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Post by Pixie on Aug 13, 2016 10:32:56 GMT -5
And my observation from 5 years working in close association with the AC (don't they choose the new ALJs?) is that what they value in their own staff is productivity speed -- not accuracy, not depth of knowledge, not leadership skills or 'social function' skills, and certainly not extra-SSA experience. They can look up the productivity stats pretty quickly on the insiders and be shed of 250 in one fell swoop. LIT52 with my new game face Yes, the ultimate decision rests with the A.C. I liked the prior avatar much better. This one doesn't much look like you. And you aren't even a swimmer. Pixie
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DC Testing
Aug 13, 2016 10:37:09 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by subrosa on Aug 13, 2016 10:37:09 GMT -5
And my observation from 5 years working in close association with the AC (don't they choose the new ALJs?) is that what they value in their own staff is productivity speed -- not accuracy, not depth of knowledge, not leadership skills or 'social function' skills, and certainly not extra-SSA experience. They can look up the productivity stats pretty quickly on the insiders and be shed of 250 in one fell swoop. LIT52 with my new game face I don't think that's an entirely fair characterization of the AC, and I don't believe the AC has much to do with selecting ALJs.
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Post by Pixie on Aug 13, 2016 10:59:43 GMT -5
You will find that they delivered some pretty impressive threats against anyone testing who violates confidentiality with regard to what's tested or asked. If I recall correctly, they said they'd eliminate one from federal job consideration, fire you if you are a current federal employee, and some sundry statutory threats. I can't remember if they threatened to kick my dog as well, but the point is the confidentiality is a serious matter to TPTB! Therefore, if you want to be an ALJ, please don't press on the confidentiality pledge. If you really must have the advantage of knowing what's coming - tank the DC testing this time around and hope to get there again with the next ALJ job announcement down the road 3-years. This post is worthy of bolding and repeating. We aren't going to, and perhaps beyond, the boundaries as was done in Phase II. Although I deleted a lot of posts, some still got by me. Thanks to the members who PM'd me about some of the more egregious posts. Pixie
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Post by montyburns on Aug 13, 2016 11:10:30 GMT -5
No, both the highest and middle "(next highest")subgroups could receive their invites to DC at the same time, but for different periods, i.e. highest for Sept-Dec and middle for Jan-Feb. The first group could receive their NORS in the spring and the second group thereafter. This would roughly accord with what actually happened with the 2013 applicants, though presumably OPM wouldn't wait as long to add the middle subgroup to the mix.
Caveat: I do think more will be invited to DC in the first group and there is a good chance there will be no second group. IMO, the second group was invited because OPM made a mistake and filtered out too many during the first cut so they ended up with a register that didn't have enough names to keep pace with SSA hiring. That was the first time OPM went through this process and that is the most obvious correction they can make.
If the second group that was invited to DC in 2015 was simply to correct OPM's overly strict filtering of candidates, it isn't reasonable for us to assume there will be a second group this time. If it is a feature of the process by which OPM will do a quasi refresh of the applicant stream without actually having to do an actual refresh, then we can expect it. So, in short, we don't have enough data points to determine that now. How they handle the 2016 applicants will show whether they intend to always use a second group or not.
I think it's safe to say there will be no second group this time around. The more interesting question going forward is whether OPM will retain this testing process/register and continue to refresh the register as we start the 2020's or goes with a whole new register.
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Post by judgymcjudgypants on Aug 13, 2016 11:10:53 GMT -5
Very pleased with Pixie cracking the whip!
BTW, I think I have figured out how to describe being invited to Phase 3 to friends and family. It's like qualifying for the Olympics -- a mix of skill and luck--and I may not medal, but it's an honor to compete.
J
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Post by redryder on Aug 13, 2016 11:34:12 GMT -5
Which AC are you referring to? If it is the Appeals Council, management there has nothing to do with the appointment of the ALJs for ODAR. They would only be involved in the selection of their own AAJs. If it is an Associate Commissioner, again there is nothing to suggest that person is the selecting official. I looked at my certificate of appointment and at my spouse's. Both are signed by the person who was the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review. Even so, the selections are make in the office of the chief judge under authority delegated by the DC.
That being said, the Office of the Chief Judge does have access to the stats for persons who work for ODAR in jobs where there are stats kept. They can also look in the personnel folders to see any performance assessments, disciplinary actions, awards, etc. And finally, they do contact management in the office and interview them about the candidate.
But raw numbers do not tell the whole story. I can run a report that will show how many decisions I wrote in a year. But of more significance is the kind of decisions written. A writer turning out 40+ per month but they are all fully favorable decisions is not demonstrating the same analytical skills at the writer turning out 20 that are unfavorable or partially favorable decisions on initial claims and denials on continue disability review claims. And yes, there are reports that can be generated to show the outcomes of the cases written. And ones that show processing time.
So lighten up on the insiders. In some ways, they have bigger hurdles to overcome than the outsiders. They do have those permanent records and they go back for years. That information is a sword of Damocles for each of them. And I have never heard of anyone who gets to the SSA interview being asked to explain any anomalies in his or her particular track record.
