Testing Services Admin: Accommodations & Coordination

Duties Description

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.

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.

This position is located in the Testing Support Section of TSD and is primarily responsible for reviewing and approving test accommodation requests for exam candidates. This position may also supervise trainees and administrative support employees.

Under the supervision of the Human Resources Specialist 2 (Testing), the Administrative Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / Trainee 2, in the Testing Services Division and Test Accommodations Unit, duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Performs all duties associated with reviewing, approving/denying, and tracking test accommodation requests for the Department’s 12 Computer-Based Testing Centers and traditional paper-based exams.
• Clarifies and interprets policies and procedures and assures policies and procedures are available for and sent to affected individuals and programs.
• Makes special test arrangements for candidates who file for exams in multiple jurisdictions and amends the appropriate reports accordingly.
• Works with the Exam Control and Composition Unit to compile a list of pre‑rating review candidates, as well as alternate test date candidates to be sent to the review sites, and coordinates shipping of material as necessary.
• Coordinates with the Monitor Hiring and Scheduling Unit to ensure monitors are hired for specific test accommodation requests for each exam (paper and computer‑based exams).
• Arranges for special training in response to management, program, and staff needs.
• Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of current work methods, procedures, and policies and recommends improvements.
• Communicates and interacts with multiple stakeholders, including Department staff, Test Center Supervisors, monitors who administer tests across the State, candidates, and members of the public.
• Follows up and responds to time‑sensitive phone calls and emails regarding testing accommodation requests, decisions, and questions, and other program inquiries.
• Responds to a variety of written and oral requests and provides narrative and data reports as requested.
• Provides guidance to other clerical staff, participates in meetings, may represent management staff at meetings, hearings, and conferences, and on committees.
• Maintains confidentiality of all candidate and test information.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

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…