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Post by neufenland on Aug 31, 2022 8:07:02 GMT -5
I received this from a new member: "Good luck to all those waiting. I just wanted to relay that not all usual timelines may be in play. I was an outsider hired in October 2016 as an ALJ. Granted I was hired under the old system, but our hiring timeline was not at all consistent with most thoughts here. I interviewed on August 20th and for the call the third full week of September, maybe the 23rd. My start date was October 16 and I flew out to ALJ training only one week later on Sunday, 10/23. Class ran from 10/24-the Friday before Thanksgiving. Though I did it too, try not to torture yourselves. Best of luck to you all!" I'm in from this same class. I saved the voicemail with the call. It came on Sept 29. Somewhat off-topic from the point of your post, but did they actually say the offer on the VM? Like "Hello, Mr. Nylawer. This is XX with SSA, and we'd like to offer you a position as an ALJ at the XXXX office. Please call us back at 555-555-5555"? Or, was it a "this is XX, with SSA, calling in regards to your application for ALJ. Can you please call us back at 555-555-5555"? Just curious... |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2022 8:16:08 GMT -5
I received info that the internal training website was update today. No dates listed, but it appears that the training will be virtual. With a combination of instructor lead training and independent study. Pixie This internal ALJ training site largely contains info on HCSS/HCSR training. Looks like it’s there as a placeholder for now, so I would not take this to mean that training will definitely be virtual for all four weeks. I’ve heard it’s all going to be virtual. COVID protocols, y’all. |
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Post by operationalj on Aug 31, 2022 8:52:13 GMT -5
This internal ALJ training site largely contains info on HCSS/HCSR training. Looks like it’s there as a placeholder for now, so I would not take this to mean that training will definitely be virtual for all four weeks. I’ve heard it’s all going to be virtual. COVID protocols, y’all. I just want it to happen. I'm ok with virtual.  Thanks for the update! |
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Post by hillsarealive on Aug 31, 2022 9:12:08 GMT -5
This internal ALJ training site largely contains info on HCSS/HCSR training. Looks like it’s there as a placeholder for now, so I would not take this to mean that training will definitely be virtual for all four weeks. I’ve heard it’s all going to be virtual. COVID protocols, y’all. Makes sense I guess. Almost everything is by video these days. Hard to justify in-person when so many people are working from home. Although I would think it would be challenging to sit through days and days of video training. I have read that the average adult can pay attention for about 20 minutes at a time, and I try to keep that in mind in those rare instances when I need to put together training materials. If you are discussing dry material for more than 15-20 minutes without giving people a break or a chance to interact in some meaningful way, you may be losing some of the audience. |
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Post by pumpkin on Aug 31, 2022 9:56:05 GMT -5
I agree that most of the training, particularly the “modules,” could be done virtually. It is pretty dry. Instructors are not given much leeway to veer outside the pre-approved course materials.*
The interaction with your fellow baby ALJs was one of the best parts of being in Falls Church. I made friendships that span from coast-to-coast. You figure out the best colleagues upon whom to bounce ideas or issues, and which colleagues you want to vote off the island.
The mock hearings during training would probably best be done in person. Practically speaking, however, since the bulk of our hearings are phone or video, I guess learning the ropes of other-than-in-person hearings might be for the best.
One of the best aspects of training that can begin as early as Day One as an ALJ is sitting in and observing hearings conducted by your new colleagues - the current ALJs in your new office (with claimant consent, of course). I would recommend observing as many hearings with as many different ALJs as possible. You will hear what sounds best to your ear, and how you might want to approach questioning or organization of your own hearings. From simple things like, “I really like the way Judge Bloom admits the exhibits,” to “I like the way Judge Petal closes the hearing,” to “I hope I never sound as mean or impatient as Judge Thorn.”
Bonus: not that anyone needs any additional reasons why being an ALJ is a great job, but ALJs are not subject to PACs evaluations, nor do we have to suffer the time-intensive process of completing annual self-assessments.
