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Post by alohastate on Oct 28, 2021 17:42:01 GMT -5
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Post by alohastate on Oct 28, 2021 17:48:59 GMT -5
Being licensed in California, I’ve applied for many similar state positions and been rejected due to not being employed by that Department. If the exam for list eligibility says promotional for a Department, that usually means internal only. But I’m not a hiring manager or a Judge, so we’ll have to agree to disagree. I am interested, though, so please keep posting. Hi, there. In follow up to our prior discussion, I wanted to let you know that an attorney was recently hired to a California ALJ II position with no prior ALJ experience. So while entering as an ALJ I is probably easier, you can also enter as an ALJ II. Doesn't make a huge amount of difference because we have been notified that ALJ Is are now going to be automatically promoted to ALJ II after 12 months of satisfactory service, without testing requirements. |
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Post by intothewild on Oct 29, 2021 11:23:32 GMT -5
Being licensed in California, I’ve applied for many similar state positions and been rejected due to not being employed by that Department. If the exam for list eligibility says promotional for a Department, that usually means internal only. But I’m not a hiring manager or a Judge, so we’ll have to agree to disagree. I am interested, though, so please keep posting. Hi, there. In follow up to our prior discussion, I wanted to let you know that an attorney was recently hired to a California ALJ II position with no prior ALJ experience. So while entering as an ALJ I is probably easier, you can also enter as an ALJ II. Doesn't make a huge amount of difference because we have been notified that ALJ Is are now going to be automatically promoted to ALJ II after 12 months of satisfactory service, without testing requirements. Does seem that state ALJ positions are plentiful and always hiring. Just hard to leave federal service once you are already invested there. |
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Post by futuramafry on Mar 5, 2022 18:28:55 GMT -5
Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility. I have actually discussed this with my supervising judges (who do the screening and initial interviews), and they have confirmed non-state employees are eligible although getting at ALJ I is an easier path to ALJ II. The funny thing is, ALJ I's need not apply for this position, the promotion to ALJ II is automatic after a year of satisfactory service as ALJ I.
You get list eligibility by completing and submitting this self-evaluative form. www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/HRSB/8BP08TE.pdfHello. Little late to the party. Just 2 observations for those interested in a CA State ALJ position. First, the ALJ I/II aspect. The MOU effective 7/1/21 did not call for automatic promotions to the ALJ II class. What it did was agree to eliminate and abolish the ALJ II class from state service, and bump the ALJ 1 max salary upward one full step (5%). This way, incumbents do not need to go through the competitive application process and test up for the higher step in pay. Instead, it will be deep-classed and retitled ALJ (drop the "I"). But, you will still need to move your way up though the steps. That is, if you started at the base pay (i.e., no HAM), you can't jump from step 1 ($9,732) to a maxed out ALJ salary ($13,484) after one year of service. Absent a HAM (hire above minimum), it should take 5 annual MSAs and 1 range change to get there (instead of 5 annual MSAs and 1 competitive application). From there, the ALJ III ($14,158) was reclassed to Senior ALJ. This still requires a competitive application process. Everything I just summarized, this was all approved retroactive to 2/1/22. CalHR hasn't distributed the official pay letters and notices yet but it should be completed and fully rolled out by April 2022. Second, the pay. The pay differentials are like locality pay at the federal level, they bump the base pay scales upwards. All ALJs qualify for PD 84, after completing the class. So that means the max CA State rank and file ALJ pay as of 7/1/22 was actually: $154K/$162K/$170K (for ALJ I/II/III). Higher for Presiding, Division Chief, Division Presiding, etc. With this being a negotiation year and considering the budget surplus, I'd bet it's a good possibility for a raise 7/1/22 (since negotiated raises typically follow the fiscal year for CA state employees). |
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Post by dshawn on Mar 8, 2022 19:18:45 GMT -5
Commonwealth of MA looking for 3 state AJs and one ALJ for Dept. of Industrial Accidents (Worker Comp). www.mass.gov/dia |
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Post by alohastate on Apr 4, 2022 11:17:43 GMT -5
Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility. I have actually discussed this with my supervising judges (who do the screening and initial interviews), and they have confirmed non-state employees are eligible although getting at ALJ I is an easier path to ALJ II. The funny thing is, ALJ I's need not apply for this position, the promotion to ALJ II is automatic after a year of satisfactory service as ALJ I.
