Open Competitive
WESTCHESTER COUNTY
CIVIL SERVICE CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
County Service · Westchester Medical Center · Towns · Villages · School Districts
Special Districts · Cities of Peekskill & Rye
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Last Filing Date: 2/13/24 Effective Date: 4/1/02 Revised: 1/9/24 |
Exam #: 02-100 |
Exam Date: HELD DURING THE WEEK (Monday thru Friday) Written and Language Oral Proficiency Tests
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ENTRY LEVEL CLERK - OFFICE SUPPORT SERIES
Includes:
Group 1Written Test Only
Clerk Clerk - School Monitor Intermediate Clerk
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Group 5Written & Spanish Oral Performance TestsRequires Spanish Proficiency Level 1: Clerk (Spanish Speaking) Clerk - School Monitor (Spanish Speaking)
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Group 4Written
Library Clerk |
Group 7Written & Spanish OralRequires Spanish Proficiency Level 1: |
A NON-REFUNDABLE $40.00 APPLICATION FEE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH SEPARATELY NUMBERED EXAMINATION FOR WHICH YOU APPLY. SEE APPLICATION FILING FEE STATEMENT ON LAST SECTION OF ANNOUNCEMENT.
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Westchester County is only accepting applications submitted on-line for our civil service examinations. Paper Applications WILL NOT be accepted. TO APPLY ON-LINE VISIT: WWW.WESTCHESTERGOV.COM/HR
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Candidates may use computers available at the Westchester County One-Stop Employment Center, located at 120 Bloomingdale Road in White Plains, or at local libraries in Westchester County to Complete the on-line application. The NON-REFUNDABLE application processing fee MUST be paid on-line using a credit card. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Pre-paid cards are accepted. Please call (914) 995-2388, if you have any questions.
Successful candidates in this examination will have their names interfiled (placed) on the continuous recruitment eligible list in the order of final scores. The names of candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of one (1) year. Candidates who wish to retest in this title may do so after one (1) year.
The results from this written examination are used for appointment to applicable positions in the County service, Westchester Medical Center, school districts, special districts, towns, villages and the cities of Peekskill and Rye.
IF INTERESTED, YOU MUST APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING EXAMINATIONS AT THE SAME TIME, AS YOUR PARTICIPATION WILL BE LIMITED TO ONCE EVERY TWELVE MONTHS TO TAKE AN EXAMINATION FOR ANY ONE OR COMBINATION OF THESE TITLES:
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02-100 Entry Level Clerk - Office Support Series 02-110 Admissions Clerk - WCC (Spanish Speaking) 02-119 Attendance Clerk 02-140 Office Assistant (Automated Systems) 02-142 Office Assistant (Automated Systems) (Spanish Speaking)
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Performance tests are given for Spanish language oral proficiency and database manipulation. On the date of the exam, candidates will indicate their desire to participate in performance tests by completing the Performance Interest Survey Form.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a high school or equivalency diploma.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS: In accordance with the Safe Schools Against Violence Education (SAVE) legislation, Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, candidates for appointment in school districts must obtain clearance for employment from the State Education Department prior to employment based upon a fingerprint and criminal history background check.
RESIDENCE
There are no residence requirements to participate in the examination, but preference in appointment may be given to eligibles who have been residents in the appointing jurisdiction for 30 days prior to the examination and at the effective date of appointment.
DUTIES
Under supervision, performs a variety of office clerical work of average difficulty; does related work as required.
VACANCIES
The eligible list established as a result of this examination will be utilized, where appropriate, for filling any current or future vacancies in all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Westchester County Department of Human Resources.
SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION
The written test may be in written form or it may be administered on a personal computer (PC). The type of test will be stated on the admission notice.
If administered on a (PC), the test will be held on a weekday. Candidates need no prior knowledge of computers in order to take the test. The test uses a simple point-and-click system that is thoroughly explained through an animated instruction program. Candidates will be given a sample test on which to practice before the actual test begins.
The weighted multiple-choice written test defined below will be used to determine candidate’s rank on the eligible list. For positions requiring performance tests, there will also be relevant qualifying performance test(s) designed to evaluate candidate’s skill in specific performance areas. To be placed on the eligible list, candidates must pass the weighted written test and the relevant performance test(s).
WRITTEN TEST is designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:
1. Spelling - These questions test your ability to spell words that are used in written business communications.
2. Alphabetizing - These questions test your ability to file material in alphabetical order.
3. Record Keeping - These questions evaluate your ability to perform common record keeping tasks. The test consists of two or more “sets” of questions; each set concerning a different problem. Typical record keeping problems might involve the organization or collation of data from several sources; scheduling; maintaining a record system using running balances; or completion of a table summarizing data using totals, subtotals, averages and percents.
