Organization, functions, and authority delegations: Communications Office et al.,

[Federal Register: August 3, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 148)]

[Notices]

[Page 41315]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr03au98-123]

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority

This statement amends part T of the Statement of the Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority, which covers the Social Security Administration (SSA). Chapter TE covers the Deputy Commissioner for Communications. Notice is given that Chapter TE, the Office of Communications is being amended to reflect the establishment of subordinate components within the Office of External Affairs (TEG) and the abolishment of the Office of National Affairs (TEE).

The changes are as follows:

Section TE.10 Office of Communications--(Organization):

Delete:

F. The Office of National Affairs (TEE).

Reletter:

``G'' to ``F''.

F. The Office of External Affairs (TEG).

Establish:

1. The Office of National Communications (TEGA).

2. The Office of Regional Communications and Community Affairs (TEGB).

   Section TE.20 The Office of Communications--(Functions):

   Delete:

   F. The Office of National Affairs (TEE) in its entirety.

   Reletter:

   ``G'' to ``F''.

   F. The Office of External Affairs (TEG).

   Establish:

1. The Office of National Communications (TEGA).

   1. Oversees the monitoring of plans, administrative and policy proposals, and work products of other SSA components in headquarters and the regions to assess their impact on institutions, public and private organizations and special interest groups.

   2. Initiates short- and long-range projects or assignments of substantial importance to the Office of Communications. The projects are initiated to solve problems resulting from adverse impacts of SSA programs and program service delivery on special groups or the general public.

   3. Provides leadership in advising agency component management on the interests of groups and organizations and their potential reaction to administrative and policy proposals and work products.

   4. Identifies techniques and strategies that assist in implementing SSA's Communication Plan initiatives; analyzes and identifies target markets; plans, promotes, and distributes ideas, products and services to create exchanges that satisfy customer and organizational goals.

   5. Plans, directs and implements a program designed to develop and preserve working relationships with a wide variety of national organizations, special interests and advocacy groups in order to secure understanding, cooperation and acceptance of SSA programs, policies and procedures.

   6. Provides overall direction in the development of a liaison program with national special interest and advocacy groups through their leaders to elicit their concerns and reactions to SSA initiatives.

2. The Office of Regional Communications and Community Affairs (TEGB).

   1. Directs the design and development of SSA's regional external affairs program, including liaison with outside groups and organizations; Federal/State interface; and preparation and dissemination of information through the media.

   2. Develops national communication strategies for use in disseminating information through the ten Regional Public Affairs Officers (RPAO) who report to the Office Director. Assures that field office and other personnel in the regions speak with one voice on matters related to public affairs.

   3. Serves as SSA liaison to the greater Baltimore community through contacts with community leaders, private businesses and local government agencies and ensuring that their opinions and expectations are relayed to the Agency. Represents SSA on boards of Federal and local agencies, and communicates with the appropriate offices of major businesses, the Mayor, County Executives and the Governor.

   4. Develops and implements plans for expansion of a model community relations program which involves White House and Domestic Policy Council issues.

   Dated: July 17, 1998. Paul D. Barnes, Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources.

   [FR Doc. 98-20555Filed7-31-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4190-29-P