You get list eligibility by completing and submitting this self-evaluative form. www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/HRSB/8BP08TE.pdfHello. Little late to the party. Just 2 observations for those interested in a CA State ALJ position. First, the ALJ I/II aspect. The MOU effective 7/1/21 did not call for automatic promotions to the ALJ II class. What it did was agree to eliminate and abolish the ALJ II class from state service, and bump the ALJ 1 max salary upward one full step (5%). This way, incumbents do not need to go through the competitive application process and test up for the higher step in pay. Instead, it will be deep-classed and retitled ALJ (drop the "I"). But, you will still need to move your way up though the steps. That is, if you started at the base pay (i.e., no HAM), you can't jump from step 1 ($9,732) to a maxed out ALJ salary ($13,484) after one year of service. Absent a HAM (hire above minimum), it should take 5 annual MSAs and 1 range change to get there (instead of 5 annual MSAs and 1 competitive application). From there, the ALJ III ($14,158) was reclassed to Senior ALJ. This still requires a competitive application process. Everything I just summarized, this was all approved retroactive to 2/1/22. CalHR hasn't distributed the official pay letters and notices yet but it should be completed and fully rolled out by April 2022. Second, the pay. The pay differentials are like locality pay at the federal level, they bump the base pay scales upwards. All ALJs qualify for PD 84, after completing the class. So that means the max CA State rank and file ALJ pay as of 7/1/22 was actually: $154K/$162K/$170K (for ALJ I/II/III). Higher for Presiding, Division Chief, Division Presiding, etc. With this being a negotiation year and considering the budget surplus, I'd bet it's a good possibility for a raise 7/1/22 (since negotiated raises typically follow the fiscal year for CA state employees). Thanks for a great post that taught me a LOT!! BTW, the transition to deep classing is not finalized yet, I still had to go through the competitive process for promotion to ALJ II.
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Post by alohastate on Apr 4, 2022 11:26:52 GMT -5
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Post by futuramafry on May 4, 2022 23:38:30 GMT -5
Hello. Little late to the party. Just 2 observations for those interested in a CA State ALJ position. First, the ALJ I/II aspect. The MOU effective 7/1/21 did not call for automatic promotions to the ALJ II class. What it did was agree to eliminate and abolish the ALJ II class from state service, and bump the ALJ 1 max salary upward one full step (5%). This way, incumbents do not need to go through the competitive application process and test up for the higher step in pay. Instead, it will be deep-classed and retitled ALJ (drop the "I"). But, you will still need to move your way up though the steps. That is, if you started at the base pay (i.e., no HAM), you can't jump from step 1 ($9,732) to a maxed out ALJ salary ($13,484) after one year of service. Absent a HAM (hire above minimum), it should take 5 annual MSAs and 1 range change to get there (instead of 5 annual MSAs and 1 competitive application). From there, the ALJ III ($14,158) was reclassed to Senior ALJ. This still requires a competitive application process. Everything I just summarized, this was all approved retroactive to 2/1/22. CalHR hasn't distributed the official pay letters and notices yet but it should be completed and fully rolled out by April 2022. Second, the pay. The pay differentials are like locality pay at the federal level, they bump the base pay scales upwards. All ALJs qualify for PD 84, after completing the class. So that means the max CA State rank and file ALJ pay as of 7/1/22 was actually: $154K/$162K/$170K (for ALJ I/II/III). Higher for Presiding, Division Chief, Division Presiding, etc. With this being a negotiation year and considering the budget surplus, I'd bet it's a good possibility for a raise 7/1/22 (since negotiated raises typically follow the fiscal year for CA state employees). Thanks for a great post that taught me a LOT!! BTW, the transition to deep classing is not finalized yet, I still had to go through the competitive process for promotion to ALJ II.
