Becoming A VPPBecoming A VPP

Special Government Special Government EmployeeEmployee

Jennifer KimJennifer Kim

September 1, 2004September 1, 2004

IntroductionIntroduction

• What is a Special Government Employee (SGE)?

• SGE Qualifications

• How To Apply

• SGE Training

• Benefits of Being an SGE

• Questions & Answer

SGE BasicsSGE Basics

• What are SGEs?– Specially Trained Temporary Government

Employees

• Who are SGEs?– Volunteers from VPP Sites and Corporate VPP

SGE PastSGE Past• Early 1990s, VPP’s popularity grew, but

resources did not

• OSHA worked with VPPPA and developed the concept of “qualified volunteer”/SGE

• In 1994, SGE Program Began

HAPPY 10HAPPY 10thth BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY

SGE Program SGE Program

10 years old & still going strong!10 years old & still going strong!

• Nationally: over 400 active SGEs

• 291 SGEs participated in 286 onsite evaluations* to date in FY 2004

• Train over 90 new SGEs each year

SGE BasicsSGE Basics

* Where VPP Reports processed through National Office

SGE QualificationsSGE Qualifications

– Familiar with OSHA Regulations– Familiar with VPP Requirements– Demonstrate Leadership– Strong Interpersonal Skills– Reading & Writing Skills– Management/Corporate Support

SGE Qualifications SGE Qualifications (Safety & Health Professionals)(Safety & Health Professionals)

• 2 + Years of Experience in S&H

• 50% Rule

• Employee of VPP site, or corporation with at least 1 VPP site, or

• Employee of non-VPP site previously employed at VPP site within same corporation

SGE Qualifications SGE Qualifications ((Non Safety & Health Professionals)Non Safety & Health Professionals)

• Site Employee for 2 + Years

• Satisfy“3 of 9” Rule– Chair S&H Committee– Accident/Incident Coordinator– Lead Inspection Team– Perform Hazard Analyses– Conduct S&H Training– Active Member of Prep Team for VPP – Active Employee Participation in VPP– Coordinate Hazard Abatement– Knowledge of S&H Management

• Applications accepted 4 times per year– The 15th of January, April, July and October

• Training held 4 times per year– First come – first served – Minimum 15 students– Maximum 25 students

How To ApplyHow To Apply

How To ApplyHow To Apply

• MUST submit applications before training & by due date to SGE Coordinator

• Applications are much more– Structured– User-friendly (for you)– Easy to process (for us)

• VPP SGE Eligibility Information Sheet

• Request for Name Check (DL-68)

• Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612) OR Resume

ApplicationApplication

• Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450)

• Waiver of Claims Against the Government

ApplicationApplication

SGE TrainingSGE Training

• (Typically) Occurs at VPP host site• No Course Fees• Conducted by OSHA

– National & Regional Personnel – Veteran SGEs

• How To Be A VPP Onsite Evaluation Team Member

- 3 full days of training

• Sworn Into Government Service– receive same oath as Federal Employees

• Same Protections as Federal Employees

• Three-Year Term of Service

SGE TrainingSGE Training

• Training only necessary for new applicants– Renewals – application approval only; take

oath and sign new affidavit

• Training rotated throughout the country

• Always looking for host sites

SGE TrainingSGE Training

Next available SGE Training Course

January 25-27, 2005

Region IV

United Space Alliance – Florida

Application deadline: October 15th

SGE TrainingSGE Training

• Personal Development

• Program Ownership

• Personal Prestige

Benefits……SGEBenefits……SGE

• Training/Development Opportunity

• “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”

• Corporate Prestige

Benefits….Worksite/CorpBenefits….Worksite/Corp

• Leverage Resources

• Advocates

• Share Expertise

• Most Important – SAFER Workplaces!

Benefits….OSHABenefits….OSHA

QuestionsQuestions

• Carla Slaughter – U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA

200 Constitution Ave, NW Rm # N-3700

Washington DC 20210– slaughter.carla@dol.gov– (202) 693-2228