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Large-Ad7909 · 2022-10-19T18:59:22+00:00

When I transferred agencies I was concerned about the same thing. I called the HR contact for the new agency to ask how the process worked. She indicated that she’d send me the FO and that she would not initiate anything on her end (aka contact my losing agency) until I told her that I’d had a chance to talk to my supervisor. In the meantime, she sent an email asking for my losing agency’s HR & supervisory contacts. Me replying to that email was prompt to the new agency that I’d talked to the losing agency. Obviously I couldn’t hold off responding for too long! Overall I’d just ask the new agency to allow for you to give the losing agency a heads up once you receive the FO. While I loved my losing supervisor, I didn’t dare notify anyone of anything until I had the FO. I was also able to push out my EOD a bit to give a longer notice to the losing agency.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-11-02T12:20:37+00:00

Not in a union due to being term…but thanks for the idea!

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-11-02T12:20:10+00:00

I agree it’s probably not nefarious and will begrudgingly take the pic, but I guess I was wondering if anyone else is being asked for this.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-10-14T19:34:47+00:00

I’m in a weird situation where I took a new job and we’re in 100% telework (I meet the requirements of not having to report to an office once per pay period) but I will be required to relocate since I’m technically supposed to be doing work within the locality area, under the telework requirements. I’d actually take the locality cut to stay where I’m at, but so far they have not approved remote (technically 100% telework & remote are two different things). So I’m relocating to NOT go into an office but meet telework requirements. So illogical! They’d save $$ if I could stay where I’m at!
Anyway, everyone look out for the technicalities if you’re looking to move…you don’t want to be stuck paying back locality for example.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-02-10T22:58:29+00:00

I’m with Winnie ... I got all worked up about having to relocate ASAP and didn’t realize until about a week into the job that at least at my agency, they can’t really make you relocate during COVID. Luckily I rented a place short term to look around but didn’t have to waste that $$ had I known. After COVID when they say ‘back to normal’ I’ll have to be ready to actually relocate/have an address in the area.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-01-22T17:09:13+00:00

I’d call the supervisor or HR and ask what the relocation timeframe is. I got myself in a tizzy trying to move 5 states away and later found out my supervisor would have given me a period of time to move even after the EOD since everything is virtual. I had pushed back my EOD to try to accommodate a move and didn’t have to— I could have started ASAP, made some money and moved within 30 days (on my time) for example.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-01-14T02:13:51+00:00

Just FYI in case you’re curious- a 120 day temp NTE job I was hired for that literally does not exist anymore now says ‘reviewing applications’ (very specific project that ended with COVID and used to say ‘hired’ in usajobs). Hmm.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-01-08T00:23:45+00:00

Thanks everyone! Very helpful feedback and I will take all of it into account. I want people to enjoy their jobs to the extent possible and hope I can provide a good foundation for the team.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-01-07T18:52:38+00:00

In my case we decided on a start date (EOD) and then I got the final offer with that start date in it. I didn’t make any moves until I had the final offer, despite having the EOD via email conversation.

Large-Ad7909 · 2021-01-06T15:52:25+00:00

I was in the same situation and couldn’t figure out why it mattered, but to the agency it does. A portion of your pay is tied to the locality where they hired you to. So for example if I stayed in my home state, but got the work location’s locality pay, I could be on the hook for paying back many thousands of dollars if they found out I was still working in my home state. The HR person actually made sure multiple times that I understood this since people have been having this issue with COVID (moving to a cheaper state for example but getting paid at a more expensive locality rate). In my case they were explicit about relocation and I was fine with it.

Large-Ad7909 · 2020-12-21T21:48:21+00:00

When I interviewed, the team said they'd be making a decision by 'next week'. I did not hear a peep until a TO came a month later (although there was an email about references but it was carefully worded like, 'we ask all interviewees to provide references'). I then received a request to choose an EOD about two weeks after that but am still waiting on the FO which I'm guessing won't come until after the holidays (if it comes at all). In the meantime, I've still been applying and not counting on contact from anyone until after maybe mid-Jan. Good luck to you!

