[Federal Register: December 10, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Notices]
[Page 68963-68967]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10de03-131]
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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority
This statement amends Part S and T of the Statement of the
Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority that covers the
Social Security Administration (SSA). This notice establishes a new
Human Capital Planning Staff at the Deputy Commissioner for Human
Resources level. It deletes language from the Office of Workforce
Analysis in the Office of the Chief Strategic Officer and adds that
language to the Federal Register material for the Human Capital
Planning Staff. It establishes the Executive and Special Services Staff
as a separate Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources' organization. It
also retitles and redescribes the functions of two Staffs in the Office
of Personnel, i.e., the Project Management Staff (S7BH) and the
Personnel Management Information Systems and Payroll Staff (S7BJ). It
revises the Federal Register language for the Center for Personnel
Policy and Staffing and, in addition, it establishes the Center for
Employee Benefits in the Office of Personnel. It creates three centers
in the Office of Training and three centers in the Office of Civil
Rights and Equal Opportunity. It also
[[Page 68964]]
amends the Office of the Strategic Officer subchapter to add the SAC
Code ``TJ'' and to delete a function from that subchapter. The new
material and changes are as follows:
Chapter S7
Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources
Section S7.00 The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources--
(Mission):
Add after the colon and before the words ``personnel management'',
``human capital and planning initiatives''.
Add the word ``and'' between the words ``opportunity'' and
``training''.
Section S7.10 The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources--
(Organization):
The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources, under the
leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources, includes:
Reletter:
D. to F.
E. to G.
F. to H.
G. to I.
Establish:
D. The Human Capital Planning Staff (S7J).
E. The Executive and Special Services Staff ( S7K).
Section S7.20 The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources--
(Functions):
Delete: From C, the Immediate Office of the Deputy Commissioner,
paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Reletter:
D. to F.
E. to G.
F. to H.
G. to I.
Add:
D. The Human Capital Planning Staff (S7J) provides leadership
within DCHR and for the Agency in broad human resources policy areas
related to workforce planning and management. The Staff ensures that
the Agency's human resources policies and practices are aligned to
support the accomplishment of the Agency's mission, vision, goals and
strategies; improve hiring and retention strategies to ensure a
workforce consistent with the Agency's needs; and create a continuous
learning and performance culture that results in a highly productive
workforce. The Human Capital Planning Staff provides direction and
oversight to the development and integration of the Agency's human
resources automated systems and advises the DCHR on matters pertaining
to Government-wide automated human resources systems. The Staff
continually monitors, analyzes and interprets workforce forecasting
data and projects future workforce needs including the types of skills
and positions needed. It also develops and implements Agency-wide
initiatives, such as competitive sourcing, in support of the effective
use of human capital.
E. The Executive and Special Services Staff (S7K) develops and
implements all SSA policies and activities relating to the Agency's
executive level personnel management program. Recruits for and places
individuals in positions in the Senior Executive Service (SES) in
accordance with OPM regulations. Provides staff support to the
Executive Resources Board in administering a systematic program to
manage SSA's executive and professional resources and ensuring the
appropriate selection of candidates to participate in official
executive development programs. Provides staff support to the
Performance Review Board in reviewing performance plans and subsequent
appraisals of career and non-career executives in SES and employees in
equivalent level positions.
F. Office of Personnel. Delete from the sentence that reads: ``The
Office manages personnel programs in the following areas:'' the ``and''
after ``employee recognition'' and before ``health services''.
Add to that sentence: ``employee benefits including health and
retirement.''
Add as the last sentence in F:
``The office also develops and implements an SSA-wide program of
Personnel Security and Suitability for employees and contractors and
administers the SSA Drug Free Workplace program. It directs the
development and operation of SSA's Workers' Compensation program,
including SSA's Workers' Compensation Return to Work, Controversion and
Investigations programs.''
Subchapter S7B
The Office of Personnel
Section S7B.00 The Office of Personnel--(Mission):
Add, after the first sentence, ``It administers and provides
counseling for retirement, health and other employee benefits
programs.''
