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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).
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 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, F. The Office of Management (TLG).
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 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)
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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