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Student Programs |

Special Programs

At Social Security we encoura

students to gain valuable work experience

before they

sraduate. We have a variety of programs to help you gain
on-the-job training and develop insights into your future career goals while

you are enrolled in school

The Student Temporary Employment Program provides

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opportunities for students to gain temporary work experience or
complete paid internships, Part-time and summer employment
opportunities are available to students at the high school and
college level. Students may perform administrative support duties

or gain exposure to a field of work related to their major



s

Legal Positions |

> Legal Assistants provide legal and technical support to
Administrative Law Judges and other technical and professional
positions in the processing of entitlement cases at the
administrative appeals levels. Legal Assistants also review and analyze

a wide variety of medical and legal documentation. These positions

become progressively responsible for developing and processing

requests for hearing cases from receipt to completion, and

independently perform a wide range of case development actions.

> Paralegal Specialists/Paralegal Analysts serve as authoritative
specialists and program experts in the adjudication of Social
Security disability and non-disability cases in a Hearing Office.
They analyze, research, and develop cases, formulate comprehensive
decisions, and act on requests for hearings. Paralegals provide
technical advice and assistance to the Administrative Law Judges in
the review and analysis of cases prior to and after hearings, in the

preparation of decisions, and other post-hearing actions

Paralegal Specialists (Decision Writers) primarily write the

decisions for Social Security disability and non-disability cases
They analyze, research, and develop cases on requests for hearing
Paralegals assure that all decisions are consistent with adjudication

policies in Social Security law, regulations, and rulings.

For more information about our many legal positions, visit our website at

Wwwwsocialsecurity.gov/carcers/legalcareers.htm. For more information

about ODAR attorney positions in the region near you, e-mail your

inquiries and questions to DCDAR.Recruitment@ssa.gov



Employee Benefits and Programs |

Benefits & Pay

Working for us has many advantages. Not only is Social Security a great
place to build a career, but our employees also enjoy exceptional benefits!

Vacation

> 13 days each year for the first 3 years of service
Ss 20 days each year after 3 years of service

> 26 days each year after 15 years of service

Sick Leave
> = 13 days each year

Federal Holidays

> = 10 days each year

Alternative Green Work Schedules - if approved, you can:
> Avoid rush hour: vary the time you begin and end your workday
> Earn time off: get credit hours for the extra time you work

> _Lessen your commute: work from home some days

> Shorten your work week: work 40 hours in 4 days instead of 5

Career Advancement
> We offer a variety of training, mentoring, and developmental programs

Progressive Learning Opportunities

> = High-tech training online

> Training videos on demand from work and home
> Training classes to meet your needs

Cash Awards and Recognition
> For work performance, significant contributions, and suggestions

Comprehensive Health Benefits
> Select from a variety of insurance providers
> = The Government pays a portion of cost

Retirement and Pension Benefits

> Federal pension

> — Social Security benefits

> Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401K) with 5

6 Government match

Life Insurance for You and Your Family
> The Government pays a portion of the cost

Flexible Spending Accounts
> — Set aside pre-tax dollars to cover health and dependent care expenses


Career Paths

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The majority of positions at Social Security involve working directly with
the public and are located throughout the country. If you have great people

ing. In fact,

skills you will find this career path both rewarding and challer

many of our executives and managers began their carcers as public contact
representatives. Your experience could open doors to technical, analyti-
cal, and supervisory positions. Take a look at the following public contact

representative positions to find one that suits your interests

> Teleservice Representatives assist the public when they call our
800 number to obtain information, schedule appointments, or for help

resolving issues with benefits.

> Service Representatives assist the public face-to-face. They make
determinations that affect a claimant's ongoing eligibility for Social

Security benefits and analyze claimant benefit payment histories.

> Claims Representatives interview applicants for benefits, determine
a claimant's initial eligibility for Social Security benefits, and analyze

any evidence that will help make that determination



The Student Career Experience Program prepares you for

F
placement in professional, administrative, managerial, and technical
positions while you obtain your degree. Selected students gain valuable

work experience directly related to their academic field of study

The Volunteer Internship Program (VIP) provides non-paid
internships which allow students to gain meaningful work exposure
and experience related to their academic majors. Check to see if aVIP

assignment opportunity may count for academic credit at your school!