Add, beginning as the third sentence:
``The Office of Personnel also develops and implements an SSA-wide
program of Personnel Security and Suitability for employees and
contractors and administers the SSA Drug Free Workplace program. It
directs the development and operation of SSA's Workers' Compensation
program, including SSA's Workers' Compensation Return to Work,
Controversion and Investigations programs.''
Section S7B.10 The Office of Personnel--(Organization):
The Office of Personnel under the Associate Commissioner, Office of
Personnel, includes:
Reletter:
D. to E.
E. to F.
F. to G.
G. to H.
H. to I.
Establish:
D. The Center for Employee Benefits (S7BL).
Retitle E: The Project Management Staff (S7BH) to the Center for
Personnel Security and Project Management (S7BH).
Retitle F: The Personnel Management Information Systems and Payroll
Staff (S7BJ) to the Center for Personnel Management Information Systems
and Payroll (S7BJ).
Section S7B.20 The Office of Personnel--(Functions):
Reletter:
D. to E.
E. to F.
F. to G.
G. to H.
H. to I.
Add:
D. The Center for Employee Benefits (S7BL) directs the Social
Security Administration's Retirement and Health Benefits programs. The
Center develops the agency's policy on these programs and provides
interpretation and guidance to SSA's managers nation-wide. Expertise is
provided to managers and employees on all Federal Benefit's Programs,
including the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems,
Thrift Savings Plan, Federal Employees' Health Benefit Plans, Federal
Employees' Group Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts and Long
Term Care.
Retitle E, the Project Management Staff (S7BH) to the Center for
Personnel Security and Project Management (S7BH).
Replace E in its entirety as follows:
1. Develops and implements an SSA-wide program of Personnel
Security and Suitability for employees and contractors. Develops and
implements SSA's National Security Program.
2. Directs the development and operation of SSA's Workers'
[[Page 68965]]
Compensation program. Provides assistance to employees regarding claims
for lost wages, settlement awards, notices of injury and required
medical reports.
3. Provides assistance to employees regarding claims for lost
wages, settlement awards, notices of injury and required medical
reports.
4. Directs the development and operation of SSA's Workers'
Compensation Return to Work, Controversion and Investigations programs.
5. Designs national policies for the SSA Drug Free Workplace
program. Develops, implements and manages the day-to-day operation of
SSA's drug testing program.
6. Conducts administrative surveys, special studies and projects of
SSA-wide significance.
Retitle F, the Personnel Management Information Systems and Payroll
Staff (S7BJ), to the Center for Personnel Management Information
Systems and Payroll (S7BJ).
Delete from F, paragraph 1, in the first sentence, the
words ``record keeping''.
Delete the remainder of F, after paragraph 2, in its
entirety. Add the following:
3. Designs business applications and administrative systems in the
personnel arena, including workload management, action tracking and
other management support systems. Manages the entire applications
development process, including assessing user needs, developing system
pilots, designing systems, testing systems, administering databases,
training users, and evaluating overall system performance.
4. Evaluates, tests, installs and maintains agency applications
software within the networking environment for compatibility with
existing software, hardware and networks and serves as point of contact
for equipment, software and operational problems and needs within OPE.
Ensures the integrity of the LAN, as well as the completion of LAN
operations.
5. Develops and provides guidance to SSA's managers, timekeepers
and employees on the payroll and time and attendance processes
throughout SSA. Is the first point of contact in headquarters on pay
and leave issues. Manages the bi-weekly collection and processing of
time and attendance data for all SSA employees.
6. Coordinates with the National Business Center in Denver, SSA's
payroll provider, on all payroll-related operational, budget and
developmental matters.
7. Conducts research on HR modernization, providing recommendations
for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of various personnel
functions and programs through automation. Performs continuing review
of HR technology to bring best practices to personnel operations in
SSA.
8. Represents the Agency on interagency workgroups to resolve
crosscutting HR automation issues. Serves as liaison with OPM, SSA's
payroll provider, and other Federal agencies and monitoring
authorities.
9. Directs the design and development of and manages day-to-day
operations in support of the Personnel intranet site at the agency
level.
Add to H, the Center for Personnel Policy and Staffing (S7BE),
paragraph 1, second sentence: ``pay and'' compensation.
