Job Opportunities

Social Security is a program through which more than 90 percent of working Americans are building protection for themselves and their families against the reduction of income that comes with retirement, disability, or death.   The basic idea of the Social Security system is a simple one.  During working years, employees, their employers, and self-employed people pay Social Security taxes, which go into special trust funds.  Social Security benefits are paid from these benefits.

Because millions of Americans depend on the Social Security program, we are always looking for qualified people to help us accomplish our mission of serving the public's Social Security needs in the Kansas City Region (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska).  Of the many positions the Social Security Administration (SSA) has to offer, a substantial number of these fall into a category of jobs often referred to as "public contact" positions.  Claims specialists and customer service representatives are in this category.  SSA employees in these positions receive not only good opportunities for career growth, but also the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts contribute significantly in ensuring that beneficiaries receive their Social Security benefits in the right amount, at the right place, and at the right time.

If working behind the scenes is more to your liking, SSA offers a variety of positions more removed from the public eye.  Many of these jobs are in the claims examining area with job titles such as claims specialist, benefit authorizer, and disability examiner.  Employees in these positions are located in offices nationwide.   In addition, SSA has many computer positions in our Headquarters office in suburban Baltimore, Maryland and numerous law enforcement, attorney and Administrative Law Judge positions, throughout the country.

Career Entry into the SSA Family

SSA is eager to hire hard-working, resourceful, well-qualified people.  Most positions require a college degree or 3 years of progressively responsible experience or a combination of both.  The "How to Apply" section of this site provides information for applicants.  We will make every effort to give prompt consideration to all applicants.

Opportunities for Advancement

There are many career opportunities at SSA.   For example, an employee in a field office who takes and adjudicates claims from the public may move to a management position in that office or another location.   Field employees may relocate to a regional office or Headquarters to help develop national policy.  Those employees who do not wish to change work locations still have opportunities to move into progressively responsible positions, including higher-level management jobs at their site.  Employees are selected for promotion based on performance in their current job, their experience, awards they received, training that is determined to be relevant to the higher level position, and outside activities.  The size or our organization, coupled with the national scope of our program, ensures that there are opportunities for capable employees to have increasing amounts of responsibilities.

Employment Policy

Social Security is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation.