Potential SSA ALJ Hiring on the horizon?

[Happy_GS]

My supervisor recently sent me this opening -> www.usajobs.gov/Job/625805700

I noticed that part of the duties description includes the following:

"Performs tasks to ensure an effective Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) selection process; preparing for interviewing by resolving travel and per diem issues; obtaining reference checks;"

This language has me hopeful that SSA may actually be hiring ALJs sometime in the near future, what do y'all think?

[quesera]

Very, very interesting...

And note the following: "NOTE: Excepted service employees serving under Schedule A appointments for Attorney positions or Pathways Programs appointments (Presidential Management Fellows, Recent Graduates, and Interns) are not eligible for consideration."

Per usual, all OHO attorneys are unable to apply because we are excepted service. Even GS-13 attorney Group Supervisors and GS-12 attorneys who stepped down from supervisor roles; and other excepted service employees with management and project experience-- not eligible. This excepted service exclusion is rampant in SSA. We (AAs and SAAs) are not eligible to apply for most CREO, DCHR, OIG, LR/ER, or policy jobs (the vast majority of which are outside of OHO) because of the excepted service exclusion (apparently necessary, according to OPE) for all internal hires.

Well, you know, it makes most sense to have a non-attorney plan the hiring and onboarding of ALJs, right??

-Quesera

[Gaidin]

Dec 17, 2021 15:06:57 GMT -5 quesera said:

Very, very interesting...

And note the following: "NOTE: Excepted service employees serving under Schedule A appointments for Attorney positions or Pathways Programs appointments (Presidential Management Fellows, Recent Graduates, and Interns) are not eligible for consideration."

Per usual, all OHO attorneys are unable to apply because we are excepted service. Even GS-13 attorney Group Supervisors and GS-12 attorneys who stepped down from supervisor roles; and other excepted service employees with management and project experience-- not eligible. This excepted service exclusion is rampant in SSA. We (AAs and SAAs) are not eligible to apply for most CREO, DCHR, OIG, LR/ER, or policy jobs (the vast majority of which are outside of OHO) because of the excepted service exclusion (apparently necessary, according to OPE) for all internal hires.

Well, you know, it makes most sense to have a non-attorney plan the hiring and onboarding of ALJs, right??

-Quesera

I don't disagree that AAs get shut out of entirely too many opportunities but this looks like it doesn't require any legal knowledge. It looks like this person won't be onboarding ALJs. They will be scheduling the meetings and handling correspondence for the folks who will be creating the new ALJ hiring process. I am sure it is a lot more than an administrative assistant based on the GS level but mostly looks like a project management job. Certainly, an AA could do it but it doesn't strike me as needing any legal skills.

I am very interested in the fact that this posting exists. This is the first hint in a long time that the wheels are starting to move.

[Happy_GS]

Dec 17, 2021 15:06:57 GMT -5 quesera said:

Very, very interesting...

And note the following: "NOTE: Excepted service employees serving under Schedule A appointments for Attorney positions or Pathways Programs appointments (Presidential Management Fellows, Recent Graduates, and Interns) are not eligible for consideration."

Per usual, all OHO attorneys are unable to apply because we are excepted service. Even GS-13 attorney Group Supervisors and GS-12 attorneys who stepped down from supervisor roles; and other excepted service employees with management and project experience-- not eligible. This excepted service exclusion is rampant in SSA. We (AAs and SAAs) are not eligible to apply for most CREO, DCHR, OIG, LR/ER, or policy jobs (the vast majority of which are outside of OHO) because of the excepted service exclusion (apparently necessary, according to OPE) for all internal hires.

Well, you know, it makes most sense to have a non-attorney plan the hiring and onboarding of ALJs, right??

-Quesera

Wholeheartedly agree.  I was about to apply to the posting when I realized I was ineligible.  Very disheartening and frustrating that they exclude attorneys from these opportunities.  That is unless you're disabled or a veteran with a service-connected disability.  I wonder if by disclosing my ADHD, I can convert my excepted service appointment to a schedule A, Reg. 213.3102 (U) appointment?  It's either that or join the reserves (the Army accepts JAG Reserve Officers btw).  But yeah, we shouldn't have to jump through hoops to be eligible for these sorts of opportunities, even if legal skills aren't absolutely necessary to perform the position, there's no reason to specifically exclude attorneys.  And yes my understanding from friends who work with other agencies, is that this sort of attorney exclusion from management positions is unheard of or far less common.  If SSA higher ups could find some way of excluding us from Group Supervisor positions, I'm sure they would.

[Happy_GS]

Dec 17, 2021 19:07:42 GMT -5 Gaidin said:

Dec 17, 2021 15:06:57 GMT -5 quesera said:

Very, very interesting...

And note the following: "NOTE: Excepted service employees serving under Schedule A appointments for Attorney positions or Pathways Programs appointments (Presidential Management Fellows, Recent Graduates, and Interns) are not eligible for consideration."

