Sherisse L. Summers

· Review, analyze, research and develop Title II and Title XVI Social Security disability cases, write decisions, advising Administrative Law Judges on decisional outcomes to enhance case resolution expediency.

· Present training and mentor on policy and law changes, preparing and delivering written materials and oral presentations to diverse groups, including Administrative Law Judges, to ensure understanding and compliance.

• Assisted in harassment prevention initiatives as a member of the investigator cadre for Region 6. Participated in monthly training sessions to enhance investigative skills. Conducted investigations and depositions related to harassment allegations under EEOC regulations.

• Supervised assigned employees to ensure legally sufficient and timely processing of disability hearings.
• Assisted and advised Administrative Law Judges in evaluating and analyzing, complex legal cases pertaining to Social Security benefits.
• Managed Administrative Law Judge case loads, to include assigning dockets, monitoring stagnation in case movement, and reviewing specially designated critical or aged cases.
• Regularly reviewed and applied applicable labor and employee relations laws and regulations including under the Family Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act
• Mentored attorneys on case management and strategic legal approaches.
• Collaborated with administrative staff to streamline hearing operations and improve efficiency.

• Directed operations of largest hearing office in country as acting hearing office director. Oversaw team of 18 administrative law judges and 80 support staff and subcontractors. Achieved a 60-day reduction in average processing time and resolved 1400 aged cases under leadership.

• Conducted comprehensive analysis and development of Title II and Title XVI Social Security Disability cases to ensure compliance and support client needs.
• Developed and finalized legally defensible disability decisions, ensuring compliance with federal court standards and alignment with the Social Security Act.
• Evaluated pre-hearing motions to identify key issues. Developed interrogatories for medical and vocational experts to gather critical information. Presented briefings that guided decision-making on recommended actions.
• Facilitated monthly attorney meetings to assess and refine local office policies and operational procedures for claims processing under Title II and XVI of the Social Security Act. Engaged with attorney colleagues to strategize on the implementation of plans and procedures, driving alignment with operational objectives.

• Represented the State of New Mexico and appeared weekly in New Mexico Second Judicial District Court in litigation cases establishing and enforcing child support orders under the Uniform Parentage Act.
• Prepared and filed motions, petitions, and orders in NM District Court.
• Drafted reports on behalf of child support hearing officers to be filed and eventually adopted as orders of the court, often completed under time constraint and even in the courtroom.
• Competently led pre-hearing conferences with attorneys and/or unrepresented parties, negotiated stipulated orders when possible.
• Managed case load of 1,000+ assigned cases to include setting priorities by analyzing case data, conducting quality reviews of pleadings, motions, and party submitted evidence. Identified deficiencies/problems, recommended solutions and made final determinations.
• Analyzed and assessed income and health insurance for child support calculations including Medicaid, TANF, Social Security Insurance and Social Security Disability Insurance and dependent derivative benefits.