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: Prepare Your Resume

Prepare your resume, detailing your qualifications for the position. Be sure to include the following information in your resume:

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

Review USAJOBS for further information on what to include in your federal resume.

Step 2: Apply to our Open Positions

Visit our Open Positions page to find a position you are interested in.

Your resume and any documents submitted may be used to make selections. Furthermore, your application may be used to fill the same or similar positions in another office within the commuting area.

What happens next?

Step 1: Agency Review

Social Security will review your application to ensure you meet the requirements for the position before moving forward with an interview.

Step 2: Interviews

If you are considered qualified for the position, Social Security will 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 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.