Delete from the second sentence of paragraph 1:
``appraisals and performance standards''.
Add to the second sentence of paragraph 1 after the word
``staffing'' and before the words ``personnel information'':
``employment and performance management and awards''.
Delete ``management communications'' from the second sentence of
paragraph 1 after the words ``disclosure and * * *.'' Replace
``management communications'' with ``personnel delegations''.
Delete the first sentence from paragraph 2: ``Directs the
development and operation of SSA performance and employee awards
programs.''
Delete from the first sentence of paragraph 3: ``implement
policies and regulations''.
Add to the first sentence of paragraph 3: Develops
``policies'' and ``implementing guidance''.
Add the word ``all'' to the second sentence of paragraph 3
after the word ``processes'' and before the word ``personnel actions''.
Delete paragraph 6 in its entirety. Replace paragraph
6 with the following: ``Establishes and maintains the Official
Personnel Folders for SSA headquarters employees.''
Subchapter S7E
The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity
Section S7E.10 The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity--
(Organization)
Retitle to read as follows: ``The Office of Civil Rights and Equal
Opportunity, under the leadership of the Associate Commissioner, Office
of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity'', includes:
Retitle A., from ``The Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal
Opportunity (S7E)'' to ``The Associate Commissioner, Office of Civil
Rights and Equal Opportunity (S7E).''
Retitle B., from `` The Immediate Office of the Director, Office of
Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (S7E)'' to `` The Deputy Associate
Commissioner, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (S7E).''
Add:
C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner, Office of
Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (S7E).
D. The Center for Cultural Diversity (S7EC).
E. The Center for Complaints Processing (S7EE).
F. The Center for Disability Services (S7EG).
Section S7E.20 The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity--
(Functions)
Replace in its entirety as follows:
A. The Associate Commissioner, Office of Civil Rights and Equal
Opportunity (S7E) is directly responsible to the Deputy Commissioner,
Human Resources for carrying out OCREO's mission and for providing
general supervision to the major components of OCREO.
B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Civil Rights and
Equal Opportunity (S7E) assists the Associate Commissioner in carrying
out his/her responsibilities and performs other duties as the Associate
Commissioner prescribes.
C. The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner, Office of
Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (S7E) provides the Associate
Commissioner and Deputy Associate Commissioner with staff assistance on
the full range of their responsibilities.
D. The Center for Cultural Diversity (S7EC).
1. Provides leadership, direction and guidance to the headquarters
and field organizations in the formulating and implementing of SSA
policies, regulations and procedures pertaining to the development of
sound affirmative employment and equal opportunity programs. Approves,
on behalf of the Associate Commissioner, Office of Civil Rights and
Equal Opportunity, affirmative employment program plans prepared by
components and regions. Develops the overall SSA affirmative employment
program plan.
2. Develops guidelines and procedures for effective OCREO program
planning and monitoring throughout SSA. Develops recommendations on
affirmative
[[Page 68966]]
employment policy and operations for the Associate Commissioner for
Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity.
3. Conducts and coordinates studies or analyses of SSA's human
resources and operating policies and procedures to assess their EO
impact.
4. Develops and tracks SSA's major initiatives that relate to EO
and oversees their implementation.
5. Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates special recruitment
plans, programs and projects for targeted equal opportunity groups.
6. Provides office automation support.
7. Administers the Federal Women's Program, Asian Pacific American
Program, Hispanic Employment Program, Minority Concerns Program, and
the American Indian and Alaska Native Program.
8. Provides central operational responsibility for EO functions and
programs.
9. Administers the oversight of the EEO Advisory Groups.
E. The Center for Complaints Processing (S7EE)
1. Directs implementation and evaluation of the SSA Equal
Employment Opportunity (EO) Discrimination Complaints Program and
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program for both Headquarters and
the field. Provides advice, guidance and assistance to SSA officials
concerning the discrimination complaints process and related management
matters.
2. Provides leadership, guidance and direction in implementing SSA
policies, regulations and procedures pertaining to the timely,
accurate, fair and impartial processing of discrimination complaints
throughout the Headquarters and field organizations. Formulates SSA
policies, regulations and procedures pertaining to the EO
discrimination complaints process and ADR process.
