Social Security has posted a job opening for the Deputy Associate Commissioner for Disability Policy position. This is in the Senior Executive Service (SES) which means that while the position doesn’t require Senate confirmation, it can be filled on a political basis. Most SES positions, however, are not political. Here’s the job description:
As full deputy and alter ego to the Associate Commissioner (AC) for Disability Policy, the Deputy Associate Commissioner (DAC) for Disability Policy oversees the development of broad medical concepts and disability program policies for medical issues governing the administration of the Title II and Title XVI programs. Included in this responsibility is the formulation of medical evaluation policies, interpretive guidance, and development of training programs for personnel involved in disability adjudication and decision-making.
In consultation with the AC for Disability Policy, the DAC leads development, coordination and oversight of disability policies, procedures, and process requirements in support of the creation of an effective and efficient disability claims processing system consistent with policy. S/he oversees development and oversight of claimant representative policies and program integrity reporting requirements for the administration of Title II and Title XVI disability programs. The DAC leads the development and oversight of a vocational policy framework supporting accurate and consistent application of disability program policy through all levels of disability claims adjudication and the quality assurance process. The incumbent also ensures development of clear guidance for non-attorney representatives and requirements for sufficient training, as well of disability program fraud and similar fault policy.
Which are the other current political SES positions at Social Security? What kind of people fill them?S/he oversees case analysis, studies, research and data analysis to provide an evidence base for proposed policy modernization, e.g., impairment severity and other medical disability issues, vocational and other non-medical disability issues, and studies on the disabled population relative to specific operational program issues. Accordingly, the incumbent develops automated data tools and maintains statistical databases.
3 comments:
Associate Commissioner level positions (and their deputies) are not usually political at SSA. The Deputy Commissioner level is much more likely to be political.
In this situation, the Office of Disability Policy falls under the Deputy Commissioner for Retirement and Disability Policy. There are fewer political appointees at SSA today than in prior administrations as it isn't a particular interest to the current president. Unlike many Trump administration appointees at other agencies, the current Deputy Commissioner (Mark Warshawsky) for Retirement and Disability Policy has the necessary qualifications.
https://www.ssa.gov/ndf/documents/NDF%20SSA%20Executives_08012017.pdf
https://www.ssa.gov/org/dcrdp.htm
Warshawsky sounds far more qualified to be SSA commissioner than Andrew Saul whose primary skill appears to be fundraising.
Plenty of folks who are now at the Heritage Foundation and similar places have served as AC's and Deputy ACs. In my career I've seen a good number of them, and while it is true that AC and DAC positions are usually career, the key word is usually. Frankly most of those low level political appointees leave when they discover just how much power they don't have (unless the PTB have an interest in the area, and then they have clout.)
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