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Organizational Structure of the
Social Security Administration

   

 

 

 


SSA ORGANIZATION MANUAL 

Subchapter TL

THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DISABILITY ADJUDICATION AND REVIEW

I.      Mission

The Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) administers the nationwide Disability Adjudication and Review program for the Social Security Administration (SSA).  Provides the basic mechanisms through which individuals and organizations dissatisfied with determinations affecting their rights to and amounts of benefits or their participation in programs under the Social Security Act may administratively appeal these determinations in accordance with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure and Social Security Acts.  ODAR includes a nationwide field organization staffed with Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who conduct impartial hearings and make decisions on appeals filed by claimants, their representatives, providers‑of‑service institutions and others under the Social Security Act.  The Office of the Federal Reviewing Official (OFedRO) provides expert advice and administers the nationwide Federal Reviewing Official process.  The OFedRO disability review process provides the basic mechanism through which individuals dissatisfied with determinations affecting their claims to disability benefits may request review; OFedRO administers that activity nationally.  OFedRO also advises agency policy components on a broad variety of issues regarding disability program data and policy and provides quality feedback on the disability program and its administration.  The office further serves as a major resource for ODAR on technical aspects of the program and the extensive legal facets of disability policy issues.  The Appeals Council of ODAR impartially reviews ALJ decisions, either on the Appeals Council's own motion or at the request of the claimant, and renders the Commissioner's final decision when review is taken.  Reviews new court cases to determine whether the case should be defended on the record or the Commissioner should seek voluntary remand, and reviews final court decisions in light of the programmatic and administrative implications involved and makes recommendations as to whether appeal should be sought.  Provides advice and recommendations on SSA program policy and related matters, including proposed Social Security Rulings. 

II.     Organization 

A.            The Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (TL).

B.            The Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (TL).

C.           The Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (TLA) which includes:

         1.  Program Analysis Staff (TLA-3)

D.           The Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (TLB).

1.            The Associate Chief Administrative Law Judge (Operations) (TLBA).

a.         The Division of Field Operations (TLBA).

b.    The Division of Workload Management (TLBA2)

2.            The Associate Chief Administrative Law Judge (Programs) (TLBB).

          a.  The Division of Field Procedures (TLBB1).

          b.   The Division of Quality Service (TLBB2)

         3.           The Offices of the Regional Chief Administrative Law Judges
         (TLB‑F1 – TLB‑FX).

E.          The Office of Appellate Operations (TLC ), which includes the Executive Director who also serves as Deputy Chair of the Appeals Council, the Appeals Council and its Administrative Appeals Judges, Appeals Officers, a Deputy Director to the Executive Director, and a Director of Operations.

1.   The Medical Support Staff (TLC-1).

2.  The Director of Operations (TLCA)

a.   The Division of Program Adjudication  (TLCAA, TLCAC, TLCAG, TLCAH,
      TLCAJ.
b.   The Division of Civil Action (TLCAB)
c.  The Division of Program Support (TLCAE).

    F.   The Office of Management (TLG).

  1. The Electronic Disability Services Staff (TLG-1)

  2. The Division of Finance and Budget Analysis (TLGB).

  3. The Division of Materiel Resources (TLGC).

  4. The Division of Information Technology Integration     (TLGE).

  5. The Division of Audit and Workload Analysis (TLGG).

  6. The Division of Training and Employee Development (TLGH).

  7. The Division of Security  (TLGK).

G.                 The Office of the Federal Reviewing Official (TLH).

            1.  The Operations Analysis Staff (TLH-1)

            2.  The FedRo Division (TLHA, TLHB, TLHC, TLHE, TLHG, TLHH and TLHJ).

III. Functions 

A.      The Deputy Commissioner of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) (TL) is directly responsible for carrying out ODAR's mission of holding hearings and rendering decisions on appeals filed under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended, and Title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of l969, as amended.  The Deputy Commissioner is responsible for planning, directing, managing, coordinating and maintaining the integrity of the nationwide SSA Disability Adjudication and Review system.  As Chair of the Appeals Council, the Deputy Commissioner is responsible for the decisions issued at the final administrative level of the Social Security Administration.