3. Provides overall direction regarding all aspects of SSA's
discrimination complaints process and ADR process in order to ensure
uniformity in complaints handling, resolutions and dispositions.
Directs the preparation of guidelines on all complaints matters.
4. Receives and conducts inquiries and attempts resolution of
informal complaints of discrimination. Advises complainants of their
rights regarding the discrimination complaints process, ADR process and
other related processes.
5. Receives and acknowledges formal complaints of discrimination
and makes a determination whether to accept or dismiss the complaint/
issue(s). Conducts investigations and oversees the process.
6. Prepares final Agency decisions on complaints of discrimination
against SSA. Ensures compliance with any corrective or remedial action
directed by SSA, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or
any other agency having authority to so direct.
7. Develops litigation information and documentation for the Office
of the General Counsel and the United States Attorney's Office in
employment discrimination court suits filed against SSA. Prepares the
Agency's briefs for complaints appealed to EEOC. Also, responds to
interrogatories submitted in class complaints. Analyzes new and recent
court decisions, public laws and Federal regulations for their impact
on SSA complaints processing.
8. Directs special projects and studies of the various aspects of
SSA's nationwide discrimination complaints process and ADR process to
evaluate the overall effectiveness of the EO program. Directs the
analysis of trends observed during projects and studies and implements
new procedures as required.
9. Provides the authoritative interpretations on legal, regulatory
and technical information regarding discrimination complaints to SSA
management nationwide.
10. Reviews non-SSA EO issuances, EEOC and court decisions for
applicability to SSA policy statements. Develops instructions and
guidelines to transmit or implement EO policy decisions in SSA.
F. The Center for Disability Services (S7EG)
1. Provides program direction and guidance on a variety of issues
pertaining to reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities.
2. Evaluates and interprets policies and procedures and develops
and recommends a range of alternatives for the solution of policy
issues.
3. Directs and implements an SSA-wide program for providing
readers, sign language interpreters, personal assistants, specialized
equipment, assistive devices and selective placement.
4. Provides advice and assistance to all SSA components on agency-
wide goals and objectives regarding the equal employment of people with
disabilities throughout SSA.
5. Plans, conducts and coordinates multidisciplinary projects to
resolve EO problems of a broad scope and provides leadership in the
development of nationwide guidelines and/or policies and procedures
also having national implications.
6. Administers the Program for Employees with Disabilities.
Subchapter S7G
Office of Training
Section S7G.10 The Office of Training--(Organization):
The Office of Training under the leadership of the Associate
Commissioner, Office of Training (OT), includes:
Retitle A., from ``The Director, Office of Training (S7G)'' to
``The Associate Commissioner, Office of Training (S7G).''
Reletter B to C.
Retitle C, from ``The Immediate Office of the Director'' to ``The
Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner, Office of Training.''
Establish:
B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Training (S7G).
D. The Center for Employee and Leadership Development (S7GK).
E. The Center for Curricula Development and Delivery (S7GL).
F. The Center for Training Technology (S7GM).
Section S7G.20 The Office of Training--(Functions):
A. The Associate Commissioner, Office of Training (S7G) is directly
responsible to the Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources for carrying
out OT's mission and for providing general supervision to the major
component's of OT.
B. The Deputy Associate Commissioner, OT (S7G) assists the
Associate Commissioner in carrying out his/her responsibilities and
performs other duties as the Associate Commissioner may prescribe.
C. Replace in its entirety:
The Immediate Office of the Associate Commissioner, Office of
Training (S7G) provides the Associate Commissioner with staff
assistance on the full range of his/her responsibilities. It provides
the Associate Commissioner with administrative and technical staff
assistance. The Associate Commissioner's immediate administrative and
technical staff plan, direct, coordinate and administer the activities
relative to planning and executing budget activities. The staff
interprets OPM training policies and formulate SSA training policy and
procedures; maintains the Administration Instructions Manual System
related to training policy; acts as OT Liaison with the Office of
Personnel on such personnel matters as classification, position
management, staffing, recruitment, performance management, and awards;
and provides
[[Page 68967]]
overall support and coordination to the training function. Coordinate
travel, training and conference attendance for office staff.