Per usual, all OHO attorneys are unable to apply because we are excepted service. Even GS-13 attorney Group Supervisors and GS-12 attorneys who stepped down from supervisor roles; and other excepted service employees with management and project experience-- not eligible. This excepted service exclusion is rampant in SSA. We (AAs and SAAs) are not eligible to apply for most CREO, DCHR, OIG, LR/ER, or policy jobs (the vast majority of which are outside of OHO) because of the excepted service exclusion (apparently necessary, according to OPE) for all internal hires.

Well, you know, it makes most sense to have a non-attorney plan the hiring and onboarding of ALJs, right??

-Quesera

I don't disagree that AAs get shut out of entirely too many opportunities but this looks like it doesn't require any legal knowledge. It looks like this person won't be onboarding ALJs. They will be scheduling the meetings and handling correspondence for the folks who will be creating the new ALJ hiring process. I am sure it is a lot more than an administrative assistant based on the GS level but mostly looks like a project management job. Certainly, an AA could do it but it doesn't strike me as needing any legal skills.

I am very interested in the fact that this posting exists. This is the first hint in a long time that the wheels are starting to move.

I mean, here's a similar position that specifically "assists the RCALJ" in the duties description, but attorneys are once again excluded -> www.usajobs.gov/job/626102200

But yes, the main point of my original post was that hopefully the wheels are starting to turn on ALJ hiring, which it would be impossible to exclude AAs and SAAs from.

[Happy_GS]

Dec 18, 2021 11:59:15 GMT -5 sir said:

Or it can just mean that the person who currently has the position is retiring and they already have their internal selection but need to post the announcement as a formality.

Yeah, the point of my original post was not meant to be teeth gnashing over the fact that AAs/SAAs are ineligible for the position.  Rather, I wanted to highlight the fact that the position description itself mentions the ALJ selection process, which hopefully will take place in the near future.

[quesera]

I understand the purpose of the original post, so I guess the requirements of the position is an irrelevant side topic? If so, I will post a new thread about the specific issue of SSA AAs and SAAs being excluded from many career opportunities.

And, yes, the possibility of ALJ hiring is great news. Any insider info out there?

[tom b]

I'm not associated with SSA in any way, and I was unable to read beyond the first sentence or two of the section of the announcement that apparently walled off the application from persons within SSA who are attorneys of whatever description. If, however, the SSA attorneys comprise the majority of the pool of applicants for any ALJ positions that are advertised, does it not make sense to exclude them from the logistics of hiring those persons who have applied for appointments as an ALJ?

Respectfully, Tom B

[Rabbit Bat Reindeer]

Don't think the job posting is indicative of anything. It sounds like a position for OCALJ assistant staff, like the nice young women who helped with logistics and such for ALJ training.

[Gaidin]

Dec 20, 2021 13:56:49 GMT -5 Rabbit Bat Reindeer said:

Don't think the job posting is indicative of anything. It sounds like a position for OCALJ assistant staff, like the nice young women who helped with logistics and such for ALJ training.

Are those GS12 positions?

[natethegreat]

Dec 20, 2021 9:23:08 GMT -5 tom b said:

I'm not associated with SSA in any way, and I was unable to read beyond the first sentence or two of the section of the announcement that apparently walled off the application from persons within SSA who are attorneys of whatever description. If, however, the SSA attorneys comprise the majority of the pool of applicants for any ALJ positions that are advertised, does it not make sense to exclude them from the logistics of hiring those persons who have applied for appointments as an ALJ?

Respectfully, Tom B

I think that logic makes sense, but I believe the prohibition from hiring attorneys into this position is the same for basically all competitive service internal promotions at SSA. Attorneys being excepted service is a mixed bag. The process for being selected and coming into the agency is streamlined, but once here, the path to advance is extremely narrow.

[rightspeech]

Dec 19, 2021 1:37:23 GMT -5 Top Tier said:

If you are an SSA employee and you look up and read the position description for PD0E0070, I imagine you will find that the "Performs tasks to ensure an effective Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) selection process; preparing for interviewing by resolving travel and per diem issues; obtaining reference checks;" part of the job announcement, is simply part of the job duties of the position and not necessarily an indicator of potential ALJ hiring.

Just a guess.

Indeed. Someone probably just left and they are filling the job.  According to SSA internal PD search this language has been part of the position description since the position was last classified in October 2010.  PD info enclosed below. 


Management Support Specialist

GS-301-12

PN 0E007







Introduction



This position is located in the Headquarters Support Branch, Division of Administrative Support, Office of the Associate Chief Administrative Law Judge for Administrative Management, Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (OCALJ), Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). The incumbent performs a variety of analytical and advisory services to support the organization. Typically, the incumbent:



Duties



-- Performs confidential research on sensitive and urgent matters within the purview of the Chief Judge, ensuring that the final document contains a thorough background review of subject matter and is complete. Ensures confidentiality and submits recommended actions.