B.     The Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (TL) carries out his/her ODAR‑wide responsibilities and performs other duties as the Deputy Commissioner may prescribe.

C.     The Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (TLA) provides staff assistance on the full range of their responsibilities.

1.      Program Analysis Staff (TLA-3) provides expert advice to the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review related to the operation and administration of its various programs under the Social Security Act.  Reviews and evaluates SSA regulations, Federal Register materials, and legal instruments within ODAR’s areas of jurisdiction; proposals for legislation and specifications for such proposed legislation; reports and letters to congressional committees, the Office of Management and Budget, and others on proposed legislation and legislative matters; and proposed testimony of SSA officials before Congress.  Ensures that operating procedures and instructions developed to implement the Disability Adjudication and Review process conform with SSA benefit program policy and ODAR Disability Adjudication and Review process policy.  Provides advisory services, consultation, and staff assistance to other components of ODAR.  Maintains ongoing liaison with SSA, Office of Disability Programs, Office of General Counsel and others with respect to program, legislative and policy matters.  Reviews current and developing trends in administrative law and litigation; analyzes and prepares recommendations; and develops long-range and short-range plans for hearings and appeals policy matters and ODAR’s implementation of benefit program policy matters.  Develops and coordinates program training in conjunction with other ODAR components.   

  1.  The Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (TLB) serves as the principal consultant and advisor to the Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) on all matters concerning the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing function.  Under the executive leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, the Chief Administrative Law Judge manages and administers a hearings organization consisting of a nationwide network of hearing offices and supporting regional offices nationwide.  The Chief Judge has primary responsibility for maintaining effective channels of communication between the Deputy Commissioner and the Regional Chief Administrative Law Judges (RCALJs) and the ALJ corps.  Formulates and develops broad policies and objectives and establishes program goals for  ODARs ALJ corps.  Maintains a continuous review of all aspects of ODAR field operations and implements improvements where needed.  Is responsible for developing and maintaining the procedures for effective operation of the hearings process.  Provides management oversight for administrative and managerial activities in the regional and hearing offices.  Coordinates regional and hearing office activities.  Conducts liaison with other government and private agencies on issues falling within the Chief Administrative Law Judge's area of responsibility.
  1. Associate Chief Administrative Law Judge (Operations) (TLBA) orchestrates field operations in specific areas of identified needs.  This includes timely service to the public, determining goals for caseload procedures, management information and service delivery and productivity.  Coordinates with all ODAR components to obtain necessary resources to meet specific goals.
  1. The Division of Field Operations (TLBA1) assists the Chief Administrative Law Judge in developing and setting field office goals and objectives.  Serves as the primary point of contact for the field with all Headquarters components in addressing the field’s management and administrative support services needs and concerns.  Receives and analyzes field requests for resources in the areas of budget, staffing, equipment, travel, opening and/or relocating hearing offices and determines requirements to meet identified needs.  Provides advice, guidance and counsel to field offices in specific areas of identified needs.  Coordinates with the appropriate Headquarters component in obtaining resources to meet field office needs and resolving issues and concerns relating to employee relations, labor relations, equal opportunity and representative misconduct.  Participates with other ODAR components in conducting security reviews and investigating anti-fraud issues and recommends changes where necessary.  Analyzes ALJ needs and oversees the ALJ hiring process.  Represents the field on ongoing or ad hoc workgroups, task forces, etc.     
     

