Public sector deficit alert: New York seeks to lure thousands into state jobs

Getting a job in the state sector was the dream of thousands of Americans seeking stability, benefits, regular hours and good wages. However, applying presented a daunting challenge. Exams, civil service lists to contend with and an excessive amount of requirements were some of the things that kept many away from this job opportunity. Now, the New York Government has confirmed a shortfall within the public sectors and is looking to attract people to these state jobs.

Strategies to overcome the deficit in the public sectors

Officials began planning strategies to overcome the shortfall in many sectors of its vast workforce. Leaders of the Labor and Social Service departments are working together to remove both real and perceived barriers. In this way, they seek to attract people to state jobs in New York.

“We work hard every day to demystify the notion of ‘Hey, you have to know someone to get a state job,’” asserted Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues. For her part, Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon talked about how things used to be. “They wanted to come into the state, but it seemed closed,” she said.

Opening of Career Centers

As part of new streamlining process, the departments of Labor and Civil Service opened a series of 10 Government Career Centers in some of the Division of Labor’s 100 Career Centers across the state. These are locations where state job seekers can receive assistance in finding work in national or local government. At the new sites, staff will help job seekers learn about the various opportunities available. They will also provide information on how and when to apply. In turn, they will help current state employees strengthen career mobility and transfer opportunities.

The main problem in the state sector is that the workforce is increasingly aging. In addition, many people have left during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, New York has about 10,000 open state jobs available. Many of these positions are in front-line direct care jobs, such as caring for people living in skilled nursing facilities. There are also options for maintenance or in the health care field. In short, there is a great variety, so you just have to search and choose the one that best fits your job skills.

A big step toward solving New York’s state jobs problem

Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul took the first step toward making New York state jobs much more accessible. She also decided to eliminate civil service exam requirements for many of these jobs. And the state is trying to speed up the hiring process. It is worth noting that, typically, applicants would wait until a civil service exam was taken and then wait to see their scores and compare themselves to other job applicants. This was a process that could take months. So by removing some of those hurdles, the state can substantially shorten the wait.

Another New York strategy to make state jobs more accessible is to eliminate the fees normally charged to take state service exams. In addition, he noted that state jobs are also eligible for student loan forgiveness. “It’s another of the many advantages of working for the state, which includes health care benefits, pension, flexible schedules and a competitive salary. There is something for everyone here in New York State,” Reardon said.