Support

Social Security has many diverse responsibilities that require a variety of support positions. These interesting positions include planning and organizing, and oral and written communication skills. These positions are often used as entry-level for a variety of fields that can lead to later highly-specialized career areas that support the mission. Positions in support areas will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills while making future decisions about your career. You will make a difference even in the early stages of your career!

In support areas, variety is key to your learning experience -- you can become involved in many different kinds of assignments from the very technical to key support roles in customer service. As one of the largest federal agencies, we have the variety of challenges you may be looking for!

Support positions exist throughout our locations, including Headquarters in Baltimore, the regional offices, and field locations across the country.

Types of support positions vary across all of our components. They may include staff assistants, executive assistants, management analysts, budget analysts, information technology specialists, legal assistants, paralegal specialists, and service representatives. Many entry-level support positions begin at the GS-5, GS-7 or GS-9 grade levels. Some positions such as Management Analyst and Staff Assistant can progress from the GS-5 through GS-13 grade levels. Grade level is determined by several factors including the difficulty and complexity of work assignments, the technical nature of the work, and the level of supervision needed.

Minimum levels of educational requirements vary depending on the position. Review postings carefully for qualification requirements. Prior work experience is often not required, but can enhance qualifications for entry-level positions. Many positions require a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent of work experience in business. New employees receive on-the-job and classroom training.

Support positions cross all fields of expertise and are great career opportunities to grow and enhance your exposure to a new career field. We typically look for candidates with the following skills and/or work experience:

Strong oral and written communication skills

Analytical skills with strong attention to detail

Organizational skills

Specialized skills related to the specific organization and position being filled

Compensation levels for our challenging support positions are very competitive with private industry. Our compensation packages recognize your skills gained through both work experience and academic accomplishments.

Many entry-level support positions begin at the GS-5, GS-7 or GS-9 grade levels. Some positions such as Management Analyst and Staff Assistant can progress from the GS-5 through GS-13 grade levels. Grade level is determined by several factors including the difficulty and complexity of work assignments, the technical nature of the work, and the level of supervision needed. New employees receive on-the-job and classroom training, and perform the technical functions of their areas of interest.

Grade levels for each available position are posted in the vacancy announcements on the www.ssa.usajobs.gov site. To compare salaries at different grades or Locality Pay Areas, go to the General Schedule and Locality Pay section by clicking on this link: Salaries & Wages.

Many support positions lead to professional positions within the same field. Employees can advance to become team leaders, managers, and senior executives as they gain valuable experience and leadership skills. Large numbers of former support employees have fully expanded their careers by moving into positions of higher responsibility within our many agency components.