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Post by Pixie on Aug 13, 2016 12:04:31 GMT -5
My certificates are signed by the Chief Judge and by the Associate Commissioner. I have always been under the impression that the A. C. is the selecting official for the ALJs.
Correction, one is signed by both and one is signed only by the A. C. Pixie
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Post by Pixie on Aug 13, 2016 12:24:37 GMT -5
Which AC are you referring to? If it is the Appeals Council, management there has nothing to do with the appointment of the ALJs for ODAR. They would only be involved in the selection of their own AAJs. If it is an Associate Commissioner, again there is nothing to suggest that person is the selecting official. I looked at my certificate of appointment and at my spouse's. Both are signed by the person who was the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review. Even so, the selections are make in the office of the chief judge under authority delegated by the DC. That being said, the Office of the Chief Judge does have access to the stats for persons who work for ODAR in jobs where there are stats kept. They can also look in the personnel folders to see any performance assessments, disciplinary actions, awards, etc. And finally, they do contact management in the office and interview them about the candidate. But raw numbers do not tell the whole story. I can run a report that will show how many decisions I wrote in a year. But of more significance is the kind of decisions written. A writer turning out 40+ per month but they are all fully favorable decisions is not demonstrating the same analytical skills at the writer turning out 20 that are unfavorable or partially favorable decisions on initial claims and denials on continue disability review claims. And yes, there are reports that can be generated to show the outcomes of the cases written. And ones that show processing time. So lighten up on the insiders. In some ways, they have bigger hurdles to overcome than the outsiders. They do have those permanent records and they go back for years. That information is a sword of Damocles for each of them. And I have never heard of anyone who gets to the SSA interview being asked to explain any anomalies in his or her particular track record. I didn't remember anyone being down on the insiders, but I went back and read the posts through page 18. There is nothing there that I can see. If you have a specific post, please let me know where it is. Pixie
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Post by aljudgmental on Aug 13, 2016 12:33:02 GMT -5
There is always a SWAG about rolling grading and we have not seen it with this current register. I would not expect it to start with this group. From the example in the announcement, I would anticipate DC testing to start October 3. If there are 23 weeks, as some rumors have stated, then that would take us into February or even early March with scores not expected until June. I really don't think that's going to happen. I bet OPM stays on the same track as last year's group with testing completed in December with scores in March. Good luck to all!
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Post by justlooking on Aug 13, 2016 12:54:46 GMT -5
I have searched but have been unable to find an answer. Are the Spanish speakers interviewed in Spanish during the OPM SI or does that happen at the agency interviews later on. Thank you.
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Post by Pixie on Aug 13, 2016 12:59:56 GMT -5
I have searched but have been unable to find an answer. Are the Spanish speakers interviewed in Spanish during the OPM SI or does that happen at the agency interviews later on. Thank you. Let's leave that question unanswered so the Spanish speakers will find out at the interview and not before. Although this is a relatively innocuous question, the Phase II discussions ofter started out innocuous and went to crossing the line pretty quickly. I want to nip these things in the bud this time around. Pixie
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Post by justlooking on Aug 13, 2016 13:06:59 GMT -5
I have searched but have been unable to find an answer. Are the Spanish speakers interviewed in Spanish during the OPM SI or does that happen at the agency interviews later on. Thank you. Let's leave that question unanswered so the Spanish speakers will find out at the interview and not before. Although this is a relatively innocuous question, the Phase II discussions ofter started out innocuous and went to crossing the line pretty quickly. I want to nip these things in the bud this time around. Pixie My apologies Pixie. I am fluent in both so it doesn't matter to me if I get interviewed in one or the other, was simply curious. Since my question did not relate to the content of the interview I didn't think there would be an issue. . I am sorry if I overstepped.
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Post by phoenixrisingALJ on Aug 13, 2016 15:15:13 GMT -5
I've been mum on this topic for three plus years, since I first ran the gauntlet all the way to DC. I understand that people are getting antsy waiting on word from TPB about whether they move on, but all this wild speculation about how OPM is proceeding, as well as the (once again) revived questions about the phase 3 process are scratching a nerve. I will repeat myself and say again that I GET IT. You're anxious to hear. Bantering back and forth the various "what ifs" of this mysterious process helps pass the time. But I'm at a point where I cringe every time I see a new post on this thread only to discover that it doesn't really contain any useful information. No offense intended. I enjoy reading the banter AFTER the flurry of emails about next-phase invites, certs and offers are over. For those still fishing for inside info on the testing process, I say this: keep your wits and ethics about you. You're asking others to compromise both the integrity of the process and their personal integrity by asking clearly self-serving questions. Please refrain. In the words of my wise 3-year old, let it go, let it gooooo! I try to view this entire process as part of the test--how well I handle the stress of long waits (which is nothing compared to the wait of SSA claimants who wait for a hearing and then a decision); my temperament--how well do I handle the strain of gearing up for testing, then waiting...then gearing up again for another round of testing, then waiting yet again...and how will I handle the news - good OR bad - because either way, it's life-altering news that takes some time to fully process. Also, fielding all the well-meaning questions from family about whether I've heard yet and what does OPM stand for again?? (LOL) and finally, maintaining a sense of humility about the fact that I'm still EARLY in this process even at 3 years in and IF I'm lucky, I'll get to wait a whole lot more. It beats the alternative. I fully commiserate with you all. But it's Friday. Ima grab a cold libation and call it a weekend. Maybe catch up some sports. I hear some big thing going on in Brazil right now. Maybe catch a movie, play with my kids. You know, do life. The news will come when it comes. I so agree with you. Threads that get hijacked with needless speculation and/or downright arguments from folks arguing about how OPM works drive me batty. Also - the subject of where to stay has been hashed out folks - DC is a major tourist and business destination - not hard to figure out. There are a lot of great tips and suggestions from board members already on here.