  2. The Division of Workload Management (TLBA2) serves as the primary point of contact for the field with all Headquarters components in addressing field operational needs and concerns.  Provides advice, guidance and counsel to field offices in specific areas of identified needs.  Assists the Chief Administrative Law Judge in assuring the timeliness of service to the public and in setting field goals and objectives in the areas of caseload procedures, management information and oversight for service delivery and productivity.  Analyzes field requests for resources and determines requirements to meet identified needs.  Coordinates with the appropriate Headquarters components in obtaining resources to meet field office needs.  Designs and pilots model processes and organizational changes.  Designs, analyzes and plans requirements to be used for specific management information reporting systems.  Reviews management information reports to ensure accuracy of monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly reports received from the field.  Plans and develops requirements to be used for specific management information reporting systems.  Represents the field on ongoing or ad hoc workgroups, task forces, etc.

  1. The Associate Chief Administrative Law Judge (Programs) (TLBB) orchestrates program operations in specific areas of identified needs.  Communicates and oversees field practices and procedures governing ALJ conduct and performance, and formulates designs and pilots new initiatives.

  1. The Division of Field Procedures (TLBB1) formulates, develops, communicates and oversees field practices and procedures, assuring the legal sufficiency of ALJ hearings and decisions governing the conduct of fee appeals and representative relations.  Reviews and acts on draft proposed SSA regulations and rulings.  Initiates and authors HALLEX and Findings Integrated Templates systems programs and keeps them current.  Reviews new and/or revised court orders and /or decisions, detailing specific issues involved and ensures their release to the field.  Identifies developmental and training needs for ALJs, managers, supervisors and other regional and hearing office employees.  Identifies ALJ training instructors and prepares training program content, agenda and materials.  Coordinates with the Division of Training and Employee Development in providing or arranging for needed development and training of field office employees.  Represents the Chief Administrative Law Judge on specific ongoing and ad hoc workgroups, task forces, etc.
     

  2. The Division of Quality Services (TLBB2) formulates, develops, communicates and oversees field practices and procedures governing ALJ conduct and performance.  Assists the Chief Administrative Law Judge in oversight of new processes and procedures approved for regional and/or hearing offices and in the formulation, design and piloting of new ideas.  Oversees centralized units and coordinates with the Office of Management on other special initiatives such as Disability Service Improvement, the electronic folder, video hearings, digital recordings of hearings, etc.  Formulates, designs and pilots new initiatives.  Represents the Chief Administrative Law Judge on specific ongoing or ad hoc workgroups, tasks forces, etc.

  1. Each Office of the Regional Chief Administrative Law Judge (TLB‑F1 ‑ TLB‑FX) acts on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Administrative Law Judge at the respective regional levels on all matters involving the hearings process and is directly responsible for the effective execution of the hearings process within the region.  Provides direction, leadership, management and guidance to the regional office staff and to the hearing offices in the region, including Administrative Law Judges and their staffs.  Is responsible for the regional implementation of national policies, goals, objectives, and procedures pertaining to the hearings process, and formulates policies, goals, and objectives for the ALJs and support staff in the region. Develops and recommends ODAR action with respect to allegations of unfair hearings within the region.  Is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of regional and hearing office management.  Reviews hearing practices and procedures to detect trends, training needs, and operational problems.  Investigates allegations of improper employee conduct, and makes recommendations as to necessary corrective action.  Has responsibility for the acquisition and distribution of human and materiel resources within the region.  Coordinates operational and administrative activities with SSA regional offices, other SSA regional components, State Agencies, and others, as necessary.  Establishes a program to maintain ongoing communication with congressional offices on issues of mutual interest and ensures timely and accurate responses to congressional inquiries.  Ensures that court remands are processed efficiently within the region, and coordinates with the Office of the Chief Counsel in the region to foster ODAR compliance with court requirements. Serves as an expert advisor on substantive issues within the region, and upon request by ALJs, provides advice and guidance in matters relating to adjudicating cases under the provisions of the Social Security Act, as amended.  Reviews and analyzes fee petitions from attorneys and representatives of claimants for the provision of services at the hearing level, and authorizes payment of fees in those cases where the fees are beyond the authority of a hearing office Administrative Law Judge.       
  1. The Office of Appellate Operations (TLC) consists of the Appeals Council and its support staff.  In accordance with a direct delegation of authority from the Commissioner of Social Security, the Appeals Council is the final level of administrative review under the Administrative Procedure Act for claims filed under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended.  The Executive Director of the Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) is the Deputy Chair of the Appeals Council and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a program of administrative review of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decisions issued under the provisions of the Social Security Act.  Upon claimant request or on the Appeals Council's own motion, reviews ALJ decisions and dismissals involving claims for benefits filed under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended.  The Appeals Council may identify cases that raise important questions of law or policy, and conduct oral argument before issuing decisions in such cases.  Based upon its review of these or other cases, the Council may establish binding adjudicatory standards and decisional principles that govern ODAR's adjudicatory process.  Tracks and analyzes court case trends and disseminates information to guide adjudicators with respect to case law, to implement an effective appeals strategy, and to identify areas and make recommendations as to policies which need to be developed and/or clarified, new regulations which need to be developed  or clarifying legislation which should be sought.

