New York State Department of Civil Service launches phase 2 of Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement program

HELP program phase 2 adds nearly 40 new job titles in critical health and human services titles across state agencies, bringing total to nearly 150 job titles

√ Program temporarily waives civil service exam requirement for select titles

√ More than 900 jobs available on HELP jobs portal for candidates to view job postings, upload resumes

The Department of Civil Service announced the launch of phase 2 of Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement (HELP), a program that temporarily waives the civil service exam requirement for select critical health and human services titles across state agencies.

A press release stated, “The HELP program, which first launched in April 2023 with nearly 100 job titles, was developed to help address the statewide workforce shortage in critical health and safety titles across state government. Phase 2 expands the program to include 40 additional titles that support and engage in related health care and human service functions. Candidates can view hundreds of current job openings across New York state and apply directly to these jobs at the following link: https://www.cs.ny.gov/help/.”

Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said, “The Department of Civil Service is working proactively to help recruit the next generation of the New York state workforce. The HELP program is just one step we are taking to help our partner state agencies attract and retain a diverse and talented workforce that can serve all New Yorkers well into the future. I encourage all individuals to visit the webpage and apply for all positions that you are interested in to begin a rewarding career that offers many benefits with New York state.” 

The HELP program temporarily removes the civil service exam requirement for more than 140 direct care, health and human services titles across state agencies for a 12-month period. To be eligible for jobs in the HELP program, candidates must meet the jobs' minimum qualifications and any other conditions of employment. Candidates can visit the HELP jobs portal and use the candidate portal to apply for jobs in the HELP program. Candidates from diverse backgrounds and traditionally marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

The press release noted, “More than 3,700 positions have been filled through the state HELP program across New York. This number will continue to grow due to the expansion of the program.

“In addition, recognizing that local governments are having the same challenges, the department implemented a similar program, the local HELP program, to provide a tool for local civil service agencies to address the emergency staffing crisis that they are also facing across health and safety positions. 

“At the local level, there are currently 26 local civil service agencies participating, and more than 500 positions have been filled to date. These numbers will also continue to grow as more local agencies opt into this unprecedented program.

“The HELP program was developed to help address the statewide workforce shortage in critical health and safety titles across state government. Titles appropriate for hiring under the HELP program are limited to positions that provide or support critical services to meet the basic health, safety and daily needs of New Yorkers. Examples of some of the most populous titles included in the program are direct support assistant, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse licensed master social worker, mental health therapy aide and psychologist. Phase 2 expands the program to include titles such as health information management technicians and administrators, disability analyst, treatment unit clerk and Medicaid eligibility examiner.

To learn more, visit the Department of Civil Service website.