E. Tammy Kim at The New Yorker has a great piece going inside the work life of a current Social Security claims rep. The reporter was not supposed to have this kind of access.
I'm sure you've seen some cartoons from The New Yorker but you may not be all that familiar with the magazine. I've been subscribing for more than 50 years. I can tell you that articles in The New Yorker have an national agenda setting impact well beyond what most people could imagine.
As an ex-claims rep with SSA, this made my eye twitch a little bit with the not-so distant memories coming flooding back. I feel for all my ex co-workers still working in my old field office.
ReplyDeleteThis reporter had no business listening in on these private conversations with claimants personal information. SSA employees are now the favor of the month. The agency have been complaining with staffing levels for over a decade. This is another example of the press not doing their jobs until it’s too late.
ReplyDelete> This reporter had no business listening in on these private conversations with claimants personal information.
DeleteNot much different than overhearing conversations in a field office. The reporter only heard one side of the conversation and heard nothing the claimant said as the CR had a headset on, as noted in the article.
The reporter had no business being at a teleworkers home while he was on the taxpayers dime.
DeleteThis is Steven,” he said. “What is your Social Security number, please? All right, starting with your name and date of birth . . .” He wrapped up his first few calls rather quickly. He sent out a missing tax document, scheduled a father for an in-person appointment to get a Social Security card for his baby, and confirmed bank information for a recipient’s direct deposit. A fourth call, involving a lost check, was more complicated. He rubbed his forehead with his thumbs and forefingers.
A reporter and a teleworker are not exempt.
DeleteOne of the fundamental responsibilities of
any Social Security employee is to protect
the confidentiality of the personal data and
information the agency collects and holds.
Numerous federal laws, including the
Privacy Act, and internal regulations and One of the fundamental responsibilities of
any Social Security employee is to protect
the confidentiality of the personal data and
information the agency collects and holds.
Numerous federal laws, including the
Privacy Act, and internal regulations and
policies govern the data and who can see it.
policies govern the data and who can see it.
I support spreading the word on how bad the work environment is in SSA but do so outside the office and go on the record.
ReplyDeleteThis article will be used as support for Return to Office directives, guaranteed.
ReplyDeleteOMG! The New Yorker must be part of the scourge called DOGE, giving access to the unwashed masses!!!
ReplyDeleteOh wait. Turns out DOGE has authority and the New Yorker doesn't.
@5:39pm--gurl you sounding waay too thirsty for a headline win over there...please stop.
Delete