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Post by tripper on Nov 2, 2021 15:13:07 GMT -5
I agree. And certainly no RIFs until field offices are fully open and the number of cases newly filed can be anticipated.
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Post by christina on Nov 2, 2021 19:25:28 GMT -5
Haven’t seen a rif and I’ve been around awhile.
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Post by ALonerDottie on Nov 3, 2021 9:40:13 GMT -5
Chance of a RIF is somewhere between 0 and not gonna' happen.
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Post by Ace Midnight on Nov 3, 2021 9:55:52 GMT -5
I would hate to appear glib about a process with such serious consequences for board members (and other colleagues), but my analysis is fairly straightforward: By the time the powers that be completed the necessary research, categorized the ALJs into various RIF categories (by tenure, Vet preference, etc.) and merely began the process of initiating a RIF for ALJS, enough attrition would have occurred to render such a move moot (As always, IMHO).
What this does mean, however, is to not expect any significant hiring anytime soon. While I think a small class isn't out of the question over the next couple of FY, it is only slightly more likely than an actual RIF of ALJs.
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Post by Gaidin on Nov 4, 2021 0:55:08 GMT -5
I would hate to appear glib about a process with such serious consequences for board members (and other colleagues), but my analysis is fairly straightforward: By the time the powers that be completed the necessary research, categorized the ALJs into various RIF categories (by tenure, Vet preference, etc.) and merely began the process of initiating a RIF for ALJS, enough attrition would have occurred to render such a move moot (As always, IMHO). What this does mean, however, is to not expect any significant hiring anytime soon. While I think a small class isn't out of the question over the next couple of FY, it is only slightly more likely than an actual RIF of ALJs. I agree 100% with Ace on point 1 and am tiny bit more optimistic but that is because I believe once the field offices reopen we will see an enormous surge of cases that will require dramatic action. Whether any action is taken or if the action includes new hires is an entirely different question. I have a suspicion that the early retirements are one way to let people who refuse the vaccine exit gracefully without discipline. Obviously, others will take the opportunity as well but this is as good a time as any to go to Congress and say you want to hire people as we're likely to see for a while. |
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Post by unlisted on Nov 4, 2021 6:53:12 GMT -5
If not enough Judges take the Early Retirement offer and our receipts don't increase, any thoughts on whether there will be a RIF? When was the last time you saw any federal agency do a RIF? RIFs lead to long expensive litigation. That's why they use early outs and buyouts. And there's the real game of chicken: if not enough people take the early out, will it be sweetened with a buyout? |
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Post by SPN Lifer on Dec 11, 2021 23:18:18 GMT -5
Anyone hoping to see significant hiring anytime soon needs to rethink their perspective. That’s why ALJs were included in the early outs for the first time in many many years. Agreed. That is why I have moved on from the ALJ hiring process. I have fond memories of the OPM ALJ exam in the summer of 2016 (with some tourism afterward), an interview at the SSA Puzzle Palace in March 2018, and even a year as a Decision Writer for SSA to gain insight into the OHO process, acronyms, medical terminology, and POMS. Best wishes for those whose timeline is long enough to persevere in their SSA ALJ aspirations! |
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Post by garlow on Dec 12, 2021 17:52:23 GMT -5
Anyone hoping to see significant hiring anytime soon needs to rethink their perspective. That’s why ALJs were included in the early outs for the first time in many many years. Agreed. That is why I have moved on from the ALJ hiring process. I have fond memories of the OPM ALJ exam in the summer of 2016 (with some tourism afterward), an interview at the SSA Puzzle Palace in March 2018, and even a year as a Decision Writer for SSA to gain insight into the OHO process, acronyms, medical terminology, and POMS. Best wishes for those whose timeline is long enough to persevere in their SSA ALJ aspirations! May I ask what you've focused on as a second best aspiration? just be content in decision writer type roles, or attorney advisor positions, etc? I'm in the same boat where I'm not gonna hold my breath for an ALJ but I want something else that's a solid career option in fed govt with reasonable potential for advancement |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2021 18:46:57 GMT -5
[/quote]May I ask what you've focused on as a second best aspiration? just be content in decision writer type roles, or attorney advisor positions, etc? I'm in the same boat where I'm not gonna hold my breath for an ALJ but I want something else that's a solid career option in fed govt with reasonable potential for advancement[/quote]
My two cents from a 15+ year SSA attorney, serving in a variety of positions.
In SSA OHO, the only way up is mgmt. Sr. Attorneys come open here and there, but GS opens a lot of doors (into Regional office, LR/ER, HOD). Nothing is wrong with Senior Attorney, but you get less exposure to the powers that be.
Other agencies are very different, but much more dependent on locale. There are a lot more 14s and OGC positions if you are in the DC area.
Feel free to reach out if you want to ask about specifics. TBH, so much of it is about timing and location.
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Post by SPN Lifer on Dec 11, 2022 1:23:34 GMT -5
Anyone hoping to see significant hiring anytime soon needs to rethink their perspective. That’s why ALJs were included in the early outs for the first time in many many years. Agreed. That is why I have moved on from the ALJ hiring process. I have fond memories of the OPM ALJ exam in the summer of 2016 (with some tourism afterward), an interview at the SSA Puzzle Palace in March 2018, and even a year as a Decision Writer for SSA to gain insight into the OHO process, acronyms, medical terminology, and POMS. Best wishes for those whose timeline is long enough to persevere in their SSA ALJ aspirations! May I ask what you've focused on as a second best aspiration? just be content in decision writer type roles, or attorney advisor positions, etc? I'm in the same boat where I'm not gonna hold my breath for an ALJ but I want something else that's a solid career option in fed govt with reasonable potential for advancement |
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