[blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
Ronza Othman
rothmanjd at gmail.com
Mon Oct 29 14:13:31 UTC 2012
Hi,
I'm happy to help if I can. Anyone interested in tips or tricks beyond what
I share below is welcome to message me privately.
I earned a BA in Philosophy and a BS in Biological Sciences from a very
small Catholic university in Chicago. I attended DePaul University and
earned a Masters in Public Services Management with a concentration in
Healthcare Administration, and I attended DePaul University College of Law
where I earned my JD. I received a job offer to work in the county
prosecutor's office post-law school during my last year of law school, but
the county went broke, and I found out a few weeks before I was to sit for
the Bar that they had to rescind all offers for new people. So I drifted a
little bit, taking whatever jobs I could find, including working as an
attorney investigator for a pseudo-federal agency (which means a federal
judge stood up this office on a temporary basis to investigate and
adjudicate employment discrimination claims for a class action). I got that
job by simply sending an email with my resume and cover letter after seeing
an ad for it on my law school's career office website. I also worked for a
law firm for a bit, eventually managing the suburban branch, and then I
struck out on my own. Meanwhile, I was handling immigration cases, both for
the law firm and when I hung my own shingle, and I was having great success
against USCIS and ICE. That drew some attention to me as an Arab American
Muslim who was finding the systemic discrimination in DHS programs. I also
networked, networked, networked.
One day, I had a conversation with Joann Wilson from NFB, who asked me about
my future plans. I confided that I wasn't big on managing my own law
practice and thought I'd prefer to work for a nonprofit or government agency
so I could have greater impact. She offered to introduce me to a friend of
hers, who was the head of the civil rights office at DHS. It turned out
that he had heard of me because of the litigation I'd been working on in
Chicago, but he offered to conduct an informational interview with me the
next time I was in DC thanks to Joann's introduction. I took him up on the
offer, and when a position opened up, I applied for it. I was ready to go
Schedule A, but they ended up processing my application for that job
competitively. It took well over a year from initial application until I
got my start date, but that was in part because I had to obtain a security
clearance for the job.
I stayed a few years, but I needed a change. I saw a vacancy announcement
on this list for another federal position - actually Scott LaBarre posted
it. That same day, I sent out my resume and cover letter to the Disability
Employment Program Manager, and I had my first phone interview later that
afternoon for that position. Several others on this list were also
interviewed for that position, I later learned. I was brought in for an
in-person interview, and I got the job. They used Schedule A for this
position.
Since then, I've applied using Schedule A maybe 7 times, and I've
interviewed for 5 positions and have received 3 offers. These have been
with various Agencies, including SBA, SSA, Education, HUD, and the DOJ.
In my work, I also attend conferences on hiring individuals with
disabilities. For example, there is an annual conference for federal
agencies called the Perspectives on Hiring Individuals with Disabilities
Federal Conference each fall in Washington. It basically teaches agencies
how to use Schedule A and other hiring authorities like the Workforce
Recruitment Program (like Schedule A but for current students and recent
graduates), in addition to resources for providing reasonable acommodations
and strategies for retention. That is where I've met the hundreds of
Schedule A hires, and I've maintained contact with many of them. Also, the
disability community in Washington is small, so a lot of us know one
another. We turn up at conferences, workshops, balls, and just randomly
riding the metro or Marc trains.
My experience is that the range in age for those hired using Schedule A is
all over the place. Since it can be used to hire for pretty much any
position, it isn't true that most hires are entry-level. I know Schedule A
folks who are attorneys, accountants, actuaries, nurses, education
specialists, transportation specialists, managers, HR folks, and on and on.
I can't say I know very many in law enforcement though - but then again
those folks are less likely to share that they have a disability, or their
disabilities are likely to be hidden rather than obvious.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Ronza
-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Daniel
McBride
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 10:01 AM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
Ronza:
Would you share with us your personal success story? Where did you attend
undergraduate school and law school? From the time you were licensed to
practice, how long was it before your Schedule A hire? In which agency, and
in what capacity was the hire?
You mention "hundreds" of Schedule A success stories in your area. I
believe you do not mean hundreds of blind lawyers. Of these success
stories, what type of disabilities are involved? With which agencies, and
in what capacity, are these people finding success with Schedule A?
Also, including yourself and the hundreds of others, what would you estimate
the age demographics to be. I know several of us curious about this matter
are in our late 50s to early 60s. Thanks a bunch.
Dan McBride, Attorney
Fort Worth, Texas
-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ronza
Othman
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2012 8:25 AM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
Hi Will,
I am a Schedule A "success story" myself, and I know at least two dozen in
my Agency alone. I'd say overall, I probably know of several hundred
individuals with disabilities who've been hired using Schedule A. But I
live and interact in the Washington DC area, so I can't say how effective
such programs are outside of the headquarters area. I do know folks who've
been hired in the regions, but since the majority of feds work in DC, I'd
say I'm more familiar with success in that area. In addition, different
federal agencies have different protocols for implementing Schedule A, so I
can't say each agency takes advantage of Schedule A in the same way.