4. Clerical Operations With Letters And Numbers - These questions test your skills and abilities in clerical operations involving alphabetizing, comparing, checking and counting. The questions require you to follow the specific directions given for each question, which may involve alphabetizing, comparing, checking and counting given groups of letters and/or numbers.
In accordance with Section 23.2 of the Civil Service Law, candidates may not review their examination papers and may not appeal their examination results. However, at the written request of a candidate, the accuracy of his/her score will be verified.
The New York State Department of Civil Service has published a Study Guide intended for candidate preparation for this particular examination. This Study Guide contains important test-related information as well as sample test questions similar to the questions that will be used in the written test.
The New York State Department of Civil Service is making a copy of this Study Guide and other related information available on its Website at http://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/localtestguides.cfm. (Remember to scroll down the page) In addition, a copy of this Study Guide can also be obtained from the Westchester County Department of Human Resources, Suite 100, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601.
SPANISH LANGUAGE ORAL PROFICIENCY TEST - Candidates who pass the written portion of the examination and select Spanish Language Oral Proficiency on the Performance Interest Survey Form on the date of the exam will be required to pass a Spanish Language Oral Proficiency Test. The Spanish Language Oral Proficiency Test for this examination will be held at a later weekday date. *This exam will evaluate proficiency of listening and reading comprehension as well as oral abilities. Language proficiency is evaluated in terms of:
FOR LEVEL 1 - LIMITED PROFICIENCY - characterized by unsophisticated but understandable expression: Able to satisfy routine social demands and limited work requirements. Can read with general accuracy news items on non-technical topics and general announcements.
1. GRAMMAR - grammatical accuracy of words and groups of related words, correct use of syntax and sentence structure.
2. VOCABULARY - adequacy of vocabulary (both sufficiency and accuracy of use) for the topics discussed.
3. FLUENCY - general smoothness and evenness of discourse.
4. CONTENT - relevance and completeness of statements and questions, clarity of ideas, and level of communication.
SPANISH LANGUAGE ORAL PROFICIENCY WAIVER POLICY: The Spanish Proficiency Level required for this examination title, as determined by the Westchester County Department of Human Resources is Level 1. Candidates who have passed a qualifying Spanish Language Oral Proficiency test given by the Westchester County Department of Human Resources or the New York State Department of Civil Service at Level 1 or above MAY be waived from the required language proficiency test for this examination. Candidates seeking such a waiver must provide original documentation from the testing agency that shall include the following information: Examination/Test date and Spanish Language Oral Proficiency Level. Requests for waiver, and all supporting documentation, must be submitted with your application, and will not be accepted after you have participated in the written examination.
The Westchester County Department of Human Resources reserves final approval of the acceptability of the submitted waiver.
*Note: The Westchester County Department of Human Resources reserves the right to administer the Language Proficiency test only to candidates who pass the written test. Those to be tested for language oral proficiency will be notified by the Westchester County Department of Human Resources regarding the time and place of this test.
The Westchester County Department of Human Resources reserves the option of testing either the written or the performance test first. This option will be selected in conjunction with the format of the written portion of the examination. All performance tests are administered during the Monday through Friday workweek.
GENERAL NOTICE TO CANDIDATES FOR ALL CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS
1. The use of a quiet, hand-held, solar or battery-powered calculator is RECOMMENDED. Devices with typewriter keyboards such as computers, spell-checkers, personal digital assistants, address books, language translators, dictionaries, and any similar devices are prohibited. You may not bring books or other reference materials to the examination location.
2. ELIGIBLE LISTS - Successful candidates in this examination will have their names interfiled (placed) on the continuous recruitment eligible list in the order of final scores, regardless of the date on which they filed for or took the examination. The names of candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of one (1) year, unless permanently appointed.
3. RETESTS - Candidates are barred from taking this examination series for twelve months from the last date on which they participated.
4. FOR COUNTY EMPLOYMENT - In accordance with Westchester County’s comprehensive Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Procedures, and commitment to maintain a safe, alcohol and drug- free work environment, you may be required to submit to a urinalysis and/or blood test.
5. FOR COUNTY EMPLOYMENT - If offered employment, you will be subject to the Westchester County Fingerprinting Policy under which your appointment may be conditioned on the results of a fingerprinting investigation.
6. This examination will be prepared and rated in accordance with Section 23(2) of the Civil Service Law. The provisions of the New York State Civil Service Law, rules and regulations dealing with the preparation and rating of examinations will apply to this examination.