The Presidential Management Fellows Program (PME) is

al service.

designed to attract outstanding graduate students to fede!
This program attracts applicants from a wide variety of academic
disciplines. Applicants apply and are selected for the program
directly through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
OPM advertises the program on the www.USAJOBS.gov website
each fall to promote government-wide hiring opportunities for the

following spring,

For more information on student opportunities, please visit

www.socialsecurity.gov/careers/students&grads.htm

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Working at Social Security after serving in the armed forces enables
veterans to continue in service to their country. Many of the skills you

gained in the military are transferable to other government positions

We consider veterans for employment through both competitive hiring
procedures and special hiring authorities. For more information on levels
of opportunities and preferences allowed for veterans within the Federal
Government, please visit http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ei4.asp and

http://www.usajobs.gov/veteranscenter

How to Apply

When applying for a specific position, veterans should submit a resume and

1 certificate of release from active duty (DD-214) or other proof of eligibil-

ity. Candidates with disabilities of 30 percent or more should submit a copy
of an official statement dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veterans
Affairs or Department of Defense. You can find helpful information about
Social Security's opportunities on our website at

hetp://www.ssa.gov/careers/vets.htm

For more information on specific veterans opportunities, please contact
the regional personnel office in your area using this website

www.socialsecurity.gov/careers/nearestyou.htm

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Human Resources Positions |

The Human Resources field is one of the fastest growing and most

cutting-edge career tracks, We handle virtually all aspects of agency

employment issues such as recruitment, pay, benefits, training, employee

programs, labor relations, and workforce planning. To manage all of these

responsibilities we offer a great variety of career paths

> Management Analysts perform a variety of coordinative,
analytical, consultative, and advisory services. They gather data to

prepare reports and recommendations for agency executives

> Huma

n Resource Specialists process all types of personnel
actions after determining compliance with rules, policies, and

regulations. Human Resource Specialists perform a wide rat

of functions that have a huge impact on our organization and our
employees. Your work can vary from researching employee benefits to

designing the website that explains them

> Employee and Labor Relations Specialists deal with complex

issues r

garding the work environment. They involve employees

labor unions, and our managers to build a comfortable and

productive atmosphere at work

> Equal Opportunity Specialists coordinate our activities for the

employment and advancement of minorities, women, and persons
with disabilities. We also formulate national policies and guidelines

on equal employment opportunity issues

In Human Resources we are constantly developing strategies to attract,
train, and maintain the highest quality workforce possible. We create

exciting ways to promote the agency and hire well-qualified individuals

We help all Social Security employees balance their work and personal
lives, as well as provide a learning environment for future advancement

What we do in Human Resources affects every employee nationwide



Financial Positions |

The budget and financial management workforce administers comprehensive
budget policy. Our financial responsibilities range from cost analysis and
debt management to domestic and international direct deposit of monthly

payments to the public. We have a great variety of positions to offer

> Fina

ne

al Management Analysts are responsible for our

administrative payment and travel operations. They prepare agency
financial reports, including annual financial statements, financial

policies, and procedures

> Accountants perform accounting and systems analysis, and record
financial transactions related to the agency assets, liabilities and
expenditures. Our accountants assist in the control of agency funds

and monitor transactions entered in the financial accounting systems.

> Budget Analysts develop and analyze cost estimates for our
administrative and program budgets, provide justifications for

the financial resources that

program enactment, and manag

Congress appropriates to the agency

> _IT Specialists provide systems analysis and support for the design,

development and implementation of our financial management systems.

IT Specialists also integrate the systems with related administrative
travel

processes, including applications to support core accountin

management, payroll, and cost analysis functions.



A career with the Office of Acquisitions and Grants includes
planning, negotiating, and administering contracts to acquire goods and
services in support of our mission. If you are looking for a position that

requires responsibility for planning and negotiating, then take a look at

the brief description of some of the positions we have to offer

> Contract Specialists review incoming procurement requests,
respond to proposals and bids, and make recommendations as to

which proposals to consider

> Procurement Analysts advise our agency’s acquisition staff on

matters pertaining to contracting policies and procedures

> Grants Management Specialists receive and review grant

applications to make sure they comply with existing policies

This field has great career opportunities that are in high demand and
offers many opportunities for advancement. To enhance your progress

and career advancement, structured technical training is provided

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Public Contact Po:

and ever-changing public. If you are bilir we

invite you to use your skills on our team.

