Announcement for Staff to Register for Our Free National Training Series
Date:
Dear Tribal Leader & Urban Indian Organization Leader:
On behalf of Martin O'Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, we are pleased to share our agency's Tribal Action Plan and upcoming training opportunities, pursuant to the Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships. The Office of Native American Partnerships published the Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Consultation Call To Action Plan to build upon accomplishments in 2023 to provide consultation, increase technology, provide training, promote Native Language Revitalization efforts at SSA, establish an Advisory Committee and recruit Native students.
Our office has a deep commitment to respond to the concerns we heard while traveling to Tribal communities in 2023. We learned there is a dire need for free training on our programs and services to those who are Social Workers, Tribal Benefit Coordinators, Navigators, and others that serve critical support roles to the American Indian Alaska Native people. We truly appreciate the important work that you do and are pleased to announce our series of free trainings beginning in March 2024. Please encourage your staff to sign up through the following registration link.
Our training series follows our published Tribal Benefits Coordinator Guide with lessons that build upon the prior session starting with SSA Benefits 101 in March. In April, we will offer additional focus on the Tribal General Welfare Act and guidance for an Assistance Based on Need Programs to seek exclusions for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In May, we address the role of Appointed Representatives versus Power of Attorney. We strive to keep an open dialogue regarding SSA policies and procedures, in addition to providing policy experts to answer critical questions regarding SSA claims processing.
As a former Social Worker, Dr. Kilolo Kijakazi, Principal Senior Advisor to the Commissioner, will join us to kick off this free training series. She has great respect for the critical support role your staff provides to bring awareness of eligibility of benefits to Tribal members. Together, we look forward to meeting you throughout our travel activities to continue building trust and understanding your unique needs.
Sincerely,
Richard O. Litsey & Renee Ferguson
Director & Deputy Director
Office of Native American Partnerships
Office of the Commissioner
Social Security Administration