7. Veterans and Veterans with Disabilities, who meet the criteria set forth in the Application for Examination, may be eligible for additional credits added to their earned scores if successful in examination. CREDITS MUST BE CLAIMED AT THE TIME OF FILING YOUR APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION AND YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR DD214 SEPARATION PAPERS. If claiming credit as a Veteran with a disability, attach form 102. If these documents are not submitted within sixty days of filing your application, your claim will be denied. "Active duty members of the Armed Forces have the right to request veteran credits prior to discharge. If you are currently on active duty you should check the appropriate box on the application and attach a letter requesting the use of credits with documentation verifying your active duty status: i.e. copy of military ID, military orders, official documents indicating current service, etc." See our website section "Special Rights for Veterans" for details regarding the use of these credits.
Veterans who previously used non-disabled veteran credits for appointment to a position in New York State or local government AND, after his/her appointment, was subsequently classified by the Veterans Administration as a disabled veteran, are now eligible for an award of additional veteran credits. If you are claiming additional disabled veteran credits as a result of the Amendment to Section Six of Article Five of the New York State Constitution effective January 1, 2014, Form 102 Authorization for Disability Record and Form 102S Authorization for Verification of Non-Disabled Veterans Credits Use must be submitted. Completed forms must be received by the Westchester County Department of Human Resources before an eligible list is established in order to be granted credits on that eligible list.
8. In conformance with section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty are entitled to receive an additional ten points in a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office matter when you submit your application for examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established.
HOW TO APPLY
APPLICATION FILING FEE
A $40.00 APPLICATION FEE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH SEPARATELY NUMBERED EXAMINATION FOR WHICH YOU APPLY. THE NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST BE PAID ONLINE USING A CREDIT CARD.
APPLICATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. IF YOU ARE DISQUALIFIED FROM OR FAIL TO APPEAR FOR THE EXAMINATION, YOUR FEE IS NOT REFUNDED. THEREFORE, WE URGE YOU TO COMPARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS CAREFULLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION AND FILE ONLY FOR THOSE EXAMINATIONS FOR WHICH YOU ARE CLEARLY QUALIFIED.
THE APPLICATION FILING FEE IS SUBJECT TO BEING INCREASED WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
APPLICATION FEE WAIVER: A waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are unemployed and primarily responsible for the support of a household. In addition, a waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or receiving Supplemental Social Security Income payments, or Public Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance) or are certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local social service agency. The fee may also be waived for those who are serving active military duty and for Veterans (as defined in Section 50(5)(b) of the New York State Civil Service Law). Documentation proving eligibility must be submitted with each application. All claims for application fee waivers are subject to verification.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
ALTERNATE TEST DAY REQUESTS: The Department of Human Resources periodically receives requests to reschedule candidates for civil service examinations under exceptional circumstances because individuals are unable to participate in the exams on their scheduled dates.
Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Department of Human Resources may grant an alternate test date. The granting of alternate test date is at the discretion of the Department of Human Resources. Examples such as the following may be considered as reasons for granting an alternate test date:
Procedure:
Candidates who have met the criteria may be eligible for one alternate test date. A written request with appropriate documentation justifying the request must be submitted to the Examination Administration Unit. With no exception, alternate test date requests must include documentation verifying the exceptional circumstance which precludes the candidate from appearing. After consideration, the Examination Administration Unit will notify the candidate as to whether or not the request is granted.
As soon as a candidate is aware of a conflict prior to the scheduled test date, the candidate should notify the Examinations Unit by e-mail at exam@westchestergov.com, or call at (914) 995-2388. The request should contain a complete explanation of the reason the candidate cannot take the test on the scheduled date and include appropriate supporting documentation. It is essential that the Examinations Unit receive these requests before the date of the written test. Requests received on the date of the written test or thereafter will not be considered, unless they involve unforeseen emergencies. A medical emergency or illness occurring on the date of the examination must be documented by a medical professional seen on the date of the examination.
For emergencies, such as illness or death in the family, which occur on the scheduled written test date, the candidate must notify the Examinations Unit no later than close of business the Monday following the test date. If the candidate is unable to contact us, a family or household member, may, on the candidate's behalf, notify the Examinations Unit of the need for an alternate test date.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES - If special arrangements for testing are required, please indicate this on your application.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
HUMAN RESOURCES
SUITE 100, MICHAELIAN OFFICE BUILDING
148 MARTINE AVENUE
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10601
Candidates are responsible for reporting in writing, all changes in name and/or address directly to the “Recruitment and Selection Unit” at the above address. Please include examination number on all correspondence.
Admission cards may not be mailed to candidates until 8-10 days prior to the examination date.
Candidates, who receive disqualification notices and wish to appeal such disqualification, must do so in writing.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is the policy of Westchester County to provide for and promote the equal opportunity of employment, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.