Program Aide

Overview

The Testing Services Division is responsible for the development, administration, scoring and validation of examinations provided to the public for State agencies and local jurisdictions. In order 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 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.

• 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 procedures for an assigned CBT center.
• Oversee the check‑in process of civil service examination candidates at the designated reception area.
• Resolve logistical and scheduling issues affecting exam administration with the Administrative Specialist 1 and the Test Administration Unit in Albany.
• 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, and assist candidates with logging in and completing the submission of their online exams.
• Track test administrative activity metrics.
• Assist in writing reports for an assigned CBT center.
• Compile and schedule pre‑rating review session requests from candidates at the 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 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, weekends, or travel to another test site.
• Supervise up to three Office Assistant 2, Grade 9 staff at the CBT center.

• Three years of experience performing clerical, keyboarding, or paraprofessional work in an office environment.

• Three years of experience performing clerical, keyboarding, or paraprofessional work in an office environment.

• 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.

• 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.

• One year of permanent, contingent permanent, or 55 B/C service in a title eligible for transfer and determined to be similar by Civil…