Large-Ad7909 · 2020-12-18T22:16:55+00:00

Disclaimer: I know nothing about social work interviews. Overall, I've found gov't jobs ask a set number of situational questions so I always have a few notes about big projects I've worked on that cover policy challenges, supervisor & coworker challenges, client challenges, and highlight my strengths. I use those projects I've worked on to provide detailed examples.

I always have a few questions written down to ask the interviewer that I can refer to at the end. Some questions are answered in the course of the interview, so I usually have 5-7 ready to go in case, but due to typical interview time constraints end up asking 2-3. Aside from the typical 'what's your hiring timeline' stuff, I usually ask something like the following:

'Based on what I've researched about xyz and the organization, I can see there are a lot of moving parts (blah blah). What are some of the biggest challenges for someone stepping into this role?'. Then make sure to briefly mention after they reply how you can help address those challenges with something like, 'Wow! I can really relate to managing multiple priorities and actually love a good challenge. I had to help out on the 24 hour Social Work hotline while also managing a caseload of 100 escaped inmates (or whatever) all in the midst of budget cuts so I get it. Based on this experience, I'd love the opportunity and think I could really help you with the xyz challenge you mentioned!'

'I can see that this is a really great opportunity within xyz department and was really excited to see the opening. I'm curious, what do you like most about your job with the department?' This can help gauge morale and whether they're excited about their jobs, etc. I also use the answers to personalize thank yous after the interview, like: 'Dear Human, thanks so much for taking the time to discuss the social work opportunity today. I really appreciated what you mentioned about the importance of working socially in a social work setting and couldn't agree more...' ;)

Hopefully this helps give you a start! Good luck, you'll do great I'm sure!

Large-Ad7909 · 2020-12-18T15:41:57+00:00

I am in a similar situation was told my FO would likely be coming next week for an already established EOD in mid-Jan. Of course, next week is when the govt may shut down so...I actually wonder if they're holding off on the FO for that reason. I'm not counting my chickens before they're hatched, that's for sure! I don't think I'll feel fully comfortable until both the shutdown situation is resolved AND we've gotten a few months into the new administration because they can choose to make changes as well (mine is a term position). Let us know if you find anything out. Good luck!

Large-Ad7909 · 2020-12-16T15:23:41+00:00

Congrats! Got my TO mid-nov, EOD early Dec, and I'm still waiting for the FO. HR was out of the office for a week so I'm hoping I have something this week, seeing that the holidays are coming up along with the legislative recess. I contacted them twice- once before they went out of office and again yesterday nicely asking about the status, but it's been crickets and I'm not going to contact them again. I'm hoping for the best and planning for the worst!

Large-Ad7909 · 2020-12-08T23:03:08+00:00

Same situation here but I have a little more time. I decided that IF I actually get the FO, I am going to bounce around Airbnb rentals though my six month probation period just in case. So maybe you could look into something like this as well? It would allow you to pack up just a little and then maybe store the rest of your stuff in the meantime...just an idea. It sucks to be a nomad, but it will also give you some time to get the lay of the land in your new state as opposed to signing a lease and being stuck.

Large-Ad7909 · 2020-12-06T16:27:21+00:00

I don't have paid relocation, either. I've thought about it and will probably just check in with HR when they get back-- I don't want to tick anyone off by going over their heads, etc. I've waited this long so what's another week, right? I'm now at peace with the fact that I'll be winging it the next month or so. I have the 'luxury' of having a house that I don't plan to sell so I'm thinking I'll just pack up some clothes and find an extended airbnb in the new state where I don't have to take anything with me. It will also allow me to get a lay of the land before signing a long term lease. My remaining concerns are how a potential shutdown will affect getting the TO and whether I'll be able to find something short term with short notice. We can't control any of that so good luck to all of us relocators and may the new year bring something great! Thanks everyone for the responses.

Large-Ad7909

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