About NYS HELPS Program

There are numerous positions open in the NY HELPS program. They range from direct health care to Highway Maintenance Supervisors.

Traditionally, the titles filled under the NY HELPS Program required job candidates to compete in a competitive examination to be considered for employment. For the duration of the NY HELPS program these titles will be filled via non-competitive appointment, which means examinations are not required, but candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the titles for which they apply.

The Department of Civil Service first launched the HELP program in April 2023 at both the state level to address the workforce shortage in critical health and safety titles. The original HELP program included about 150 titles and addressed emergency staffing situations by allowing state agencies to more swiftly hire candidates that meet the minimum qualifications for those positions.

To help more New York State agencies hire talented candidates, the Department of Civil Service implemented an expanded program - called the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program. Through NY HELPS, all State agencies will temporarily be authorized to make appointments to nearly any position typically filled on an open-competitive basis.

The expanded NY HELPS program will enable New York State agencies to hire diverse and talented candidates on a permanent basis to help grow the state workforce.