What I REALLY Think About SSA's "Extreme Makeover Career Edition"

From: Dejuliis, Ralph
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 2:39 PM
To: ^Human Resources Internal Communications
Subject: RE: "Extreme Makeover Career Edition" - INFORMATION

Do you think you could add in a part about grieving her mediocre appraisal which precludes Kim from being considered for a SQI or ROC?

Do you address what Kim should do if her mentor and her supervisor are in SSA's Leadership Development Program?

LDP employees are really committed to furthering their OWN career and often view those they mentor or supervise as stepping stones, at best, or obstacles, at worst, to their own career advancement. Being short-timers in every job, they don't fight for the employees under their wing. That always hurts in terms of training, career development, appraisals and awards.

Does Kim have to deal with supervisors who are hostile to women in the workplace, because of cultural conditioning or because it means more work for someone when Kim has to take off to have children and take care of children? What is Kim supposed to do when she is asked to sign for leave because she was late for an IVT broadcast but there was and is no one to bring the kids to day care and the day care just doesn't open earlier enough for her to drop the kids off AND be in the office by 8 am for the start of IVT training? THAT is certainly a roadblock on one's career: not sacrificing one's family for SSA. I hope you explain that SSA is a family-friendly workplace in name only, NOT in practice.

Do you think you should mention that if Kim is an employee of the Dallas Region, she has a special handicap? i.e., the Dallas Region would NOT rate any employee an OUTSTANDING (All 5s) as did the other Regions. That results in Kim having a significantly lower appraisal than applicants from other Regions.

Thank you for your consideration!

Ralph de Juliis, President
AFGE Local 2505

From: ^Human Resources Internal Communications
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2008 1:46 PM
Subject: "Extreme Makeover Career Edition" - INFORMATION


The Office of Personnel, Center for Employee Services has produced the new DVD Extreme Makeover Career Edition. In six chapters, each 10 minutes or less, watch a SSA employee, Kim, find her way at SSA. From learning about the Agency, to finding a mentor, to writing her KSAs, SSA 45 and Individual Development Plan, to preparing for an interview, the entire process is portrayed in a quick, fun and entertaining manner. Resources are given for more information on these topics. Five key SSA Executives are featured throughout, providing their own career advice. They include:
· William E. Gray, Deputy Commissioner for Systems
· Felicita Sola-Carter, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources
· Carolyn L. Simmons, Associate Commissioner for Central Operations
· Linda S. McMahon, Deputy Commissioner for Operations
· Reginald F. Wells, Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources
In an effort to reach all employees, this DVD is now available on the Office of Training's Video on Demand (VOD) website. You can choose to watch the full video (38 minutes) or watch a chapter at a time. For direct access, use the link below. http://training.ba.ssa.gov/vod/VODstartEXT.asp?VOD=00000008040203231984&Title=ReviewDate&Mode=1&Region=0

If you do not have access to VOD, please visit the CES Career Development website to request a copy of the DVD. You may also download “Discussion Questions” for use after watching this VOD with coworkers and staff members.

For further information, you may send an email to DCHR.OPE.CareerQuestions@ssa.gov.