Regards,
Ronza
-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of William T.
Miller
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 4:44 PM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
Sounds familiar. I don't feel entitled to noncompetitive status, but please
spare me the dangling carrot. I'm curious to know if anyone on the list is
aware of any Schedule A success stories -- I'd love to find out that my
skepticism regarding the program is unwarranted.
Will Miller
-----Original Message-----
From: Alcidonis Law Office [mailto:attorney at alcidonislaw.com]
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2012 12:13 AM
To: Blind Law Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
As I said, it is just a joke. Long ago I stopped wasting my time with
so-called schedule A coordinators. One of them pretty much admitted to me:
"I don't think I am still the coordinator though." Really? And your name is
on the government's website?
I also don't see what the heck they are coordinating if they have applicants
send resume to their attentions and the applicant just never receives even
an acknowledgement of receipt.
Rod
-----Original Message-----
From: Deepa Goraya
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 11:49 PM
To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
Many Schedule A coordinators don't even return calls or emails. I have tried
contacting some of them.
-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Alcidonis
Law Office
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 4:25 PM
To: Blind Law Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
Some of the schedule A coordinators don't even know they hold that title.
The whole thing is a joke.
Rod
-----Original Message-----
From: Angie Matney
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 5:41 PM
To: Blind Law Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
Hello Will:
Jobs filled through schedule a do not have to be (but may be) advertized. I
guess you could contact the agency you're interested in and see if there are
openings. This page has more information:
http://www.opm.gov/disability/mngr_3-13.asp
I don't know how well this theoretically great program works in practice.
Angie
On 10/18/12, Daniel McBride <dlmlaw at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> Will:
>
> Not only do I find the Schedule A Federal program somewhat suspect, I
> am curious about the complete absence of Schedule A type programs at
> the state and local levels.
>
> I have been practicing criminal law for 29 years; 3 years as a
> prosecutor and the remainder in defense. The local DA's office is
> quite familiar with me and my abilities. However, my efforts to gain
> employment with them do not receive the time of day. I have no doubt
> but that their stated EEOC policy is mere form lacking any substance.
>
> I cannot agree more with the posts entered since Ross' apology.
>
> Dan McBride, Attorney
> Fort Worth, Texas
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
> William T.
> Miller
> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 1:41 PM
> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
> Subject: [blindlaw] binders = Schedule A? (a nonpartisan question)
>
> Theoretically there is a process similar to the "binders" mentioned in
> the last presidential debate: Schedule A. I'm curious if this list
> feels that schedule A is an effective process? My understanding of
> Schedule A is that disabled candidates for federal positions can post
> for jobs before they are posted publicly and, if qualified, the hiring
> manager may hire them noncompetitively. However, I don't understand
> how disabled job candidates are supposed to know of potential jobs
> before they are posted to the public.
> If disabled candidates have no way of knowing what Schedule A
> opportunities exists, then how can he or she take advantage of the
> program? I'm definitely no expert on this topic, so if anyone on the
> list can correct me and explain how one applies for a specific
> position as a Schedule A candidate, please enlighten me.
> Thank you,
>
> Will Miller
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Daniel K. Beitz [mailto:dbeitz at wiennergould.com]
> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 12:54 PM
> To: 'Blind Law Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [blindlaw] "Question" Posting
>
> I didn't see anything wrong with the post.
>
> -------------------------------------------
> Daniel K. Beitz
> Wienner & Gould, P.C.
> 950 University Dr., Ste. 350
> Rochester, MI 48307
> Phone: (248) 841-9405
> Fax: (248) 652-2729
> dbeitz at wiennergould.com
> This email transmission and any documents, files or previous email
> messages attached to it may contain confidential information that is
> legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient or the
> individual responsible for delivering this email to the intended
> recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or
> distribution or use of any of the information contained herein or
> attached to this email is strictly prohibited. Should you receive
> this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying
> to the sender of this email or by telephoning us at (248) 841-9400.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindlaw [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ross
> Doerr
> Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2012 12:45 PM
> To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List
> Subject: [blindlaw] "Question" Posting
>
> Hello List:
>
> I am the one who posted the "question" about why disabled job seekers
> aren't being asked for binders full of their resumes to get more of
> "us" into the workplace. It was my blatant reference to a comment made
> during the presidential debate.
>
> In view of the on list and off list reprimands I have received about
> the posting, I feel that I should go onto the list and apologize for
> posting what is, as it has been pointed out to me repeatedly, an off
> topic message.
>
> I had thought that, in view of the underlying unemployment issues
> that face those of us on the list, and those of us who regularly post
> job listings, such as myself and Noel Nightengale, that an idea to
> improve the employment situation would be net with some positive
> thought provocation.
>
> Since I was wrong, I apologize to the list as a whole for my off
> topic posting. It will not happen again.
>
> Ross A. Doerr Attorney at law
>
>
>
>
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