*ALJ John Costello is a shining star who makes even the driest training modules interactive and interesting.
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Post by nylawyer on Aug 31, 2022 11:39:12 GMT -5
I'm in from this same class. I saved the voicemail with the call. It came on Sept 29. Somewhat off-topic from the point of your post, but did they actually say the offer on the VM? Like "Hello, Mr. Nylawer. This is XX with SSA, and we'd like to offer you a position as an ALJ at the XXXX office. Please call us back at 555-555-5555"? Or, was it a "this is XX, with SSA, calling in regards to your application for ALJ. Can you please call us back at 555-555-5555"? Just curious... The entire offer. The location. Start date. Starting pay. |
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Post by operationalj on Aug 31, 2022 15:13:30 GMT -5
I'm thinking maybe all of the different OHO details, initiatives, hiring of DWs and SAAs with associated training has something to do with the delay of ALJ offers. SSA is also reaching out to retired SAAs for temporary positions as examiners at DDS... and that's just what I'm aware of. There's a lot going on!
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Post by abthejd on Aug 31, 2022 16:02:51 GMT -5
I'm thinking maybe all of the different OHO details, initiatives, hiring of DWs and SAAs with associated training has something to do with the delay of ALJ offers. SSA is also reaching out to retired SAAs for temporary positions as examiners at DDS... and that's just what I'm aware of. There's a lot going on! As an insider, I can confirm. It’s wild how many details and openings are being posted for the agency right now. It also worries me that the next round of ALJ postings will be further rather than nearer, as the agency may need to focus on these other openings first. |
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Post by hank863 on Aug 31, 2022 16:40:59 GMT -5
I'm thinking maybe all of the different OHO details, initiatives, hiring of DWs and SAAs with associated training has something to do with the delay of ALJ offers. SSA is also reaching out to retired SAAs for temporary positions as examiners at DDS... and that's just what I'm aware of. There's a lot going on! As an insider, I can confirm. It’s wild how many details and openings are being posted for the agency right now. It also worries me that the next round of ALJ postings will be further rather than nearer, as the agency may need to focus on these other openings first. Is there a reason why a new round of ALJ hiring would be accomplished "nearer" anyway? New fiscal year? Not enough qualified applicants in the last round? |
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Post by Gaidin on Aug 31, 2022 19:39:37 GMT -5
As an insider, I can confirm. It’s wild how many details and openings are being posted for the agency right now. It also worries me that the next round of ALJ postings will be further rather than nearer, as the agency may need to focus on these other openings first. Is there a reason why a new round of ALJ hiring would be accomplished "nearer" anyway? New fiscal year? Not enough qualified applicants in the last round? They're going to hire budget willing another group next year. The question is do they try to get them onboard after New Years or wait until the end of the FY. I will say I would rather they did it sooner than later. I think we have about another 12 months before we're swimming in cases. An ALJ who is just starting on the learning curve isn't nearly as helpful as one who is getting close to being at full speed. |
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Post by Gaidin on Aug 31, 2022 19:41:23 GMT -5
I'm thinking maybe all of the different OHO details, initiatives, hiring of DWs and SAAs with associated training has something to do with the delay of ALJ offers. SSA is also reaching out to retired SAAs for temporary positions as examiners at DDS... and that's just what I'm aware of. There's a lot going on! As an insider, I can confirm. It’s wild how many details and openings are being posted for the agency right now. It also worries me that the next round of ALJ postings will be further rather than nearer, as the agency may need to focus on these other openings first. The same people aren't doing all of these things. These things also demonstrate a need to start newbie ALJs ASAP. The claimant's sitting at DDS will become the claimant's sitting in hearing rooms soon enough. |
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Post by christina on Aug 31, 2022 19:56:35 GMT -5