D. Add:
The Center for Employee and Leadership Development (S7GK).
1. Manages SSA's national career and leadership development
programs from the highest executive levels of SSA managers (SES) to
programs for non-management employees.
2. Has Agency-wide responsibility for national training curriculum
to provide general skills training, including related developmental
activities for non-supervisory personnel.
3. Directs, designs, develops, implements, conducts and evaluates
all SSA supervisory, managerial and executive-level training for SSA's
newly promoted and seasoned managers.
4. Conducts ongoing research to identify the best approaches to
training in the areas of management, general, and systems-support
training and in the area of career development programs. Administers
contractor support.
5. Provides office automation support and consultant services for
all of OT, Deputy Commissioner's office and training classrooms.
6. Directs, designs, develops and implements training to support
Agency-wide computer software acquisitions, and administrative
initiatives.
E. Add:
Center for Curricula Development and Delivery (S7GL).
1. Manages the conversion and provision of training materials in
various delivery media; ensures accessibility of all training materials
for employees with disabilities.
2. Directs the design, development, implementation and evaluation
of disability related programmatic/technical training to meet the needs
of SSA direct-service employees and components Agency-wide and the
Disability Determination Services, including entry-level training. This
includes support for all Agency-wide Accelerated Electronic Disability
initiatives.
3. Directs the design, development, implementation and evaluation
of Title II Retirement, Survivors and Auxiliary and Medicare related
programmatic/technical training to meet the needs of SSA direct-service
employees and components Agency-wide, including entry-level training,
advanced training programs, and programmatic systems training.
4. Directs the design, development, implementation and evaluation
of Title XVI Supplemental Security Income related programmatic/
technical training to meet the needs of SSA direct-service employees
and components Agency-wide, including entry-level training programs,
advanced training programs, and programmatic systems training.
5. Develops guidelines and procedures to determine technical/
programmatic training needs in all areas of responsibility, and reviews
technical training programs Agency-wide.
6. Responsible for streamlining procedures for printing and
delivery of training course materials via E-print.
7. Initiates independent studies and analyses to anticipate and
identify new or changing programmatic or other training approaches in a
dynamic organizational environment, and designs, develops and
implements programs geared to new training delivery technologies and
approaches.
F. Add:
The Center for Training Technology (S7GM).
1. Directs, designs, develops and manages SSA's Interactive Video
Teletraining System for SSA employees and State DDSs.
2. Conducts ongoing research and evaluation to identify automated
technologies and training delivery methods (e.g., Interactive Video
Teletraining, internet and intranet, training to the desktop, etc.) and
instructional methodologies for application to training throughout SSA.
3. Monitors and evaluates Agency training and developmental
activities to ensure desired results and effects through the Training
Evaluation System.
4. Manages the evaluation and implementation of new technologies
and training methods such as the use of distance learning and training
to the desktop.
5. Manages special training initiatives such as the SSA Online
University, knowledge management, E-learning initiatives and training
administration.
6. Administers contractor support.
7. Manages office automation training efforts to provide basic LAN
user training, electronic course information training for client server
technology. Manages OT's training web site that includes a wide range
of topics and materials.
Subchapter T
The Office of the Strategic Officer
Add the SAC Code ``TJ'' to the subchapter heading, the Mission,
Organization, and Functions as follows:
Subchapter TJ
The Office of the Strategic Officer
Section TJ.00 The Office of the Chief Strategic Officer--(Mission):
Section TJ.10 The Office of the Chief Strategic Officer--
(Organization):
Section TJ.20 The Office of the Chief Strategic Officer--(Functions):
Delete from E, The Office of Workforce Analysis, the third sentence
from the end of the paragraph that reads: ``It develops, analyzes and
interprets workforce-forecasting data and projects future workforce
needs, including the types of skills and positions required.''
Dated: November 26, 2003.
Jo Anne B. Barnhart,
Commissioner of Social Security.
[FR Doc. 03-30546 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4191-02-P