IARP Social Security Vocational Experts (SSVE) Section Board
Eligible voters: Individual Professional members of the association who are members of the Social Security Vocational Experts (SSVE) Section.
Position and Candidate(s)
Chair-Elect
Michelle Aliff
Member-at-Large
Debbie Civils
Todd Harden
Sara Statz
Chair-Elect
Michelle Aliff
Describe your qualifications for the position
I have been an SSVE for 4 years and have served as Member at Large on the board for this past term. I have been in the field of vocational rehabilitation since my undergraduate years. My background is vocational rehabilitation and forensics work as well as teaching in a Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling program. I believe this uniquely suits me to fill the position of Member at Large, specifically Education. I am an active member the Listserv and believe on continual updating of one’s knowledge base.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
I hope to continue the white paper to further our cause of setting a standard level of qualifications for our field, not just SSVE’s. I believe it is very important during these times to have a standard level of qualifications to ensure the integrity of those that are directly impacted by our services and for the integrity of the profession. I also believe that focusing on the independent and unbiased nature of our expert testimony is vital and question whether a regional or national vendor could allow for vocational experts to remain independent and unbiased. I also hope to see the mentoring program continue to grow as we continue to push for standard credentials and high levels of professionalism.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
My vision for IARP is to continue to grow and expand our professional reach. I would like to see us grow our member ranks as we educate those who may not understand the importance of belonging to a professional organization. I would like to see us continue to reach out to relevant professional organizations to increase our influence. By partnering with other professionals in our field we can increase the quality of services provided and the stature of our profession. I would also love to see continued collaboration amongst members in the form of mentoring, projects and research that assist all of us in being the best vocational experts possible.
Member-at-Large
Debbie Civils
Describe your qualifications for the position
Since graduating with a Masters’ in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1991 I have worked in non-profit and private rehabilitation settings to provide professional services which include counseling, job development, job placement, vocational and evaluations as well as expert opinions. I have provided Vocational Expert services since 2011 and have worked to enhance my knowledge base through participation in many continuing education seminars and conferences.
Through my twenty-five years of experience I’ve worked diligently to expand my knowledge base in the areas of counseling and guidance, all aspects of disability, and administration of various psychometric testing, assessment, analysis and application of transferable skills, placement of individuals with disabilities into appropriate jobs, development of appropriate training plans and the use of government publications.
I have been actively involved in leadership positions with the Alabama Chapter of IARP since 2002 serving as a Board member, Secretary, and President. As well I served on the annual Seminar Planning Committee for the Alabama Chapter for several years and the 2011 IARP Conference Committee.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
I hope to contribute ideas that will assist with the SSVE Board’s mission to ensure Vocational Experts who are extended contracts from SSA are highly qualified professionals who desire to further their knowledge and experience so they will be able to provide competent testimony and opinions in hearings. I also want to help the SSVE Board continue their efforts to secure adequate compensation for professional services provided to SSA. I want the SSVE members to understand the importance of continuing the Board’s efforts through financially supporting the lobbyists. I am enthusiastic, energetic and determined to assist the SSVE Board with continuing the fight for qualified Vocational Experts as well as securing fair compensation for those willing to meet the standards necessary to provide impartial opinions in Social Security hearings.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
I would like to see IARP continue to develop a stronger presence in the development of public policy affecting rehabilitation in the private sector. It is imperative we have a strong representation for our members to protect our profession as we move forward. We need to encourage our members to continue to pursue excellence through active participation in continuing education endeavors and research. Our members represent a wide variety of professionals with varying degrees of experience and knowledge. We have the ability to impact our profession in many positive ways. Now is the time to encourage and support the continued efforts of IARP and the SSVE Board.
Todd Harden
Describe your qualifications for the position
I have provided SSVE testimony for over 13 years as a part of my private practice, which also includes contract work for the Department of Labor, forensic vocational and life care planning. I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, a Certified Life Care Planner and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I served as an IARP Member Recognition Committee Member in 2015 and 2016 as well as a Standards and Compliance Committee Member in 2016 for the Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services section. I currently serve on the Texas board as member-at-large and interim secretary.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
During this time of uncertainty regarding how SSA utilizes Vocational Experts, my goal is to protect the independence and professionalism of the SSVE. I will work toward educating relevant government officials concerning the appropriate minimum Vocational Expert qualifications required by other government programs, educational settings and private industry, and why those qualifications are vital to the professional and “expert” nature of testimony in Social Security hearings. I will also stress the independent nature of expert testimony and question how a national or regional “employer of VE’s” could impact this independence. I will strive to keep IARP SSVEs informed concerning changes or potential changes to the SSVE and encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns with the committee. I will investigate how to best reach SSVEs who are not IARP members and encourage them to join our organization, become informed and active in their profession.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
I would like to see IARP grow in membership. I believe our organization must develop an aggressive marketing plan to reach unengaged professionals in all specialty sections, demonstrating the benefits of aligning with the high-quality membership we possess. I would like IARP to continue to offer relevant, high quality, and cost-effective education and training programs that meet the needs of members. I believe that the IARP mentoring program is a very important and would like to see the program further encouraged and expanded, reaching out to university rehabilitation programs as well as experienced rehabilitation professionals working in a wide variety of roles. I believe that a membership diverse in special knowledge, and experience, along with an exciting mixture of younger professionals and members with a wealth of experience will result in healthy, vibrant and strong organization.
Sara Statz
Describe your qualifications for the position
Over the last year and a half, I have served as a Vocational Expert with several offices. During this time, I noticed there was a huge difference in not only how testimony is performed, but also how our BPA is administered in other areas. While I am still new in the field I hope that my perspective as a new Vocational Expert will bring fresh ideas to the Board to effectively advocate for our field and welcome new VE’s into this unique field of practice.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?
My hope is to give Vocational Experts at large a voice to ensure everyone’s needs are addressed and heard. It is difficult for many experts to feel as if they are a part of something and my aim is to form an inclusive, welcoming area for SSVE’s to discuss their concerns, ideas, and thoughts. A fee increase is first and foremost on most people’s minds, of this will continue to be a priority and with others to fight for this increase will be paramount. Additionally, I believe a course should be developed with the help and immeasurable knowledge of our current VE’s to assist new Experts in their work. An increase in training new VE’s will not only help new professionals in their but also show that our field is indispensable to the hearing process.
What is your vision for IARP during your term?
IARP is and will continue to be a great tool for Vocational Experts, my vision is that IARP not only to provide its invaluable discussion boards but also increase membership to welcome even more Vocational Experts into the fold. With a rise in numbers also will come an increase in lobbying power to advocate for an increase in VE fees as well as a way to increase training to new VE’s.