Employment Opportunities with the Commonwealth of PA Become

Employment Opportunities with the Commonwealth of PA Become a civil servant and use your education for service! February 2014

A little bit about me Miranda Martin, Chief Recruitment and Workforce Diversity Division 12 years with Commonwealth of PA Etown graduate

Who are we? The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania employs nearly 80,000 people. With numerous agencies, boards, and commissions under the jurisdiction of the Governor serving over 12.7 million residents, there are a wide variety of fields and locations in which to work.

Opportunities! Over 2,000 distinct job titles. There are anywhere between one and 7,100 individual positions assigned to each job title. Opportunities are located in a majority of state agencies and numerous local government offices. Most positions are in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, but there are also opportunities available statewide. 3

Civil vs. Non-Civil Service Civil Service (Merit System) Non-Civil Service Accounts for about 70% of the Commonwealth workforce. Accounts for about 30% of the Commonwealth workforce. Required to complete an exam or assessment. Most jobs do not require testing.

Types of Tests Four Basic Types: Computer Administered Test Performance Test (such as typing) Oral Test/Work Simulation Rating of Experience and Training Each test announcement indicates the test type. An examination may consist of one or more of these types. You must pass the examination AND meet all the job requirements listed on the test announcement to receive a test score. 5

The Process - Demystified 1. Review open test announcements. 2. Submit application(s) and schedule exam(s). 3. Take exam. 4. Receive score and rank on the list (if you pass AND meet the minimum experience and training requirements). 5. Receive availability surveys as vacancies arise. 6. Return availability survey to indicate your interest. 7. Participate in the interview process. 6

Nearing Graduation? You can apply 7 months before you graduate if you have 45 credits or more completed toward your Associate’s degree or 90 or more credits toward your Bachelor’s degree.

Review Open Test Announcements Start with “Job Seekers” Apply online at www.scsc.state.pa.us.

Job Categories Administration, Accounting and Fiscal Control Clerical Information Technology Education and Museum Engineering and Environmental Control Law Enforcement, Investigation and Safety Medical and Health Services Social and Employment Services Trades and Maintenance

Test Announcements Before applying: Review the entire test announcement. Pay close attention to the “Job Requirements” section for details regarding the Minimum Experience and Training needed to qualify. Most titles require PA residency. 9

Applying If you apply online and do not require a testing accommodation, use the Online Services system. Online Services includes scheduling test dates, times, and locations as well as changing or canceling tests. 10

Submit an Application

Schedule Your Test(s)

Completing the Application When filling out your application, keep in mind: Submit one application per test announcement. Test announcements may contain multiple job titles. Apply for all job titles of interest on each application. You may list up to 10 counties where you will accept employment. 13

Testing Testing centers are located in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Johnstown, Lock Haven, and Scranton. Testing is free. Civil Service does NOT issue practice tests, books, or study guides. 18

Test Centers Computer administered tests are offered on most Mondays through Fridays at test centers in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Computer administered tests are also offered 10 days a month, including some Saturdays and evenings, in Erie, Johnstown, Lock Haven, and Scranton. 19

Applicants with Disabilities Testing accommodations are provided as appropriate. A “Justification for Testing Accommodation” form is required. To access the form online, go to “Job Seekers,” “Testing Information,” and open the PDF document.

Veterans’ Preference Applicants who pass civil service exams receive additional benefits in recognition of their military service. These benefits are commonly referred to as veterans’ preference. Veterans, qualified widows and widowers of veterans, and spouses of disabled veterans who pass civil service appointment tests, receive ten points added to their final score.

After Testing After testing, your application will be reviewed to determine whether or not you meet the minimum experience and training requirements. Applicants receive a “Notice of Examination Results.” Timeframes for this will vary, based on the specific examination. Typically, you may expect your results within 2 to 4 weeks. Applicants can challenge a finding of ineligibility or an examination score by following the procedures on the back of their “Notice of Examination Results” within the prescribed timeframes. For many titles, retesting is available. Your most recent exam score counts. 22

After Testing Hiring agencies send candidates “Availability Surveys” about vacancies. Completion by survey deadline is key. Give advance notice for interview accommodations. 23

More than a job Find a job that suits your skills, appeals to your values, and fits your lifestyle. Climb the career ladder or switch fields entirely – all while staying with the same employer. Statewide Employment Opportunities Competitive Salary Interesting/Challenging Work Work/Life Balance Excellent Benefits Endless Career Opportunities

Benefits Statewide job opportunities and mobility. Competitive salaries. Numerous advancement and professional development opportunities. Low cost medical, dental, vision, prescription, and hearing aid plans.

Benefits For most jobs, 37.5 or 40 hour work weeks. Alternate work schedules in some locations. Leave: Annual days Progressive personal leave Sick days 11 paid holidays

Benefits Life insurance. Optional Deferred Compensation Program. Mental health/substance abuse benefits. Excellent retirement plan.

Benefits Governor’s Child Care Center Program. Family Care Account Program. State Employee Assistance Program. Optional Long Term Care, Auto, and Homeowners Insurance.