I'm thinking maybe all of the different OHO details, initiatives, hiring of DWs and SAAs with associated training has something to do with the delay of ALJ offers. SSA is also reaching out to retired SAAs for temporary positions as examiners at DDS... and that's just what I'm aware of. There's a lot going on! They are? For the hearing officer jobs? |
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Post by dshawn on Aug 31, 2022 19:56:42 GMT -5
As an insider, I can confirm. It’s wild how many details and openings are being posted for the agency right now. It also worries me that the next round of ALJ postings will be further rather than nearer, as the agency may need to focus on these other openings first. The same people aren't doing all of these things. These things also demonstrate a need to start newbie ALJs ASAP. The claimant's sitting at DDS will become the claimant's sitting in hearing rooms soon enough. Are you suggesting that an agency with a total budgetary resource allocation that starts with a “T” and ends with an “illion” can multi-task? Duly noted. |
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Post by operationalj on Aug 31, 2022 22:05:37 GMT -5
I'm thinking maybe all of the different OHO details, initiatives, hiring of DWs and SAAs with associated training has something to do with the delay of ALJ offers. SSA is also reaching out to retired SAAs for temporary positions as examiners at DDS... and that's just what I'm aware of. There's a lot going on! They are? For the hearing officer jobs? Yes, there is a large backlog at DDS, so the SAAs will adjudicate claims as examiners. The new ALJs need to be onboarded sooner rather than later. |
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Post by hillsarealive on Sept 1, 2022 8:53:07 GMT -5
We have officially entered decision month, so that's something. There are just 21 business days before the end of the fiscal year. So if there is to be ALJ hiring this fiscal year, it will happen soon. Which is good, because I don't want all this waiting to intrude too much on my favorite season of the year.
This time of the year, as my kids are settling into their new classes, I always think of the White Stripes song "We're Going to Be Friends." Great song.
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Post by ARobeByAnyOtherName on Sept 1, 2022 8:54:07 GMT -5
They are? For the hearing officer jobs? Yes, there is a large backlog at DDS, so the SAAs will adjudicate claims as examiners. The new ALJs need to be onboarded sooner rather than later. Bringing back this classic: “I can start today.” |
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Post by abthejd on Sept 1, 2022 9:23:18 GMT -5
They are? For the hearing officer jobs? Yes, there is a large backlog at DDS, so the SAAs will adjudicate claims as examiners. The new ALJs need to be onboarded sooner rather than later. There is also a detail for GS-12s (AAs) to help at DDS. Just over 70 I believe. The bottleneck could be moving soon. |
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Post by overprivatepractice on Sept 1, 2022 10:13:42 GMT -5
If I knew TPTB, I would say:
Please start the calls today.
If not, please drop some very good, specific intel about when calls will start so we can all stop refreshing this thread every five minutes and go back to being functioning humans again.
Thank you. 😀😂
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Post by neufenland on Sept 1, 2022 10:47:52 GMT -5
If I knew TPTB, I would say: Please start the calls today. If not, please drop some very good, specific intel about when calls will start so we can all stop refreshing this thread every five minutes and go back to being functioning humans again. Thank you. 😀😂 Today sure seems like it might be the day, doesn't it? Get the lucky ones onboard with a "yes," with 24 hours if needed, before the Labor Day Weekend. It is still morning for 15 more minutes on the East Coast. Plenty of time... |
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Post by Pixie on Sept 1, 2022 12:37:46 GMT -5
If I knew TPTB, I would say: Please start the calls today. If not, please drop some very good, specific intel about when calls will start so we can all stop refreshing this thread every five minutes and go back to being functioning humans again. Thank you. 😀😂 Today sure seems like it might be the day, doesn't it? Get the lucky ones onboard with a "yes," with 24 hours if needed, before the Labor Day Weekend. It is still morning for 15 more minutes on the East Coast. Plenty of time... Don't hold your proverbial breath. Pixie |
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Thanks for the update!