Some positions involve processing Social Security claims and analyzing
technical issues that arise after benefits are paid. Although most of these
positions are located in Maryland, they can also be found in Alabama,
California, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, and foreign service
posts around the world. If working with the public in an indirect setting

is more your interest, consider these opportunities:

> Benefit Authorizers prepare, verify, and maintain our benefit
records. In addition, they use substantive analysis to make benefit
determinations and problem solving techniques to apply Social Security

policies and regulations

> Claims Authorizers approve or reconsider claims for Social
Security benefits by determining a claimant’s eligibility, They
independently research policies, procedures, laws, and regulations to

support their decisions

ers comprehensively review disability-related
aspects of Social Security claims. In addition, our Disability
Examiners identify trends and issues that may have an impact on

the disability program

If you have skills in independent analysis and problem solving using
policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, these positions may be a good

fit for you

For more information about our public contact positions, visit our

website at www.socialsecurity.gov/careers/publiccontact.htm






Career opportunities are vast in an organization as large as ours. Our
salaries are highly competitive and are offered at levels to fairly reward
the skill sets, educational achievements, and valuable experiences you

bring into the agency

Most of the jobs at Social Security are paid on the General Schedule
(GS) pay system. The GS system describes the scale used for the major-

ity of white collar positions in civil service for the Federal Government

The scale is comprised of 15 grade levels numbered 1 through 15, with

15 being the highest level. Within each grade level there are 10 steps

numbered | through 10, with 10 being the highest step. The duties and

responsibilities of any job determine the GS grade level. Employees with
satisfactory job performance will receive periodic salary increases until

they reach the highest step of their present grade level

Social Security has many entry-level positions that are termed career ladder
This means that there are salary increases built in that go from the initial

trainee level to the journeyperson level if you grow and progress in your job

over several years. For example, Legal Assistant positions are career ladders

filled a

depending on coursework and/or experience

zrades GS-4, 5, and 6, and are also filled at grades GS-7, 8, and 9

w.opm.gov and select

To view the most recent pay scales, visit w

Salaries and Wages

8

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www.socialsecurity.gov

in people’selives
and your own!



Legal Positions |

The Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) administers
the hearings and appeals programs for our agency. We offer a full range of
challenging positions to suit your interests and experience in the legal field,
from entry-level to those requiring years of experience in the profession.

Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) conduct impartial de novo
hearings and issue decisions to claimants who appeal the denial of their
benefits. We fill these positions in over 140 Hearing Offices across the
country. Generally applicants must have seven years of appropriate legal
experience and must apply to the Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) to be considered.

Note: For information on when ALJ applications can be submitted to OPM,
visit www.usajobs.opm.gov. For complete information on qualifications for
AL] opportunities, visit www.opm.gov/qualifications/alj/alj.asp.

> Field Attorneys work in Hearing Offices
provide professional legal assistance to Administrative Law Judges.

cross the country and

Field Attorneys assist in pre-hearing legal preparation, research,
decision preparation, and post-hearing actions. Employees may

progress to higher levels, including supervisory opportunities.

> Staff Attorneys work in numerous Falls Church, Virginia offices
in a variety of roles in areas such as Labor Relations, Contract
Law, and Administration, and may review cases relative to their
component’s function. Staff Attorneys ma
law procedures, policy, and guidelines concerning hearings, appeals

y develop administrative

and civil action processes.

>  Attorney-Examiners (Administrative Appeals Judges/AAJs)
are also located in Falls Church and work for the Appeals Council
to review the Administrative Law Judge decisions and dismissals.
They may also work with the Office of General Counsel on
decisions appealed to the courts and recommend whether appeals

should be taken to higher courts on judicial reversals of the

Commissioner's decision. To qualify for an Administrative Appeals

Judge position, applicants are required to ha

seven years of legal

experience.

> Attorney Advisors also work in Falls Church and perform

variety of activities related to hearings and appeals processes. They
support and assist Administrative Appeals Judges on the Appeals
Council. They also adjudicate denials of requests for review by
the Appeals Council and may provide advice and assistance to the
Chief Administrative Law Judge.


