Hiring People with Disabilities

People with disabilities may be considered for employment with the Social Security Administration through the competitive hiring process or the Selective Placement Program.

What is the Selective Placement Program?

The Selective Placement Program is a special employment program that is designed to assist qualified individuals with disabilities to obtain employment consistent with their level of skills and abilities.

If you meet the knowledge, skills and abilities requirements of the position for which you are considered, you may be offered a direct appointment by us without having to go through the normal competitive hiring procedures.

Requirements for the Selective Placement Program

To qualify for this program, you must have a severe physical or mental disability and be certified for job fitness by a State Rehabilitation Agency, the Department of Veterans Affairs, any Federal or State agency who administers disability benefits, or a physician. The Social Security Administration will provide necessary, reasonable accommodations to ensure that people with disabilities may successfully perform the duties of the position for which they are hired.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. A letter certifying your job readiness from a medical professional, licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist or any Federal or State agency that issues disability benefits.
   
   The letter should:
   • State you are familiar with the work site and any accommodations,
   • State you are familiar with the job duties,
   • State that in the professional’s judgment, you have physical and other abilities needed to perform the job duties without hazard to self or others,
   • Include a narrative statement that documents:
     • Your ability to do the job based on training, education, and previous job performance,
     • Recommendations for job modifications, if any,
     • Recommendations for work site modifications, if needed,
     • Your limitations that would affect work in the job situation,
     • Other information that would help assure a successful job placement.
2. Provide a letter certifying your disability from a medical professional, licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal State agency that issues disability benefits.
   
   The letter should:
   • State thoroughly the nature and extent of the disability in layperson’s terms,
   • Specifically describe the disability; general terms such as limited or severe are not adequate.
3. Detailed resume describing education and prior work experience.
4. Complete the Standard Form 256, Self-Identification of Handicap.
5. Please indicate geographic areas you are willing to work within our four-state region (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri).

Please mail application material to:

Social Security Administration
Center for Human Resources, RM 501
PST, Selective Placement Coordinator
601 E. 12 St.
Kansas City MO  64106