1.      The Medical Support Staff (TLC-1) consists of consulting physicians, and support staff and provides expert professional judgment to the Appeals Council on individual disability and claims.  Provides informational, advisory and consultant services to the Appeals Council and its support staff on matters of interpretation and application of national policy on SSA disability criteria and regulations.  Reviews disability evaluation training manuals for consistency and national uniformity, represents ODAR in contacts with appropriate professional affiliations, and coordinates with the Office of Retirement and Disability Policy components on all matters of joint interest in the area of medical disability evaluation.

2.      The Director of Operations (TLCA)

  1. The Division of Program Adjudication (TLCAA, TLCAC, TLCAG, TLCAH and TLCAJ) oversees and coordinates activities of the Disability Program Branches and the Retirement and Survivors Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Branch.  Serves as support staff providing advice to the Appeals Council in its review of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decisions and dismissals involving claims for benefits.  Following an analysis of the record and any additional evidence and/or argument submitted, and applying a thorough knowledge of the Act, Regulations, Rulings and applicable case law, examines hearing decisions and other final actions of ALJs and requests for Appeals Council review, and makes recommendations to the Appeals Council as to what action should be taken on cases pending before the Council.  Analyzes and recommends action on cases remanded by the courts and those referred by the Office of General Counsel (OGC) for consideration of whether remand should be requested at the Commissioner's motion.  Recommends to OGC defense on the record of certain litigated cases if further administrative action is not warranted.  Reviews fee agreements on appeals pending before the Appeals Council and makes a determination to approve or disapprove the agreement based on statutory conditions.
  1. The Division of Civil Actions (TLCAB) serve as a support staff to the Appeals Council Prepares the certified administrative record, remand orders and affidavits and related correspondence on cases in which a complaint has been filed in Federal court.  Within published guidelines, recommend to OGC defense on the record for certain litigated cases if further administrative action is not warranted.  Analyze and recommends action on cases remanded by the courts.  Prepare all court transcripts and control and maintain all certified records of claims at the civil actions level. 

  1. The Division of Program Support (TCAE) under the direction of the Director of Operations of OAO, provides support services to the Appeals Council, including reconstruction of lost claim files and receiving and analyzing fee petitions.  Provides reprographic services and controls transcription of hearing recordings in preparation of the official answer to civil actions filed against the Commissioner of SSA.  Maintains a system for the receipt, control, docketing, filing and disposition of claim files and related documents.  Maintains total control of the ODAR hearing recordings inventory.

