Labor Shortages Continue Following the Pandemic and New York State is taking emergency measures to attract people to government jobs. The NY Helps program(New York Hiring for Emergency Placement) eliminates the necessity for interested applicants to complete a Civil Service Test. Historically, when someone was interested in working for the State, County, Town or school district they were referred to the Civil Service System. This system is based on taking a written test and all participants are ranked based on score. Organizations interested in hiring an individual for a specific position, must work from the ranking list when considering prospects. The timing of when the tests are given is set by NYS. Tests are provided periodically. With few exceptions, you cannot be hired for a job if you have not taken the test. It’s important to note not all positions required a test. For example, positions associated with Buildings and Grounds or Highway Departments on a Town level are not governed by the testing system.
The new emergency hiring program from NYS eliminates the need for testing for many positions. Therefore, if there is a job you are interested in pursuing, you may be able to apply and be interviewed in a timely manner. The testing system typically will take months between the test being announced, the test itself and then the results eventually announced to individuals and organizations seeking new employees. In addition, the tests are not provided on a set schedule. If you miss the announcement and don’t register for the test by the deadline you will wait probably a year or so for the next time the test is given.
The NY HELPS program will eliminate the testing requirement and allow you to acquire employment with a permanent status for selected positions. For people interested in working for Saratoga County visit https://saratoga-portal.mycivilservice.com/
At the link you will find information about open positions. Positions in the Department of Social Services and 911 Center are included in the NY HELPS program. Follow for updates including other positions being added to the list of those not requiring a test.
This new program along with the new Saratoga County recruitment campaign rolled out in January will help us attract new team members!
Clifton Park and Beyond 