Program Aide

Program Aide

The Testing Services Division is responsible for the development, administration, scoring and validation of the examinations provided to the public for State agencies and local jurisdictions. To better serve New Yorkers and make civil service examinations more accessible and convenient for all, the Department is modernizing and transforming the way in which civil service examinations are held. As part of this new examination model, the Department is in the process of establishing 12 dedicated computer-based testing centers across New York State to provide all New Yorkers with the ability to participate in exams, including individuals who do not have access to a computer or Wi-Fi services.

Under the general direction of an Administrative Specialist 1, the Program Aide will work at one of the Department's twelve new computer-based testing (CBT) centers and supervise up to three Office Assistant 2, Grade 9, staff.

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in the establishment of work performance standards for the CBT center under the direction of an Administrative Specialist 1.
• Review work performance and production of test administration and clerical staff.
• Determine the nature of problems presented by test monitors or clerical staff and take corrective action.
• Advise and assist the Administrative Specialist 1 in planning, organizing, scheduling, and coordinating work operations and work procedures for an assigned CBT center.
• Oversee the check-in process of civil service examination candidates at a designated reception area.
• Resolve logistical and scheduling issues affecting exam administration with the Administrative Specialist 1 and the Test Administration Unit in Albany.
• May configure individual candidate testing stations, maintain testing room and equipment, and administer examinations.
• Ensure that all test monitors and clerical staff understand and comply with examination guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure that test monitor and clerical staff properly set up computer testing devices for candidates, as well as understand how to assist candidates with logging into and completing the submission of their online exams.
• Track test administrative activity metrics.
• May assist in writing reports for an assigned CBT center.
• Compile and schedule pre-rating review session requests from candidates at assigned test site and coordinate with the Test Administration Unit in Albany.
• Supervise all clerical and test administration staff at a testing center and evaluate the performance of staff and the quality, quantity, and timeliness of their work.
• Ensure that subordinate staff are trained adequately.
• Review and comment on critical incident reports after each test holding session.
• Evaluate and maintain test monitor staffing levels required for the CBT center (e.g., interviewing and hiring staff as needed in order to maintain appropriate staffing levels, tracking and coordinating test monitor hiring, and requesting appropriate hiring paperwork for staff onboarding).
• Lead recruitment activities for test monitor and clerical staff for the CBT center.
• Coordinate all testing arrangements for the CBT center, including support for candidates who need an alternate test date or a reasonable accommodation.
• May be assigned to cover test administration shifts at the CBT center, public schools, or other test sites in an assigned region, which may include nights and weekends, or travel to another test site.

NY HELPS

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (NY HELPS): Three years of experience performing clerical, keyboarding, or paraprofessional work in an office environment.

REASSIGNMENT QUALIFICATIONS: Current Department of Civil Service employees with one year of permanent, contingent permanent, or 55 B/C service as a Program Aide, if less than one year, you must be currently reachable on the Program Aide eligible list for the Bethpage location if one exists.

COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS: You must be reachable on the current eligible list or eligible for transfer. Any active transition or promotion list(s) must be exhausted to appoint under the NY HELPS program.

70.1 TRANSFER QUALIFICATIONS: One year of permanent, contingent permanent, or 55 B/C service in a title eligible for transfer and determined to be similar by Civil Service.

For transfers, a list of approved titles is available through Civil Service GOT-IT at

55 B/C QUALIFICATIONS: Current permanent non-competitive state employees certified eligible for the 55 B/C program under the Governor's Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55 B/C of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. To be considered, you must provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in a supervisory or leadership role, background in customer service, both in-person and remote (phone and email), ability to navigate and respond to unforeseen challenges, experience managing sensitive or confidential information with discretion, ability to work effectively under pressure and make quick informed decisions, and proficient in troubleshooting computer and office equipment.

It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

#TeamCivilService is growing and is looking for motivated, forward-thinking employees to join our team to build a dynamic workforce. The Department of Civil Service is undertaking several initiatives to transform the way the agency delivers services to our partner agencies and to the public, and we are excited to be adding new members to the team. In addition to joining a growing team and agency, employees will also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

The Department of Civil Service is the central personnel agency for the Executive Branch of New York State government, serving approximately 150,000 employees. Our mission is to build tomorrow's workforce today by promoting a diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce. We lead and deliver world-class workforce management strategies by providing innovative solutions based on merit, fitness, and equality of opportunity.

Among its duties, the Department:

• Partners with State agencies to offer workforce recruitment and placement services, including developing minimum qualifications, classifying positions, developing civil service examinations, and administering performance assessment tests.
• Administers the New York State Health Insurance Program ( one of the largest public employer health insurance programs in the nation, serving more than 1.2 million lives.
• Assists municipal agencies with civil service administration of more than 360,000 local government employees.
• Oversees the Governor's Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities ( to place individuals with disabilities in State jobs and the New New York Leaders Initiative Student Intern Program. (

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: DCS employees may be approved for a maximum of 50% telecommuting, however, they are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with DCS Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

The Department of Civil Service is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability status, arrest record or criminal conviction history, or any other category protected by law. We are happy to provide reasonable and religious accommodations during the hiring process for those in need. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please send a request to View email address on click.appcast.io

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