Benefits Membership with the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union. Direct deposit of pay and travel expenses.

! s Administration, Aging, Agriculture, Attorney General, Auditor General, Banking and Securities Commission, Board of Claims, Board of Pardons, Bureau of Liquor Enforcement, Bureau of State Employment, Capitol Police, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Community and Economic Development, Conservation and Natural Resources, Corrections, Department of State, Drug and Alcohol Programs, Education, Environmental Protection, Environmental Hearing Board, Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, General Counsel, General Services, Governor's Advisory Commission on African American and Asian American Affairs, Governor's Commission on Children & Families, Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation, Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, Health, Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, Governor's Green Government Council, Independent Regulatory Review Commission, Insurance, Historical & Museum Commission, Juvenile Court Judges' Commission, Labor & Industry, Liquor Control Board, Military & Veterans Affairs, Milk Marketing Board, Office of Administrative Law Judge, Office of the Budget, Office of Consumer Advocate, Office of the First Lady, Office of the Governor, Office of Inspector General, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Office of Public Liaison, Office of Receiver, Office of the State Fire Commissioner, Office of the Victim Advocate, PA Commission for Women, PA Council on the Arts, PA Emergency Management Agency, PA Gaming Control Board, PA Health Care Cost Containment Council, PA Higher Education Assistance Agency, PA Higher Educational Facilities Authority, PA Housing Finance Agency, PA Human Relations Commission, PA Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), PA Lottery, PA Municipal Retirement System, PA Public School Employees' Retirement System, PA State Employees' Retirement System, PA State Police, PA State System of Higher Education, Patient Safety Authority, Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Port of Pittsburgh Commission, Probation & Parole, Public Employee Retirement Commission, Public Utility Commission, Public Welfare, Revenue, Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, State Ethics Commission, State Library, State Public School Building Authority, State Tax Equalization Board, State Treasurer, Transportation, and Turnpike Commission. p O o p t r e i t i n u

What is your major? Accounting Economics Finance Business Administration

You may qualify to work as a Accountant 1with the Office of Administration Audit Specialist 1 with the Department of Public Welfare Administration and Management Financial Programs Trainee with Trainee with most state agencies the Department of Revenue Depository Financial Institution Unemployment Compensation Examiner 1 with the Department of Tax Agent with the Department Banking and Securities of Labor and Industry Executive Financial Associate with the Office of Administration Facility Guardian Officer with several state agencies

What is your major? Computer Science Information Systems

You may qualify to work as a Applications Developer with most local government agencies Information Technology Generalist with most state agencies Database Analyst with most local government agencies Information Technology Technician with most state agencies

What is your major? Psychology Social Work Sociology History Political Science

You may qualify to work as a Aging Care Manager with Area Agencies on Aging Forensic Social Worker with the Department of Public Welfare County Caseworker with county children and youth agencies, mental health program offices, and local housing authorities Employment Facilitator, OVR with the Department of Labor and Industry Drug and Alcohol Case Management Specialist Trainee with local drug and alcohol program offices Therapeutic Activities Services Worker with the Department of Public Welfare Parole Agent with the Board of Probation and Parole

What is your major? Elementary Education Secondary Education Special Education

You may qualify to work as a Adult Basic Education Teacher with the Department of Corrections Corrections Activities Specialist with the Department of Corrections Vocational Rehabilitation Pre-Vocational Instructor with the Department of Labor and Industry

What is your major? Biochemistry Chemistry Engineering Environmental Science Forestry and Environmental Management Biology

You may qualify to work as a Air Quality Engineering Trainee Environmental Education Specialist with the Department of Conservation with the Department of and Natural Resources Environmental Protection Chemist 1 with numerous state agencies Photogrammetry Technician with the Department of Transportation Civil Engineer Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection or the Department of Transportation Park Manager Trainee with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Blasting and Explosives Inspector Forensic DNA Scientist Trainee with the Department of Environmental Protection with the State Police

More Majors and Titles Communications SERS Retirement Counselor Trainee with the State Employees’ Retirement System Retirement Benefits Specialist with the State Employees’ Retirement System

More Majors and Titles Mathematics Descriptive Statistician with the Department of Labor and Industry or the Department of Health Roadway Programs Specialist with the Department of Transportation Traffic Control Technician with the Department of Transportation Transportation Planning Specialist Trainee with the Department of Transportation

Opportunities for ANY Major Income Maintenance Caseworker with County Assistance Offices LCB Licensing Technician with the Liquor Control Board Real Estate Specialist with numerous state agencies Assistant Property Manager with the Housing Authority Corrections Records Specialist with the Department of Corrections Pharmacy Assistant with the Department of Public Welfare

Helpful Tools “Job Seekers” – “State and Local Government Career Opportunities” – “Job Opportunities for Graduates”

Check out the website and apply! State Civil Service Commission www.scsc.state.pa.us Bureau of State Employment www.employment.pa.gov

Thank you for your time! Questions?