Our client left her employment with the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to accept a job with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed to issue a negative suitability determination based on charges of misconduct or negligence in employment; criminal or dishonest conduct; and material, intentional false statement, or deception or fraud in examination or appointment. The charges related to improper use of government systems to locate friends and acquaintances when the client worked for SSA.
The client retained us to submit a response to the charges. We submitted a comprehensive reply, which demonstrated that our client did not leave SSA under unfavorable circumstances because she had already been planning to move across the country. OPM agreed with our arguments and evidence and found our client suitable for federal employment.
