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Post by issuegirl on Oct 14, 2008 21:56:34 GMT -5
I was wondering if there is any consideration given during the selection process for interviews to the applicant's areas of expertise or foreign language skills. I guess I am thinking mostly about non SSA ALJ positions. How do those agencies decide who to choose for interviews, besides scores?
Regarding foreign language skills, I am fluent in Spanish, and have often felt during administrative hearings with translators that I would do a better job translating what is going on than they do. I think that the language barrier is truly an issue that serves to the injustice of the non-english speaker. I would like do be able to use this skills to be an alj in cases involving spanish speaking claimants or complainants, and just wondered if anyone has any idea of whether foreign language skills play any part in selection. Thanks.
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Post by gadourylaw on Oct 14, 2008 22:07:15 GMT -5
Dear Issuegirl,
A friend of mine just accepted an ALJ position in Puerto Rico and she felt that her fluency in Spanish probably helped her get the job.
Sincerely,
Mike G.
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Post by nonamouse on Oct 15, 2008 12:56:46 GMT -5
The only language that matters is Spanish. If one is billingual, then it opens the possibility of being selected for the ODAR office in Puerto Rico. The PR office gets ALJs differently because of the Spanish fluency requirement now days. Otherwise, I don't believe SSA cares because the hearings will be in English with a translator provided for any claimant who cannot understand English.
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Post by issuegirl on Oct 15, 2008 19:58:03 GMT -5
Thanks for the information. I don't want to go to Puerto Rico.....
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Post by doctorwho on Oct 25, 2008 10:43:37 GMT -5
I was wondering if there is any consideration given during the selection process for interviews to the applicant's areas of expertise or foreign language skills. I guess I am thinking mostly about non SSA ALJ positions. How do those agencies decide who to choose for interviews, besides scores? Regarding foreign language skills, I am fluent in Spanish, and have often felt during administrative hearings with translators that I would do a better job translating what is going on than they do. I think that the language barrier is truly an issue that serves to the injustice of the non-english speaker. I would like do be able to use this skills to be an alj in cases involving spanish speaking claimants or complainants, and just wondered if anyone has any idea of whether foreign language skills play any part in selection. Thanks. Here is a reality check. If you checked "Spanish Speaker" on your application (and you made yourself available to go to Puerto Rico) and you get through the application process -- if SSA picks you for an interview, SSA will almost definetly channel you into a slot for PUERTO RICO. In fact, your interview will probably be in Spanish. No, it's not fair, but it is life. |
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Post by skibum on Oct 27, 2008 0:22:23 GMT -5
As I recall, the Miami Medicare appeals office was looking for spanish fluency, too. As a practical matter, it could be very useful in any of the Southwestern states, too.
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Post by pm on Oct 27, 2008 19:28:50 GMT -5
Whether it's useful or not, and I would argue it's not, it's not a factor in hiring for ODAR positions outside of PR.
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Post by nonamouse on Oct 27, 2008 22:16:32 GMT -5
As I recall, the Miami Medicare appeals office was looking for spanish fluency, too. As a practical matter, it could be very useful in any of the Southwestern states, too. The hearings in the mainland US are all in English with a certified translator for non-English speakers no matter the local population, so how would Spanish fluency by an ALJ be helpful outside of PR? The ALJs are not the ones who would be fielding phone calls by Spanish speaking people or going over the files with them in any location. Those functions are done by receptionists and case techs. |
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Post by doctorwho on Oct 27, 2008 22:31:36 GMT -5
As I recall, the Miami Medicare appeals office was looking for spanish fluency, too. As a practical matter, it could be very useful in any of the Southwestern states, too. The hearings in the mainland US are all in English with a certified translator for non-English speakers no matter the local population, so how would Spanish fluency by an ALJ be helpful outside of PR? The ALJs are not the ones who would be fielding phone calls by Spanish speaking people or going over the files with them in any location. Those functions are done by receptionists and case techs. It is my understanding that SSA had to get special permission from OPM to require that the judges in PR speak Spanish -- which, by the way, I am in total agreement with -- you really do need to speak Spanish to do the job in PR as the medical records are in Spanish, the hearings are in Spanish, etc. It is also my understanding that the PR offices are the ONLY government ALJ offices that have such a requirements. |
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