-- Researches information resulting from special initiatives and requests and drafts thorough and comprehensive reports resulting from the assignment.



-- Performs tasks to ensure an effective Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) selection process; preparing for interviewing by resolving travel and per diem issues; obtaining reference checks; processing documents in concert with the Office of Human Resources; and keeping the regional offices advised of progress and timeliness.



-- Receives and reviews ALJ transfer requests when, verifying vacancies in the requested hearing offices. Maintains a current list of ALJ vacancies. Makes informal recommendation with respect to each ALJ request, including information as to requested office vacancy, other ALJs on waiting list, and any other information concerning the ALJ request for transfer.



-- Receives and reviews Congressional correspondence, requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), or the Privacy Act (PA), ensuring all relevant documents are reviewed. Notes any special requirements and assigns to specific



Page 2



Branches for response. Reviews final documents before release to ensure material is responsive to the specific requests. Makes informal recommendations concerning what needs to be redacted for FOIA and PA requests. Prepares comments for Senior Management Support Specialist’s final action. Prepares necessary Fact Sheets, as required. Reviews and drafts responses to specific congressional requests addressed to the Chief Judge for information on

field activities. Keeps the supervisor informed of status and any unusual circumstances encountered.



-- Prepares information required on specific audit assignments originating from the Government Accountability Office, the Office of the Inspector General, Members of Congress and other monitoring or oversight authorities. Researches information, obtaining material from other components, as necessary, and ensures documentation contains a thorough background review of subject matter and is complete. Analyzes information and prepares a draft report containing information on all issues discussed in the request. Ensures confidentiality for all actions.



-- Assists in the planning and finalization of all aspects of national and regional conferences and meetings. Prepares required justification documents in the areas of budget, space, travel requirements, etc., working in concert with

the Office of Budget, Facilities and Security and the Office of Executive Operations and Human Resources to ensure the success of the conferences and the completion of all documentation.



-- Prepares briefing materials for the Chief Judge and/or Deputy Commissioner, discussing issues with concerned parties and ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of all

documents. Gathers and prepares statistical information pertaining to the hearings workload for inclusion in the briefing materials, as well as coordinating with the regional office to obtain all required material. Assists in gathering information for the Monthly Newsletter for field and OCALJ activity.



-- Prepares conference and meeting books containing handouts and other informational material for conference attendees. Communicates with other ODAR components, as needed, to obtain material for the books. Ensures the accuracy of the



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material and discusses complex information requirements with supervisor to ensure complete information is obtained; completes the books and prepares them for transport to specific meetings or conferences. Drafts agendas for senior analyst review.



-- Processes awards for OCALJ staff, reviewing to ensure accurate information is included, award amounts are within prescribed levels, and forwards to Senior Management Support Specialist for final review and transmission to the appropriate component.



-- Manages the appointment calendar for the Chief ALJ, Deputy Chief ALJ, and Associate Chief ALJs. Contacts schedulers of various components to find mutually agreeable meeting dates. Rearranges regularly scheduled meetings to accommodate high-priority meetings. Ensures the Judges are properly briefed and given appropriate meeting documents before the meetings.



-- Creates travel packages for the Judges, as required. Ensures all essential briefing material is included, including charts, graphs, Power Point information, etc. Prepares travel itinerary for the traveling Judge.



-- Participates in ad hoc work groups, task forces, etc.



-- Performs other duties as assigned.

[jagvet]

I just got an email that Bob Gehlken retired 11/30.

[Ready-Now!]

Bob is a great person. He was always willing to help regardless of the issue.

[FrogEsq]

I met Bob back in 2015. He certainly knew his job...as well as several other positions, too!

[Pixie]

I have probably known Bob longer than most on this board. Very knowledgeable in arcane personnel matters, and as Ready-Now! said, he was always available and willing to help.

[superalj]

Good for Bob and I will miss him. He was always very helpful whenever I had questions. More importantly, he was the one the called me with my ALJ offer; a call I shall never forget.

[Gaidin]

Dec 29, 2021 13:50:33 GMT -5 jagvet said:

I just got an email that Bob Gehlken retired 11/30.

I believe it was you that went down to the personnel office with me to introduce ourselves to Bob during training. What a truly nice guy. I hope he is enjoying his retirement.

[jagvet]

Jan 3, 2022 10:58:22 GMT -5 Gaidin said:

Dec 29, 2021 13:50:33 GMT -5 jagvet said:

I just got an email that Bob Gehlken retired 11/30.

I believe it was you that went down to the personnel office with me to introduce ourselves to Bob during training. What a truly nice guy. I hope he is enjoying his retirement.

Yes. We did that, and he was very gracious as well. I also wish Bob all the best in this new phase!

[luckylady2]

I'd forgotten we'd done that!! Truly a kind and unassuming person. Every time I contacted him over the years, he would always respond personally and point me in the right direction. I wish him a very long and happy retirement!