Getting to Yes! – Rules Resolutions and Appendices Changes

This session explained strategies for local civil service agencies to submit complete requests for approval to amend the appendices of their rules, including the development of justifications that will increase the likelihood of approval. Attendees learned about the required documentation and details needed to add a position to the Non-Competitive, Labor, or Exempt jurisdictional classes or to the Unclassified Service.  Different criteria must be met for approval in each case.  During this session, MSD identified the legal basis for these requirements and review methods for developing adequate justifications to support such requests. 

Jason Laird and Anthony Rotundo – Municipal Services Division, New York State Department of Civil Service

The Rochester Police Department Workforce Development Program: Developing Tomorrow’s Community Leaders, Today

This session provided attendees with an overview of the City of Rochester Police Department’s innovative recruitment and workforce development program that focuses on attracting and retaining quality candidates.  Sgt. Justin Collins presented on the creation of the program including processes and policies implemented within RPD that yielded the department success for two consecutive years and counting. The association learned how the City of Rochester Police Department and the City of Rochester Civil Service Commission work together to benefit their community.

Sgt. Justin Collins, City of Rochester Police Department

Driving and Embracing Change with a Positive Mindset

The New York State Department of Civil Service is working to transform the merit system as a result of Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to modernize and streamline government operations. To be successful, the input and buy-in of all relevant stakeholders will be required throughout the process. Modernization means change, which for some can be difficult. During the session, the 8 Accelerators for Change was discussed and what it’s like to work and thrive in a VUCA environment. Attendees learned strategies to successfully drive and manage change in your organization with a positive and fluid mindset. In addition, all attendees participated in a SWOT analysis of  New York State’s current merit system and shared their ideas with colleagues and members of the New York State Department of Civil Service Team. Attendees left the session prepared to be an effective and knowledgeable driver of change within their organization!

Deborah Cabral, PCC Founder/President & CEO, DC Efficiency Consulting

Merit System Transformation

During this session, the New York State Department of Civil Service staff discussed the merit system transformation to better meet the needs of jobseekers and agencies. It was discussed the work conducted to advance the Department’s continuous-recruitment examination program and the Department’s vision for merit system recruitment and hiring in the future. This was an interactive session where participants will work in small groups to discuss merit system transformation.  Each table was provided with a facilitator and notetaker and engage in discussion stemming from the recently completed stakeholder survey. The purpose of this session was to gain feedback regarding municipal merit system operations to inform the Department’s transformation initiatives. The Department wanted to engage with key stakeholders early to identify needs and ensure the transformation efforts result in programs and services that provide greater value to your agency. This was an opportunity for civil service agencies to contribute to the transformation of the merit system by expressing what they think and feel.  State Civil Service wants the merit system transformation to be a positive experience for all.

Jessica Rowe, Deputy Commissioner for Merit System Operations, New York State Department of Civil Service 

Bridging the Gap in a Generational Workforce

How do generational workforce differences affect our ability to manage people effectively? And what are the traits, beliefs, and life experiences that mark each generation influencing how they work, communicate, and respond to change? This session demonstrated how generations have differing values, beliefs and worldviews, and how to best motivate and manage workers from each generation. This information helped develop strategies to recruit, orientate, retain and succession plan relative to each generation.

Sergio Panunzio, Commissioner of Department of General Services, City of Albany

How Effective Payroll Certification Can Help You Anticipate Vacancies and Recruitment Needs

Civil Service Law Section 100 requires local civil service agencies to certify payrolls of government employers under their jurisdiction to ensure appointments, promotions, transfers, and other transactions are made according to Civil Service Laws and Rules. This session provided an outline on the payroll certification process as well as provide tips on how to gain cooperation and compliance.

Michael Schwabe, Jason Laird, and Richard Longergan, Municipal Services Division, New York State Department of Civil Service

Persons with Disabilities: An Untapped Resource

This session delved into the recruitment of persons with disabilities and the development of a workplace culture that fosters encouragement and support for this underrepresented group. Discussions regarding compassionate and pragmatic strategies that can be integrated into workplace environments and hiring processes was conducted among the group, aiming to tap into the potential of this valuable segment of our population.

Michael St. John, Chief Information Officer New York State Department of Education

Recruitment Strategies using Decentralized Exam Programs

During this session, attendees learned strategies to enhance one’s recruitment efforts using decentralized examination programs offered by the New York State Department of Civil Service. This session focused on the advantages of continuous recruitment and best practices for utilizing Training and Experience exams, including the Decentralized IT Test System.

Janna Shillinglaw, Rashawn King, and Doug Bartels – Municipal Services Division, New York State Department of Civil Service

Civil Service Questions & Answers

During this workshop, MSD staff answered questions from participants and go through scenarios to further better understand various civil service areas.

Maria Kenneally and Elena O’Kane, Municipal Services Division, New York State Department of Civil Service