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Frequently Asked Questions |
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1. If I submit one resume to SSA representatives at the PMF Job Fair, am I applying for every position offered at SSA? Each SSA region/component handles the hiring process differently. We recommend you contact each SSA region/component that you are interested in prior to the PMF Job Fair to be sure that you receive full consideration from each component hiring PMFs at SSA. See the PMF website for Projected Positions System at: https://www.pmf.opm.gov/ (select Fellows and Job Search). You will be able to see available jobs with contact information. You may also email those offices which interest you after the Job Fair. Another option is to ask SSA's PMF coordinators (Joyce Brown or Al Brokos) to email your resume to all SSA components hiring PMFs. You will need to request this service via email (Joyce.Brown@ssa.gov and Al Brokos@ssa.gov ). 2. After I have become a PMF Finalist, who is my point of contact during the job search and hiring phase? Your point of contact during the job search and hiring phase is the individual designated on OPM's Projected Positions Systems website at: https://www.pmf.opm.gov/ (select Fellows and Job Search). That person will be able to assist you during this phase in getting the appropriate paperwork completed as well as answering questions about starting date, salary, benefits, etc. Additional contacts include current and former SSA PMFs. These individuals know what you are going through and would be glad to talk with you about any questions or concerns that you have. Contact information for current and former PMFs from the SSA San Francisco Region is listed on the PMF ROSTER. You may also contact the Regional PMF Coordinator, Sally Keen, at Sally.Keen@ssa.gov or at (510) 970-2934. 3. Are there any current or former PMFs who could speak to me about the PMF process and the PMF Program in general? Yes, there are a number of current and former PMFs working for SSA in the San Francisco Region who are available to talk to PMF finalists. They may also be able to put you in touch with PMFs from other SSA offices and agencies. Please see the PMF ROSTER for the names, photos and contact information of these San Francisco Region PMFs. 4. What is distinctive about working for SSA as a PMF? SSA prides itself on being a distinguished agency when it comes to supporting its Presidential Management Fellows. The Agency has one of the best PMF programs in federal government. During the program, SSA offers flexibility in choosing rotations and requires at least one rotational assignment outside of the PMF's hiring component. Training opportunities also extend well beyond the 80 hours per year mandated by OPM. In the past, structured training courses have included leadership and team building, federal budget processes, return on investment, and communications and interpersonal skills. Additionally, SSA has job opportunities throughout the United States, and the Agency guarantees a permanent position for all PMFs who successfully complete the PMF Program. SSA also designates mentors at the GS-14 level or above for all of its PMFs. 5. What is distinctive about working for SSA? For over 65 years, the Social Security Administration has played a part in the lives of nearly everyone you know, administering one of the largest disability and retirement systems in the world. Social Security has kept millions of elderly and disabled individuals safe from poverty. With over 90% of the U.S. population covered by Social Security, new challenges require that we question the limits of the status quo, and reach outside of the realm of the usual and standard. Social Security is a dynamic organization whose employees understand that service to the public is our primary goal. 6. Will I have to develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) when I join SSA? Yes. The IDP is viewed as a roadmap of your career goals and target position. PMFs will work with their mentors and managers to develop their personal IDPs. You will receive more information on IDPs at the SSA PMF Orientation and at the OPM PMF Orientation. 7. Will I have a chance to travel? Although travel opportunities vary by position, many SSA PMFs have opportunities to travel to SSA Headquarters in Baltimore, MD and to various SSA field offices located throughout the country. 8. When can I expect to hear if I've been offered a position? Once we have confirmed the availability of positions and reviewed materials supplied by interested applicants, contact will be made as soon as possible; it could vary from a few days to a few weeks from the date of the formal interview. The response time also depends of a variety of other factors including:
Sally Keen is the designated point of contact and she (or one of the region's executives in the hiring component) will be responsible for extending a job offer to you. If you've applied for a position in SSA's San Francisco Region and would like to know your status, contact Sally Keen (Regional PMF Coordinator) at Sally.Keen@ssa.gov or at (510) 970-2934. 9. Who actually hires me--OPM or SSA? Though OPM facilitates the PMF applicant, assessment, and finalist selection process, SSA (or other individual agencies you interview with) actually hires the PMF.
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What will my salary be? The General Schedule consists of a pay table with 15 grades and 10 steps within each grade. These pay grades also include locality pay for some geographic areas within the San Francisco Region. We usually hire PMFs at either GS-9 or GS-11 (depending on their education and work experience) and promote them to a GS-11 after successfully completing the first year and the GS-12 level when they successfully complete the Program. A Federal employee in the San Francisco area will earn the following (includes locality pay) based on the cost of living increase for 2008: 11. What sort of background is SSA looking for in their PMFs? SSA is looking for PMFs with skills and abilities in decision making, problem solving, analysis, planning, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, prior experience and demonstrated leadership skills are taken into consideration. SSA also seeks to fill PMF positions with individuals who are committed to the Agency's mission and public service ethic. For example, several current and former PMFs have backgrounds in social work, social policy, public health, law, business, and public administration. 12. Does SSA offer tuition reimbursement for PMFs? No. Unfortunately, SSA is unable to offer PMFs tuition reimbursement due to limited resources. 13. Will I get rotational assignments? Yes. In the past, PMFs in SSA's San Francisco Region have typically completed about four to six rotational assignments during their two-year tenure, most of which are based in the PMF's hiring component. All SSA PMFs are required to complete at least one rotational assignment outside of their target position. In addition to rotational assignments in SSA, some PMFs have had rotations in another federal agency, a state or federal legislative office, or state and local governmental agencies. Rotational assignments external to SSA require special approval and can only begin after PMFs have successfully completed one year of the program with the Agency. PMFs are also required to complete the Claims Representative training which provides valuable information on how the Agency processes its disability and retirement claims. All assignments are designed to prepare PMFs for their GS-12 target position as well as a future management career with SSA. |
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Last reviewed or modified Wednesday Jan 16, 2008 |
