98-20555. Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 41315]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-20555]


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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).
    a. 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.
    b. 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.
    c. 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.
    d. 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.
    e. 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.
    f. 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).
    a. 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.
    b. 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.
    c. 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.
    d. 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. 98-20555 Filed 7-31-98; 8:45 am]
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