Discover why the Office of the General Counsel and the Office of Disability
Adjudication and Review are employers of choice within the legal profes-
sion. We offer a variety of legal positions that are challenging and rewarding.
Legal positions are located at our headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland, a
second headquarters office in Falls Church, Virginia, and at the ten regional
operations offices across the country. You will have an opportunity to serve

the public and make a difference!

Attorney Qualifications

All attorney positions require that an employee is a member of the Bar
within the United States or U.S. territories and be in good standing. No
additional tests are required for these positions. Attorneys may be hired

at entry-level or higher depending upon prior experience

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) promotes, advocates, and
protects all legal interests of the Social Security Administration. As an

attorney with us, your work will be broad, varied, and challenging
General Attorneys represent Social Security before administrative

ncies and provide legal advice on matters ranging from family and

trust law to employment law and labor relations. They also deal with
torts, ethics, bankruptcy, civil rights matters, federal procurement law, and
Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act issues.

Training and mentoring are strong components of our workforce

planning and provide extensive guidance for new employees handling
initial assignments. We are committed to providing ongoing learning and

development opportunities for our workforce

For more information about OGC attorney positions in the region near you,

e-mail your inquiries and questions to OGC.EOS.Recruitment@ssa, gov

~

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As an agency we occupy over 29 million square feet of space nationwide
In order to manage all that space we depend on the Office of Facilities
Management. Personnel from this office oversee national policies related

to the creation of efficiently designed facilities and maintain a safe work

ies Management Positions |

environment for our employees and visitors. The following positions are

primarily located at our agency headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland:

> Industrial Hygienists and Safety and Occupational Health
Specialists identify and resolve environmental and safety hazards.

They ensure that our facilities are safe for occupancy

> Physical Security Specialists are responsible for agency
preparedness to carry out essential functions in the event of a

national emergency

> Architects focus on methods, techniques and applications to

design, construct, and improve buildings

We also employ Mechanical, Industrial, and Electrical Engineers
with comprehensive knowledge of advanced engineering, scientific,

and mathematical principles



People with Disabilities |

Social Security hires ability. We recruit qualified applicants in all of our
career fields. Interested applicants may seek positions through our traditional

competitive hiring process that includes postings on www.USAJOBS.gov or

through one of the following special program areas for people with disabilities
> The Selective Placement Program

Ss Disabled Veterans Programs

> Student Programs

Our Selective Placement Program helps qualified individuals with
disabilities find potential non-competitive employment opportunities

consistent with their abilities. We also provide reasonable accommoda-
tions to help people with disabilities successfully perform the duties of

the position for which they are hired

How to Apply

For more information about our careers, and the hiring process for
people with disabilities, visit our website at wwwsocialsecurity. gov
careers/disabilities.htm. Nationwide contact information is also available

at this site so you can direct your resume to the nearest location.

Applications should include your proof of disability and certification of

job readiness.


SSA EMPLOYMENT POLICY

The Social Security Administration is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race,
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual
orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status

Our programs touch the lives of
people you know!

Social Security Administration
SSA Pub. No. 23-130
ICN 443440
January 2010


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Working for Soci

Your Road to Success Begins Here

The road to career success at Social Security begins with finding a career
path that fits your unique talents and interests. As you see below, we have
a variety of career opportunities in fields that you may not have expected.
There are some very technical positions and some requiring professional
experience and/or educational requirements. Our career paths offer
something for everyone. You owe it to yourself to take the time to review
the many paths to success at Social Security. The challenges of our work

may just be what you are looking for!

Career Paths

Public Contact Positions 1
Acquisition and Grants Positions 3
Facilities Management Positions 4
Financial Positions 6
Legal Positions 7

Information Technology Positions nl
Law Enforcement Positions 13
Human Resources Positions 14

Special Programs

Student Programs. 16
People with Disabilities 18
Veterans 9

Benefits & Pay
Employee Benefits and Programs 20
Competitive Salaries 21

How to Apply
How to Join OurTeam 22



7

Information Technology (IT) is currently one of the most dynamic and

fastest growing fields, IT Specialists at Social Security apply cutting-edge

technologies to meet the challenges of constantly changing agency programs.

Our National Computer Center in Baltimore is one of the largest
computer installations in the world. We recently opened the Durham
Support Center, a fully functional co-processing data center, in Durham,
North Carolina. Together, these two data centers operate in concert and

form one of the government's largest civilian computer complexes

While most of our IT Specialist positions are located at the headquarters
offices in Baltimore, there are IT positions in offices around the country
Over 1,300 offices nationwide depend on our staff to help process
millions of claims. Our nationwide computer network connects over

115,000 workstations

We train new IT employees to perform functions in a variety of computer

fields. IT Specialists receive on-the-job and classroom training in areas such as

> Design, development, and implementation of network systems

software and hardware;
> Security policy and procedure development;

Design, development, and implementation of database software:

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* POLICE

FEDERAL AGENT

The Office of the Inspector General is responsible for promoting
economy, efficiency, and effectiveness as we conduct our daily operations.
We work to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. To
1ccomplish this mission, we direct, conduct, and supervise a comprehensive
program of audits, evaluation, and investigations. If law enforcement is your
ideal career path, you may have interest in the following opportunity

Criminal Investigators (Federal law enforcement agents) are located across

the continental United States and Puerto Rico. They plan and conduct
surveillance, search crime scenes for evidence, and interview suspects, wit
nesses, and informants in case development. They also provide testimony

before grand juries, courts, or administrative hearings

For more information about our law enforcement positions, visit our website

w.socialsecurit careers/law | .hur

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Social Security—Who are we?

Congratulations!
You have taken the first step to explore career opportunities with the

e one of the lz

Social Security Administration. We ; gest independent

agencies of the Federal Government, employing approximately 68,000

employees nationwide

Our mission is to deliver Social Security services that meet the changing
needs of the public. We help approximately 50 million people a month,

making us the world’s largest social insurance program

We direct and manage three different programs:
> the Retirement and Survivors Insurance program, which pays
benefits to insured workers and their dependents and survivors;

> the Disability Insurance program, which pays benefits to workers

who are disabled or blind, and their dependents; and,

the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides
benefits to people with limited income and resources who are 65

or older, or who are blind, or disabled

Social Security also works closely with the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services to provide assistance with the cost of health care pre-
miums to members of the public who are age 65 or older and individuals

with disabilities

Why work for us?
Social Security is searching for talented individuals eager to help others

and reach their own potential. You can be a vital part of our team and

help millions of retired and disabled workers, their dependents, and
survivors. You will help individuals from all walks of life gain financial

security when they need it most

Come join our team and help make a difference in

people's lives and your own!

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How to Join Our Team |

We are glad that you are interested in working for Social Security!

To be considered for employment at Social Security, you must apply for a
specific position posted on a vacancy announcement. To find opportuni-
ties that interest you, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/careers and click on

Search and Apply for Careers

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This link connects you to our postings on the usajobs.gov website. Carefilly

follow the instructions in the vacancy announcement to ensure your best
possible consideration. Through the site you may either submit a resume or the
OF-612 Optional Application for Federal Employment. If you submit a resume, be
sure to include all of the required information listed in the vacancy announce-
ment you selected. Remember, to be considered for a specific position, your

application documents must be submitted through the www.usajobs.gov website.

For more information about the Federal Application Process, visit

www.usajobs.gov/ei25.asp

You may also contact SSA personnel offices directly, For a list of local contacts,

visit www.socialsecurity.gov/careers/nearestyou. htm.

Social Security is an equal opportunity employer
We consider all qualified candidates without regard to race,
color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability,

sexual orientation, marital status, or political affiliation






s

Information Technology Positions |

> Web Development, design, structure, functionality, security and integrity;

> Planning, requirements analysis, and validation testing of new

programmatic and management information systems; and

> Analysis and refinement of systems requirements, design, validation,

and implementation of programmatic software

Our IT opportunities are highly competitive with private industry
Social Security offers competitive compensation packages that recognize

skills gained through work experience and academic accomplishments

IT employees are always paid a special salary rate when the rate exceeds
the General Schedule and Locality Pay for the locality of the position

apps.opm.gov/SSR /tables/index

Find the special salary rates on: I

cfm, You may compare the special salary rate to the General Schedule

and Locality Pay tables at: http://www.opm.gov/ and select the link for

Salaries and Wages