Direct Hire Authority

What is Direct Hire Authority?

Direct Hire Authority (DHA) is an appointing authority that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) can give to Federal agencies for filling vacancies when a critical hiring need or severe shortage of candidates exists. DHA is the most effective tool for Federal agencies to quickly hire qualified applicants by allowing Federal agencies more flexibility in the hiring process.

DHA enables an agency to hire, after public notice is given, any qualified applicant without regard to 5 U.S.C. 3309-3318, 5 CFR part 211, or 5 CFR part 337, subpart A.

With DHA, Social Security is free to hire any qualified applicant without regard to the normal rating and ranking process, Veterans' preference, or the highest-scoring applicants. Any applicant who meets the minimum qualification requirements may be selected.

How can I apply to open Direct Hire Authority positions?

Step 1: Visit USAJobs

Visit our USAJOBS page to find open Direct Hire Authority positions you are interested in.

Step 2: Create a USAJobs account (if you don’t have one)

Follow the instructions on the USAJOB’s How To page to create your account or log in if you already have one.

Step 3: Create and prepare your Resume

You can build a resume in USAJOBS or upload a resume that you already have. When preparing your resume, be sure to detail your qualifications for the position and ensure the following information is included:

• Name.
• Telephone number.
• Email address.
• Work experience.
• Educational background.

Review USAJOBS for further information on how to build a resume and what to include in your federal resume.

Step 4: Apply to our Open Positions

Read the full job announcement and follow the instructions to apply. To begin your application, select the “Apply” button. Follow the instructions to complete and submit your application.

You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your application was submitted.

What happens next?

Step 1: Agency Review

Social Security will review your application to ensure you meet the requirements for the position. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package.

Step 2: Interviews

If you are considered qualified for the position, Social Security may reach out to you to schedule an interview.

Step 3: Tentative Job Offer

After your interview is complete, Social Security will verify your minimum qualifications and, if selected, will extend a tentative job offer.

Step 4: Background Investigation

Once the tentative offer is accepted, Social Security will start the background investigation process. You will receive further instructions from Social Security on how to complete this process or if you need to submit any documents.

Step 5: Official Job Offer

The job offer is final when Social Security successfully completes the background investigation. Social Security will contact you directly to set up a start date.