Cal HR pushed out the pay letter for the transition on 3/16 to all impacted state agencies via the subscription service. This one had to get keyed manually. Some smaller agencies might just be slow processing the change. Regardless of when it gets keyed, it's retroactive, and you’ll get backpay to the transition date listed in the letter if your pay rate changed, plus a new NOPA. DSS was included in the consolidation. CASE should have sent an email out to all members. If you missed it, here is a link to the pay letter that CASE posted for Unit 2 members listing the new base pay scales for ALJs (base pay, i.e., excluding 5% for PD84, or the up to 160-hour annual leave buyout election): www.calattorneys.org/_files/ugd/ae3848_5c3de763d18c458d9f9ee86afa5de581.pdfNo reclassed ALJ III’s received a pay change since it was just a retitle, but some ALJ I / II’s received de minimis rate changes (~$9.00/month), and of course the 5% range change for eligible ALJ I's. I can’t see the link you posted, but I’m really surprised the hiring manager’s HR liaison approved posting a job using the abolished class title in April. I’d be curious if they encountered a block trying to fill. All agencies subject to the consolidation will now be using the statewide ALJ class series exam. I can’t really talk about that, other than to say that which should by now be public knowledge; that it hasn’t been written yet and won’t be for at least a few more months. Until then, the only people technically eligible are transfers and people grandfathered in from the prior class list. |
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Post by 71stretch on May 7, 2022 20:00:01 GMT -5
How many here have considered looking for and applying to State ALJ positions? After SSA ALJ positions were moved to excepted service (Washington DC testing costs down the drain except for the memories of a nice vacay), I looked for other options and applied for some California State ALJ positions last summer. I found that they pay decently (currently max out at about $145K), but that the Cal State retirement system seems quite a bit better than the Federal FERS system, applied for a few jobs and got hired at the end of last year. The workload is moderate and manageable, and the management and leadership are superb. In California you can create a profile on Calcareers.ca.gov and they will send you notices of ALJ openings as they come up. You need 5 years of licensure in CA to apply here, but I noticed some other states, like Washington, simply need 5 years of licensure anywhere. I am thinking and wondering whether getting a few years of state ALJ experience under your belt might make you more attractive for a federal ALJ or IJ position, although quite frankly now that I am in the CA state system I don't think I would give up the position because of the superior retirement benefits. I was a state ALJ all the while I was pursuing an SSA ALJ position. Though SSA never came calling, the state ALJ positions I had made for a great career for 30 years. And, as you state, the pension was a very favorable one, and now that I am retired, is a true blessing. I recommmend state ALJ work on its own merit, whether or not it ends up being a stepping stone to a federal ALJ job. |
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Post by alohastate on May 19, 2022 17:01:19 GMT -5
How many here have considered looking for and applying to State ALJ positions? After SSA ALJ positions were moved to excepted service (Washington DC testing costs down the drain except for the memories of a nice vacay), I looked for other options and applied for some California State ALJ positions last summer. I found that they pay decently (currently max out at about $145K), but that the Cal State retirement system seems quite a bit better than the Federal FERS system, applied for a few jobs and got hired at the end of last year. The workload is moderate and manageable, and the management and leadership are superb. In California you can create a profile on Calcareers.ca.gov and they will send you notices of ALJ openings as they come up. You need 5 years of licensure in CA to apply here, but I noticed some other states, like Washington, simply need 5 years of licensure anywhere. I am thinking and wondering whether getting a few years of state ALJ experience under your belt might make you more attractive for a federal ALJ or IJ position, although quite frankly now that I am in the CA state system I don't think I would give up the position because of the superior retirement benefits. I was a state ALJ all the while I was pursuing an SSA ALJ position. Though SSA never came calling, the state ALJ positions I had made for a great career for 30 years. And, as you state, the pension was a very favorable one, and now that I am retired, is a true blessing. I recommmend state ALJ work on its own merit, whether or not it ends up being a stepping stone to a federal ALJ job. I actually enjoy it very much. So much so that I would not leave this position for a Fed ALJ position. OTOH, California is one of the few states that actually pay ALJs a decent wage, I think our positions top out at about $160K/year and are currently negotiating to increase that ceiling. |
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Post by 71stretch on May 19, 2022 18:12:01 GMT -5
I was a state ALJ all the while I was pursuing an SSA ALJ position. Though SSA never came calling, the state ALJ positions I had made for a great career for 30 years. And, as you state, the pension was a very favorable one, and now that I am retired, is a true blessing. I recommmend state ALJ work on its own merit, whether or not it ends up being a stepping stone to a federal ALJ job. I actually enjoy it very much. So much so that I would not leave this position for a Fed ALJ position. OTOH, California is one of the few states that actually pay ALJs a decent wage, I think our positions top out at about $160K/year and are currently negotiating to increase that ceiling. You are making a great deal more than I ever did. I would not leave that for a fed ALJ job, either. Glad you are enjoying it; I did too. Though my salary was far less than yours, I bring home more money now than I did when I was working. I will take that. |
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Post by alohastate on May 20, 2022 16:22:36 GMT -5
