Did you know that applicants for some government jobs in Warren County no longer have to take a Civil Service test through a new New York State program?
Warren County Civil Service Department has received NY State approval to waive Civil Service tests in 10 difficult-to-fill positions, and has made applications to waive tests for 60 additional positions at county, town, city and school districts.
Those applying for Social Services Caseworker, Social Welfare Examiner, Tax Map Technician, Pistol Permit Clerk and Child Support Investigator in Warren County no longer have to sit for an exam, while Warren County has asked that exams be waived for Communications Officer (emergency dispatcher), School Secretary, Custodian, Account Clerk, Code Enforcement Officer and dozens more.
These aren’t just Warren County positions; they are for employees of municipalities and school districts around the county for which Warren County Civil Service Department assists in the hiring process.
The initiative is known across New York as the “HELPS” program, an acronym for “Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide.” It was started in 2023 as part of an effort to help government agencies address staffing shortages by allowing a faster hiring process.
Through HELPS, state and local government agencies can seek exemptions from the NY State Department of Civil Service when candidates clearly meet the qualifications for their positions.
It’s easy to figure out which jobs no longer require tests in Warren County. Warren County’s employment website, www.warrencountyny.gov/jobs, denotes on job listings whether positions are being filled through the HELPS program.
You can learn more about HELPS here: https://www.cs.ny.gov/help/.
###