F.                 The Office of Management (TLG) provides administrative support to the Deputy Commissioner for all management and office automation support related activities for ODAR. Coordinates with the Chief Administrative Law Judge with respect to management, financial, materiel resources and office automation support functions which affect field operations.  Has direct line authority for all management and administrative support functions for Headquarters' components of ODAR and in coordination with the Chief ALJ, for all field components of ODAR including its regional offices (ROs) and hearing offices nationwide.    Coordinates and integrates the management programs and administrative planning initiatives of ODAR into the long-range goals and objectives of SSA.  Monitors ODAR's progress toward meeting established Agency goals and makes recommendations for needed adjustments to enable ODAR to meet these goals. Plans, directs, administers and evaluates the congressional and public inquiries activities for ODAR.  Plans, directs and administers a comprehensive nationwide management analysis program to identify areas requiring improvement to enhance the quality and effectiveness of management practices and to assess trends in management.

1.      The Electronic Services Disability Staff (TLG-1) serves as the primary lead for the integration of ODAR’s electronic disability initiatives (eDib) into the ODAR business processes.  Possesses expert knowledge of SSA’s electronic business processes, as well as the eDib systems functionality.  Serves as the focal point for all electronic folder initiatives affecting ODAR, and is responsible for representing the Deputy Commissioner in defining and prioritizing ODAR electronic service needs and, is the ODAR expert, determines how electronic service enhancements are defined and met.  Coordinates and prioritizes ODAR component electronic services adviser to all ODAR components.  Integrates, monitors and manages electronic services needs in a consolidated ODAR plan.  Represents ODAR and serves as the liaison between the Office of Systems and the ODAR user community in defining and fulfilling ODAR systems development needs related to eDib.  Provides executive-level guidance and input on iTab, i.e., identification and prioritization of ODAR user requirements, represents ODAR in the iTab development process and monitor post-IDA development activities.  Coordinates ODAR component actions involving the identification of national electronic folder related hardware and software requirements including dual monitors, hardware for temporary remote sites, laptop encryption issues, exhibiting software (eCompex), etc.  Coordinates regional communications efforts, including maintaining the ODAR eDib website.  Manages the Model Process Testing Facility activities and hearing room safety and design issues related to electronic processing.

2.      The Division of Finance and Budget Analysis (TLGB) plans, develops and coordinates ODAR's budget and financial management programs, advising the Director of OM and/or the Deputy Commissioner of the financial impact of all decisions which may affect the program and administrative operations of the Agency.  Formulates, justifies and presents ODAR's annual and multi-year budget submissions.  Reviews and analyzes budget requests submitted by ODAR components and formulates ODAR's financial operating plans and budget projections.  Works with SSA budget officials to obtain the resources necessary to meet ODAR goals and objectives.  Develops all necessary applications for generating budget data and financial management reports.  Executes and administers a financial management system, integrating resource management controls.  Ensures that employment ceilings and obligations and expenditures of funds are in conformance with authorized allotments and allowances.  Administers the travel and payroll function for all ODAR headquarters components and ALJs nationwide.  Plans, controls, coordinates and monitors delegated contracting activities for ODAR, including oversight of acquisition issues, competitive sourcing, micro-purchase authorities, etc.  Develops ODAR's operating procedures related to budget.

3.      The Division of Materiel Resources (TLGC) plans, directs and provides administrative support services program for the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).  Such service functions include, but are not limited to, communications; facilities and equipment maintenance; graphic arts and photography; storage, inventory and disposal of administrative supplies and equipment; printing and duplicating; property management; records and forms management; space management; mail and messenger services and transportation   Plans and mangers a nationwide supply management program for Headquarters and field offices, determines and establishes supply program goals and procedures, as well as overall program direction.  Plans and designs records and forms management activities as a result of changes in functions performed, new legislative requirement and/or technological advances.  Administers a space management program providing for the acquisition, assignment and utilization of space, including the design for office layouts and work areas to ensure optimum use and management of facilities.  Provides graphic art, photography, printing and duplicating services to support Agency goals and initiatives.  Develops and manages the Family Friendly Workplace initiative, including the telecommuting, transit subsidy and the wellness programs.

