STATEMENT OF INTEREST
SOX 2010
Position: Program Associate Sox
Office/Component: Social Security Administration
Please explain why you are interested in the SOX Program and what you would like to accomplish if selected:
I am interested in participating in the SOX Program as I believe that it will contribute a lot to my growth, both personally and professionally. I believe that it is a great opportunity for self-improvement, which will also allow me to do better at my job. This will allow me to provide a better quality of service not only to my direct supervisors but also to the many people I come in contact with everyday. In addition, I believe that this will help me in my pursuit of a career as a Claims Representative.
As documented in my resume, it is evident that I am a person who accords great importance to learning and education. I have always tried to excel in my academics. While completing my degree in BS Accounting at DeVry University, I was a consistent Dean's Lister and graduated with a GPA of 3.85/4.0. I was also ranked #5 among 710 college teams and was ranked #1 among DeVry University teams in a business strategy competition within the global market place. In addition, I was an active member of the MUETA Chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society for outstanding adult learners. As indicated in my resume, I also have a master’s degree in Accounting and am currently pursuing a post graduate degree in Government Management Emphasis. Needless to say, I love to learn and I believe that participating in the SOX Program will be a great learning opportunity for me.
I have also had an extensive work experience in the government, lending, construction, and restaurant industries where I was responsible for various administrative tasks. These included the processing of mortgage and customer loan submissions and approvals; project tracking, subcontractor administration and licensing, property appraisals, and project evaluations for the residential construction business; and providing a high level of support for Social Security beneficiaries. In addition, I had the opportunity to manage a team of ten or more restaurant personnel where I was also responsible for staffing, retention, and development.
In my current job as a Legal Assistant for the Social Security Administration, I am assigned to the Administrative Law Judge where I work on a minimum of 30 disability cases every month where I prepare them for court hearings. I also constantly communicate with the judge, lawyers, schools, doctors, hospitals, and correctional facilities via mail, telephone, and/or email.
In addition, I had the opportunity of being selected for a four-week project to clear an extensive backlog in the hearing office. In this project, I reviewed CDs; ensured the accuracy of information; distributed records to customers and attorneys; and notified customers about the time and place of hearings. I was also able to participate in a panel to learn about OTS component updates and address concerns from employees regarding program policies and equipment/systems. I have been a recipient of numerous complimentary customer calls because of the high levels of customer satisfaction that resulted from the professional service that I was able to provide. Moreover, I was one of the few SSA employees to have received performance recognition during their probationary period where mine was in August 2009.
My performance appraisals also reflect the high quality of service that I provide. I have consistently exceeded expectations. For example, most judges have two legal assistants. However, I’m the only legal assistant for the judge I work for as management says that I am capable of completing all of the work on time and with good quality by myself. In addition, although the requirement is to prepare only 30 cases every month, I am able to complete two or three times as many.
I have also constantly demonstrated that I am capable of handling multiple workloads without losing my focus. As my superior commented, I am dependable, always available, a fast learner, and am more than a hundred percent dedicated to my work. I always make sure to complete my work in the proper manner and never hesitate to approach my superior for any questions or concerns. I am open to feedback and corrections. I am also flexible with my work assignments and take great pleasure in knowing that I am able to help. I get along well with my superiors and coworkers and I make sure that I always come to work with a positive energy and that I have a productive day every day.
With all these qualifications, I believe that I am able to meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position. I also feel strongly about providing services for the public and would like to be a part of this endeavor by the institution. In addition, as the SSA serves as the “face of the government” to the public, I believe that I can contribute a lot to furthering this cause in terms of being an agency that the public can rely on.
I understand that if I am selected, I will be expected to take one or more developmental assignments. I understand that if I am required to travel, I will be reimbursed in accordance with
Federal travel regulations
Although selection for the program is competitive, I understand that it is not a promotional program and that no permanent promotion is guaranteed. I understand that I will receive a temporary promotion into the Social Insurance Specialist position for one year. At the conclusion of this program, I understand that I will be returned to my permanent position.
I understand if I am currently in a part-time tour of duty, I may be converted to a full-time tour of duty during my SOX assignment. At the end of the assignment I will be converted back to my original tour of duty.
