SSA's Hiring Initiative

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the qualifications for positions with Social Security?

  Different SSA positions have varying qualifications. See the SSA Positions and Qualifications fact sheet for additional information.

• Where do I send my application?

  Jobs that are filled competitively are advertised through USAJOBS. Each job advertisement contains instructions on how to apply.
  
  If you are interested in being considered non-competitively under the Schedule A hiring authority, send your resume, proof of disability, and certification of job readiness along with a statement of your geographic area of job interest to the Selective Placement Coordinator (SPC) in your area. To find out more about Schedule A including a list of Social Security’s SPCs, visit us online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/careers/ and click on the “Opportunities with Disabilities” link and then click on the “Selective Placement Program” link.
  
  If you are a veteran with a disability and are interested in applying for employment under special hiring programs, contact Social Security’s regional personnel office in your area. To find a list of Social Security personnel offices, visit us online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/careers and click on the “Opportunities for Veterans” link.
  

• Has Social Security successfully employed people with disabilities?

                                  
  Yes, we have successfully employed people with disabilities for many years. See the Success Stories fact sheet for additional information.

• How does a person with a disability apply for Federal jobs?

  In addition to going to www.usajobs.gov and researching jobs for which they wish to apply, an individual may also contact a Social Security Administration (SSA) Selective Placement Coordinators to find out if they qualify under the Schedule A Excepted Service appointing authority. See the Hiring People with Disabilities fact sheet for additional information and visit www.ssa.gov/careers for the list of Selective Placement Coordinatorsserving various components and geographic regions within SSA. 

• As an individual with a severe physical disability, what documentation must I provide when applying for a job?

  If an individual competes for an appointment through the regular application process just as most non-disabled applicants must do, then no documentation is required beyond what is outlined in the vacancy announcement. Individuals with severe physical or psychiatric disabilities as well as those with mental retardation are also eligible for special appointment consideration where, if eligible, he or she may be appointed without competition. If he or she does apply non-competitively on the basis of their disability, he or she will be required to provide proof of their disability and a certification of job readiness. See the Hiring People with Disabilities fact sheet for additional information.

• What is a reasonable accommodation?

  A reasonable accommodation is a modification or an adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation also includes adjustments to assure that a qualified individual with a disability has equal benefits and privileges of employment enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities. See the Reasonable Accommodation fact sheet for additional information.

• Is an agency required to provide a reasonable accommodation to an employee?

  Yes, an individual is entitled to an accommodation if he or she is a qualified individual with a disability, the accommodation is needed to do the essential functions of the position, and the accommodation is reasonable. See the Reasonable Accommodation fact sheet for additional information.

• What is the Ticket to Work program?

  This is a voluntary employment program for individuals receiving Social Security and/or SSI disability benefits who are interested in working. Participants of this program can receive assistance from a service provider and also use a number of work incentives as they explore work options and still receive disability benefits. See the Ticket to Work fact sheet for additional information.

• Do disabled veterans receive any special consideration when applying for Federal jobs?

  Yes, disabled veterans may qualify for a non-competitive placement into a position based on their skills and abilities under the Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment, the Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 and if he or she has a disability rating of 30 percent or more. See the Veterans Hiring Authority fact sheet for additional information.

• Can college students apply for positions in Federal service?

  Yes. There are several student programs such as the Student Temporary Employment Program, the Student Career Experience Program and internship programs available. We also suggest students contact their school’s disability services or career services coordinator for information on the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities. See the Student Programs fact sheet for additional information.

• Are there any intern programs available for individuals that are not students?

  Yes, the Federal Career Intern Program is available for exceptional individuals with diverse professional experiences, academic training and abilities. See the Federal Career Intern Program fact sheet for additional information.