SSA's Hiring Initiative

Hiring People with Disabilities

BACKGROUND

People with disabilities may be considered for employment through the competitive hiring process or in some circumstances, under the Schedule A hiring authority for persons with disabilities. Individuals that may fall under this special hiring authority include persons with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities or psychiatric disabilities. In these cases, an agency may make a permanent, temporary, or time-limited appointment. Disabled veterans may also be considered under special hiring programs for disabled veterans with disability ratings from the Department of Veterans Affairs of 30 percent or more.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHEDULE A HIRING AUTHORITY

To qualify for employment under Schedule A, a person must have the following:

• Proof of Disability:  An individual wishing to be hired under the Schedule A (5 C.F.R. 213.3102(u)) hiring authority must provide proof he or she is indeed an individual with mental retardation, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability.  This proof must be provided to the hiring agency before an individual can be hired.
• Certification of Job Readiness:  An individual hired under this authority must be ready to perform the job for which they are being considered. This certification is a statement that the individual is likely to succeed in the performance of the duties of the position for which he or she is applying.  For instance, the certification of job readiness for an individual applying for a position as an Administrative Assistant or an Accountant may state that the "individual is likely to succeed performing work in an office environment.".

As proof of disability and certification of job readiness we accept appropriate documentation (e.g., records, statements, or other appropriate information) issued from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional duly certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., State or private); or any Federal agency, State agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.

Temporary appointments may be considered for individuals who have proof of disability, but lack certification of job readiness.  Individuals may work under the temporary appointment until the agency determines that the individuals are able to perform the duties of the position or the individuals gain certification.  Time limited appointments may be considered when the duties of the position do not require it to be filled on a permanent basis.

The Social Security Administration provides reasonable accommodations so that people with disabilities have the opportunity to perform the duties of their positions.

HOW TO APPLY

SSA has completed its hiring for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009. SSA expects to continue hiring during the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1. SSA does not know at this time when Congress will approve its FY 2010 budget or how many new jobs SSA will fill next year. However, SSA will continue its commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities into its workforce, including SSA Ticket Holders, students and veterans with disabilities. Be sure to regularly check this website and www.ssa.gov/careers for updates and more details on our 2010 approach, information on submitting future resumes, timeframes, and other information about positions SSA will offer next fiscal year.

You may also wish to seek employment through the competitive hiring process. Information concerning job opportunities may be obtained from the Office of Personnel Management web site: www.usajobs.gov, the SSA web site:   www.ssa.gov/careers, or the state employment office. These same resources are available for those who do not meet the requirements for severe disability, but are still interested in employment at SSA.