Careers in the civil service are highly sought after, competitive jobs in local, state and federal government, with most positions under the executive branch at each layer of government. Many people seek out opportunities in the civil service due to attributes such as career opportunities across all industries, manageable work/life balance, competitive pay and benefits, the opportunity to serve their community and be part of something bigger than themselves.
It’s important to note that throughout history, identifying and applying for civil service positions at any layer of government can be a lengthy and tedious process. The civil service hiring systems (that’s right, the State and Federal Civil Service are separate! For federal hiring: Check USAJobs and the GoGovernment website to learn more!) are dated, titles may seem arbitrary and most positions require applicants to apply far in advance, in addition to taking and passing civil service examinations that may or may not be offered in your local area. Sounds kind of crazy, right? All of this has led to both the federal and state government scrambling to hire fresh new talent as government employees retire en masse, and they can’t keep up with filling vacant roles through this archaic system!
Here’s the good news and bad news (that’s really actually more good news for you): Beginning May 1, 2024 New York State is expanding their NY HELPs – Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement program that will remove the civil service examination requirement for hundreds of positions! The bad news? If these positions are left unfilled, the basic health, safety, and daily needs of New Yorkers will not be met – more good news for you! This means you should probably take a look at the List of Titles covered by the NY HELP program and list of current openings. Opportunities exist across direct support services and patient care to administrative positions.
Here is a list of New York State agencies currently hiring under NY HELP:
- NYS Department of Civil Service
- NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
- NYS Department of Health Batavia Veterans Home
- NYS Department of Health Helen Hayes Hospital
- NYS Department of Health Main Office
- NYS Department of Health Montrose Veterans Home
- NYS Department of Health Oxford Veterans Home
- NYS Department of Health St. Albans Veterans Home
- NYS Insurance Fund
- NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Disabilities
- NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
- NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports
- NYS Office of Children and Family Services
- NYS Office of Mental Health
- NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
- NYS Office of the Medicaid Inspector General
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- SUNY Long Island State Veterans Home
- SUNY Oneonta
- SUNY Stony Brook Hospital
- SUNY University at Buffalo
- SUNY Upstate Medical Center