4.      The Division of Information Technology Integration (TLGE) leads the effort in developing ODAR's Information Technology strategy consistent with SSA’s system architecture.  Represents ODAR in various agency executive level meetings in planning and reviewing systems projects. Provides office automation and data processing support to all ODAR components.  Develops and coordinates functional requirements specifications for all new ODAR systems and modifications to existing systems in direct support of the Disability Adjudication and Review workloads as well as administrative information systems.  Develops proposed automation initiatives in response to user needs and new legislative requirements.  Directs and coordinates user requirements through the Automation Planning Groups.  Provides logistical support to the Office of Systems (OS) during the implementation of new applications and technology.  Develops performance criteria, and approves the resulting system for operational acceptance.  Provides systems support for the planning, design and development of functional requirements and the specification, validation and implementation of all ODAR IT initiatives.  Serves as liaison with OS and other agency components on all long-range IT goals and objectives, and ensures that ODAR's IT strategy, methodology and approaches are in agreement with SSA's Agency Strategic Plan, future process change initiatives/visions, System Architecture and Entrepreneurial Activities.  Ensures that ODAR systems related projects are incorporated in the Systems 5-Year Plans at appropriate times.  Identifies ODAR training needs with respect to systems activities, and coordinates with responsible ODAR and/or other agency components to ensure end-users needs are met. Designs and conducts training, if necessary.  Develops requirements and cost benefit analysis for the ODAR ITS budget submissions.  Evaluates ODAR user requests for IT services, equipment and software.  Monitors ODAR's ITS small purchase procurements through the procurement cycle.   Provides coordination and support to OS to ensure efficient and effective implementation and operation of the Agency's nationwide telecommunications network used by ODAR.  Provides technical assistance for site preparation in support of the Agency's automation initiatives.  Maintains liaison with ODAR regional systems staff and Headquarters staff for the purpose of identifying operation problems or needs. and makes recommendations to OS to resolve outstanding issues. Coordinates and performs site preparation, workstation and server installations in Headquarters and the field.  Coordinates and monitors maintenance issues for IT equipment nationwide.  Performs e-mail administration for ODAR Headquarters.  Assists OS in performing e-mail administration for ODAR field offices.  Following guidance from the agency and coordinating with other Webmasters, performs ODAR's Internet/Intranet Webmaster functions.  Develops operating procedures related to ODAR's IT initiatives.

5.      The Division of  Audit and Workload Analysis (TLGG) plans, directs and administers a comprehensive nationwide management analysis program to identify areas requiring improvement to enhance the quality and effectiveness of management practices and to assess trends in management.  Coordinates and integrates management programs and administrative planning initiatives of ODAR into SSA's long-range goals and objectives.  Monitors ODAR's progress toward meeting established Agency goals and objectives and makes recommendations for needed adjustments for accomplishing goals and objectives.  Executes ODAR's responsibilities associated with audits and nationwide initiatives involving the Government Accountability Office, the Office of Inspector General and other external organizations.   

6.      The Division of Training and Employee Development (TLGH) administers and leads ODAR's employee development, career and succession planning programs, directs the general activities of the ODAR National Training Center in Kansas City and manages the Learning Resource Center. Provides overall training leadership that reflects the needs of ODAR and develops overall ODAR training policy for the agency's strategic plans. Manages funding and other resources used to support the ODAR training function.  Provides technical assistance to components to conduct needs analysis, integrates component lists of training needs and sets priorities.   Decides what training vehicles are best for the training to be provided.  Maintains technical leadership in training technology.  Leads the overall ODAR training evaluation program, assuring that the evaluation process is tied into the budget planning cycle so that expenditures can be accounted for in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget.  Plans annual training, estimates the funding needs, and ties funding requests and funding expenditures to strategic objectives and individual competencies.   Develops ODAR'ss operating procedures related to training and employee development.  Acquires and maintains reference publications and other materials used by ODAR employees visiting the Central Reference Library.