I actually enjoy it very much. So much so that I would not leave this position for a Fed ALJ position. OTOH, California is one of the few states that actually pay ALJs a decent wage, I think our positions top out at about $160K/year and are currently negotiating to increase that ceiling. You are making a great deal more than I ever did. I would not leave that for a fed ALJ job, either. Glad you are enjoying it; I did too. Though my salary was far less than yours, I bring home more money now than I did when I was working. I will take that. Whoa how did you manage that, pension plus ss? I agree Cali pays its ALJs decently. Our union is working on trying to get parity with Fed ALJs but I doubt that will happen. Our work at home job ability is pretty great. And our management is excellent. |
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Post by 71stretch on May 21, 2022 8:20:18 GMT -5
You are making a great deal more than I ever did. I would not leave that for a fed ALJ job, either. Glad you are enjoying it; I did too. Though my salary was far less than yours, I bring home more money now than I did when I was working. I will take that. Whoa how did you manage that, pension plus ss? I agree Cali pays its ALJs decently. Our union is working on trying to get parity with Fed ALJs but I doubt that will happen. Our work at home job ability is pretty great. And our management is excellent. I paid into both state retirement and SS. I suppose that's how. My former coworkers are still working remotely. I would have run screaming from the place by now if I were not already gone. |
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Post by intothewild on May 21, 2022 12:23:12 GMT -5
You are making a great deal more than I ever did. I would not leave that for a fed ALJ job, either. Glad you are enjoying it; I did too. Though my salary was far less than yours, I bring home more money now than I did when I was working. I will take that. Whoa how did you manage that, pension plus ss? I agree Cali pays its ALJs decently. Our union is working on trying to get parity with Fed ALJs but I doubt that will happen. Our work at home job ability is pretty great. And our management is excellent. Getting your pension + SS benefits is pretty common depending on your employer. |
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Post by meglos on Sept 8, 2022 6:53:34 GMT -5
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Post by neufenland on Jan 5, 2024 19:05:19 GMT -5
I’m bringing this back from the dead. I have a possible chance at a state ALJ position, but it’s not in my current state, and it requires a move. I’ve also been a fed for a long time, and this is…well, it’s a considerable pay cut even though the area of the country has a lower cost of living.
I would want to get back into federal service as an ALJ or IJ, which I have interviewed for, but have not, as of yet, had the good fortune to being selected. Also, I like my current job fine, so the move would be more about the “judge” opportunity and the judicial experience, which I think SSA and EOIR would like.
How stupid would it be to consider the State ALJ position if offered? I think I know the answer and it boils down to money. Can pm if want to know more or have more insights that are better shared privately.
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Post by Pixie on Jan 5, 2024 23:47:16 GMT -5
I’m bringing this back from the dead. I have a possible chance at a state ALJ position, but it’s not in my current state, and it requires a move. I’ve also been a fed for a long time, and this is…well, it’s a considerable pay cut even though the area of the country has a lower cost of living. I would want to get back into federal service as an ALJ or IJ, which I have interviewed for, but have not, as of yet, had the good fortune to being selected. Also, I like my current job fine, so the move would be more about the “judge” opportunity and the judicial experience, which I think SSA and EOIR would like. How stupid would it be to consider the State ALJ position if offered? I think I know the answer and it boils down to money. Can pm if want to know more or have more insights that are better shared privately. Don't do it. Huge downsize with a minimal and speculative upside. Pixie |
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Post by prescient on Jan 6, 2024 7:10:14 GMT -5
Adding to this — when you look at the resumes of every person hired as ALJ during the 2 most recent hirings, very very few were former State ALJs
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Post by meglos on Jan 6, 2024 12:16:55 GMT -5
I was a State ALJ for several years. I think the mileage you get out of it will depend on your state, since different states use ALJs differently. In my state, we were a central panel and heard adversarial cases on behalf of various agencies, boards and commissions. Some hearings could last several days (my longest was 7 but others had 15+ day long hearings). Most lasted a day or much less. Lots of experience doing written or bench decisions.
There are some good exit opportunities. I understand a few people did become SSA ALJs but that was under the old system. I don't know if anyone has pursued that recently. I never did because it does not interest me. But myself and other colleagues got IJ and BVA judge positions on our first try. SEVERAL colleagues received appointments to the state circuit and district courts. That was the primary path people sought. I pursued federal because I was interested in relocating to another area.
Should you drop what you are doing to pursue it? Without knowing more about your personal situation I can't give a recommendation. You will take a big pay hit most likely if you are currently in the federal government. It will help your resume but it is not a guarantee and you may need to stick around at least a couple years before it becomes marketable.
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Post by fowlfinder on Jan 6, 2024 12:51:02 GMT -5
Adding to this — when you look at the resumes of every person hired as ALJ during the 2 most recent hirings, very very few were former State ALJs The only form state ALJs hired as SSA ALJs that I know also had significant former SSA experience, if that fits you, well maybe its worth it. But the move and pay cut would give me pause. If you are seeing the position only as a stepping stone to something else, I would be highly cautious about the position. If the position is an area of the law that you are interested in, if you are seriously tired of what you are currently doing and want out, or the area of the country is someplace you were already seriously interested in, well then maybe. But you have to also be willing to think that the position may be where you will remain for the rest of your carrier. If you can do that, consider it. If you can't, put it back in the hat and walk away. |
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