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Post by christina on Aug 13, 2016 15:20:55 GMT -5
No, they can't say a word about topics because it would violate CONFIDENTIALITY. It is unfair to even ask because we are future competition for them for the same jobs, and we should neither ask nor expect them to give us an advantage over them. PLEASE, Class of 2016, don't let this thread become the boundary pushing line of posts as the Phase 2 thread indulged in. J We also would not want to deprive anyone of the fun. So no spoilers. Yes of course the fun....
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Post by Pixie on Aug 13, 2016 16:07:24 GMT -5
Let's leave that question unanswered so the Spanish speakers will find out at the interview and not before. Although this is a relatively innocuous question, the Phase II discussions ofter started out innocuous and went to crossing the line pretty quickly. I want to nip these things in the bud this time around. Pixie My apologies Pixie. I am fluent in both so it doesn't matter to me if I get interviewed in one or the other, was simply curious. Since my question did not relate to the content of the interview I didn't think there would be an issue. . I am sorry if I overstepped. You really didn't overstep anything. I have just decided to stop any talk about what goes on in the interview before it gets started. Pixie
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Post by foghorn on Aug 13, 2016 18:00:09 GMT -5
I so agree with you. Threads that get hijacked with needless speculation and/or downright arguments from folks arguing about how OPM works drive me batty. Also - the subject of where to stay has been hashed out folks - DC is a major tourist and business destination - not hard to figure out. There are a lot of great tips and suggestions from board members already on here. Having lived in DC I know what a bear it is to get anywhere; the scheduling didn't say what the locations would be' when we get to the actual window, to schedule will they tell us? I'd hate to be staying in Rockville if the testing is in Chrystal City, and if my interview was at 8:30am but in Langley (special interviewing facilities?) I'd want to know. Maybe have a separate thread for travel tips? But whether you know DC or not, I think it's like trying a case out of town--you want to stay relatively close to the courthouse so if there's a traffic jam you aren't a wreck--or getting in one!
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Post by gern on Aug 13, 2016 21:05:22 GMT -5
Last time they did the testing, it was at two hotel locations in NW. (One set at one hotel, second group at another, according to the OPM info page.) I would be willing to bet that it will be in NW again (northwest quarter of Washington DC). Most of NW DC is within a reasonable distance of a metro stop, so I'm thinking it should not be hard to get there... Disclaimer: I lived in DC when Reagan was president. There may no longer be tar pits and an active volcano in town.
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Post by paddlingon on Aug 14, 2016 16:05:09 GMT -5
I think they are bringing a larger first batch, but based on the fact that they can only squeeze x amount into testing area, the weeks of testing will be extended to accommodate the value of x applicants per week, and that is my formula, although x is still a variable, so i have not solved for x.
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Post by paddlingon on Aug 14, 2016 16:23:13 GMT -5
Last time they did the testing, it was at two hotel locations in NW. (One set at one hotel, second group at another, according to the OPM info page.) I would be willing to bet that it will be in NW again (northwest quarter of Washington DC). Most of NW DC is within a reasonable distance of a metro stop, so I'm thinking it should not be hard to get there... Disclaimer: I lived in DC when Reagan was president. There may no longer be tar pits and an active volcano in town. The only travel tip I'd throw out is to be aware that the DC/Maryland/Virginia area Metro is undergoing the hilariously misnamed "Safetrack" process, designed to address overdue safety maintenance. The result is a rolling series of delays along various parts of various lines stretching from now through March of 2017. If you're using Metro, just be sure to spend 10 or 15 minutes looking it over to make sure you know what the status is during your selected travel dates. In some cases it is causing very significant delays. This link has more info about Safetrack: Safetrack InfoFor these dates, it probably is better to just go with a plan B, like Uber. It probably isn't worth taking the chance of missing your testing or interview time.
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Post by ARobeByAnyOtherName on Aug 14, 2016 23:14:39 GMT -5
It looks like there will be no second group in the spring. The available dates to schedule are September 12 through March 23. No testing on Federal holidays. No testing during election week and Thanksgiving week in November. No testing the last week of December 2016 or the first week of January 2017. Inauguration week is also blacked out. Then testing through March 23.
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