical to me as the corporate knowledge possessed by the insiders would benefit the rest of those not in "the know."

If so it would be the first time ever. After all, it should take a lot longer to train outsiders than insiders. But the theory up to now has always been that the knowledge of the classmates benefits the trainees, or something like that. I expect that, as usual, they will expect that some of the teaching will come from within the class.

[counselor95]

If those selected are sent to their ODAR offices for two weeks before training, it would make sense that those duty stations would be their "official homes" and they would no longer be considered within commuting distance of Baltimore (unless, of course, the new duty station was within Batimore's environs).

[doctorwho]

globalpanda said:

To answer some questions.

Offers will be made to everyone at roughly the same time. (Understand, it may take awhile to contact everyone, remember the initial round of contacts scheduling the interviews?)

I do not see any advantage to the Agency in trying to sort the offers by insider, outsider, private practice, or government attorney. Therefore IMHO, offers will go out to everyone at roughly the same time. Slots in various training classes will be made available, and if slots are available to accommodate your desires, they will try to do so. Make sure to ask. They will not be offended.

Everyone will get identical training. (The Agency will not assume everyone has the same knowledge base, life experiences, etc.)

In addition to any "how to be an ALJ" training, expect to get some basic training on Social Security. Pay attention to it. It will really help later if you understand the difference between the various elements of the program. Even ODAR attorneys will benefit from this refresher training.

Use your training time in Balto well. In addition to learning the basics of your job, try and make friends with your fellow ALJ trainees, these will be your lifetime peers. Trade information and help each other. Heck, trade email addresses. Learn the culture of the Agency. And above all else- think of this as the start of a new and grand adventure. You worked hard to get here. Enjoy it

GP

GP, you are obviously somebody who is in the know. Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share what information you can with those of us on the board waiting in the dark.

[privateatty]

doctorwho said:

globalpanda said:

To answer some questions.

Offers will be made to everyone at roughly the same time. (Understand, it may take awhile to contact everyone, remember the initial round of contacts scheduling the interviews?)

I do not see any advantage to the Agency in trying to sort the offers by insider, outsider, private practice, or government attorney. Therefore IMHO, offers will go out to everyone at roughly the same time. Slots in various training classes will be made available, and if slots are available to accommodate your desires, they will try to do so. Make sure to ask. They will not be offended.

Everyone will get identical training. (The Agency will not assume everyone has the same knowledge base, life experiences, etc.)

In addition to any "how to be an ALJ" training, expect to get some basic training on Social Security. Pay attention to it. It will really help later if you understand the difference between the various elements of the program. Even ODAR attorneys will benefit from this refresher training.

Use your training time in Balto well. In addition to learning the basics of your job, try and make friends with your fellow ALJ trainees, these will be your lifetime peers. Trade information and help each other. Heck, trade email addresses. Learn the culture of the Agency. And above all else- think of this as the start of a new and grand adventure. You worked hard to get here. Enjoy it

GP

GP, you are obviously somebody who is in the know. Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share what information you can with those of us on the board waiting in the dark.

Ditto. We know you have no "dog in the hunt" other than the best of motives.

[morgullord]

Your e-mail address will be [e-mail]

[southerner]

Most ALJ's have their middle initial in SSA e-mail address, so [e-mail] or [e-mail]

[morgullord]

SSA uses middle initials in e-mail addresses only where there is another person with the same name employed by the agency.

[happy]

morgullord said:

SSA uses middle initials in e-mail addresses only where there is another person with the same name employed by the agency.

OR if you specifically so request -- as I have done.

[southerner]

I was going by office practice. In my office, all of the ALJ's use their middle initial in the government e-mail addresses.

[Propmaster]

morgullord said:

SSA uses middle initials in e-mail addresses only where there is another person with the same name employed by the agency.

It's endearing that you think there is such a rule. It seems, frankly, to depend on who is setting up the account and what they ask for. I have talked to a few SSA employees who have names I'd be surprised to find anywhere in the world, much less an identical name pairing in the same agency, yet they have a middle initial. Having originally been told what you just said, I asked an employee recently if there really was another Murgatroyd Fessenbender (name made up for privacy sake) in the agency requiring him to use a middle initial, and he said the person who set up his account just asked him for his middle initial and that was that.

[morgullord]

I guess my systems administrator lied to us when our e-mail accounts were set up.

It brings to mind the old military mantra: Kept in total darkness; fed only bull****.


hahahahaha

[judicature]

Do aljsouth's training dates still look solid?

Any inside information anyone?

[odarite]

Aljsouth's dates are approximately correct for the report to your new duty station. 2 weeks later to report to Baltimore for classroom training for 4 weeks.