Quick questions about AA's & ALJ's

[DBS]

I hate to use ya'lls forum since I'm not an association member but in reading the forum I have noticed ya'll are very knowledgable about how the AA and ALJ positions work.  I am a disability specialist with the Alabama DDS who has adjudicated over 1000 cases in three years (yes, Alabama is a prototype state with single decision makers).  I am also a second year law student at a night law school (yes, one of those non-ABA schools where the classes are taught by practicing attorneys and is accredited by the state so I can sit for the bar).
Anyways, I have spoken with a co-worker whose dad was an ALJ out of north Alabama for many years and his dad adviced the best route to take it to get to being an ALJ for me would to be to get a "writer" position for a judge for several years and my DDS experience would help me into getting to be an ALJ.
So...Is a "writer" an AA?  If so, from what I am reading on this forum, one only has to have a law license to be an AA?  Also, would a former disability specialist who has adjudicated 1000s of cases seemingly have a "leg up" in getting an ALJ position? 
Any answers to my questions would be greatly appreciated.

[cardinal361]

DBS,
  Yes, decision writers are attorney advisors.  Decision writers encompass both paralegals and attorney advisors.  I am unsure about your other question regarding whther an SDM would have an advantage, but I would say unlikely because your experience occured prior to becoming a licensed attorney.  The OPM revews ALJ applications and they seem to be primarily focused on experience post bar admission.  Also remember you have to have seven years of litigation/administrative experince since being admitted to practice law before being eligible to apply to become an ALJ.   Hope it helps, and good luck n llaw school.