7.      The Division of  Executive Operations (TLGJ) serves as the liaison and the primary point of coordination for the exchange of information and direction between the Office of the Deputy Commissioner and other ODAR executives.  Ensures that issues requiring the Deputy Commissioner’s attention are developed timely and coordinated with the appropriate parties having an interest in the matter, designs and implements procedures for proper coordination and follows through on specific issues.  Communicates the goals, objectives, priorities and standards of the Deputy Commissioner to individuals involved in the preparation of correspondence, memoranda and other printed materials and ensures that communications signed or approved by the Deputy Commissioner are in compliance with these objectives and standards.  Directs a nationwide program that provides continuing equal employment advisory and consulting services to managers and supervisors in Headquarters and field offices.  Provides program direction and guidance in the areas of affirmative action, including female and minority recruitment planning and complaint adjudication/resolution.  Serves as the liaison point of contact and coordination between SSA’s Office of Labor Management and Employee Relations (OLMER) and ODAR.  Works with OLMER to develop an effective labor relations strategy administered consistently throughout all Headquarters components and field offices.  Provides staff support to ODAR in planning and providing effective performance management programs ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all employees.  Oversees ODAR’s administrative delegations of authority program.   

8.      The Division of Security (TLGK) provides oversight and leadership of ODAR's nationwide physical and systems security operations, including physical security, protective security,  classified information security and civil defense.  Plans, directs, and leads ODAR in the areas of safety, self-protection and systems security.  Develops and executes policies, operating procedures  and initiatives to secure life, property and electronic information (both claimant and employee) in Headquarters and field offices.  Coordinates at the executive-level with SSA Headquarters, Federal Protective Service, local and national law enforcement, as needed on issues involving the protection of ODAR information and personnel.  Administers security programs and inspections, and coordinates with local law enforcement officials to ensure protection of ODAR property and personnel, including emergency planning and security.  Maintains sensitive data and develops emergency plans and manages ODAR's Continuity of Operations Plan.  Develops short and long-range plans to ensure the integration of security objectives with Agency initiatives, including the protection of personally identifiable information held at ODAR, including issues involving the safe transportation and transmission of sensitive data among SSA locations and alternate duty stations.  Coordinates the Agency's security initiatives in support of all ODAR business processes.  Coordinates security training and awareness activities for ODAR.   

G.                 The Office of the Federal Reviewing Official (OFedRO) (TLH) provides expert advice and support to the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Commissioner, ODAR in administering the nationwide Federal Reviewing Official process. The OFedRO disability review process provides the basic mechanism through which individuals dissatisfied with determinations affecting their claims to disability benefits may request review; OFedRO administers that activity nationally. OFedRO also advises agency policy components on a broad variety of issues regarding disability program data and policy and provides quality feedback on the disability program and its administration.  The office further serves as a major resource for ODAR on technical aspects of the program and the extensive legal facets of disability policy issues. 

1.      The Operations Analysis Staff (TLH-1) provides the Chief FedRO (Associate Commissioner) and the Deputy Chief FedRO (Deputy Associate Commissioner) with staff assistance on the full range of their responsibilities. The Operations Analysis Staff (OAS) serves as the organizational consultant and advisor to the Chief FedRO on all matters concerning disability quality and analysis; responsibilities include planning and conducting data collection, research, and analysis for Social Security disability programs; developing and publicizing guidelines and operational policy for use by State, Federal, or private providers relative to the Federal Reviewing Official process; and evaluating the effects of proposed and pending legislation.  OAS also provides various types of support to the FedRO divisions.

2.   The FedRO Division 1 through 7 (TLHA, TLHAB, TLHAC, TLHAE, TLHAG, TLHAH, TLHAJ)  organizes, coordinates, guides, controls, delivers, and reports on the nationwide Federal Reviewing Official process; each Division participates in long range planning to ensure the integration of FedRO responsibilities with that of the total Agency disability program; Federal Reviewing Officials recommend and initiate the development of policy guidelines  Agency-wide, and perform in-line quality evaluations of the delivery of FedRO services.

 

 
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