Human Services briefs county on NY HELPS hiring pathway; public hearing and title submissions planned

Caitlin Smith presented the New York State HELPS program to the Human Services Committee and asked the committee to consider adopting HELPS locally to streamline hiring for hard‑to‑fill competitive positions.

She explained the core mechanics: HELPS enables temporary noncompetitive appointments for approved titles; those appointments can convert to permanent competitive status after a Qualified Incumbent Examination (QIE) following a minimum of six months of satisfactory service. "It does not eliminate the minimum qualifications that are set by the state or our office," Smith said, adding the county must still screen for appropriate education and experience and comply with merit‑system rules.

Smith said the state extended the program through June 30, 2028, and that Lewis County anticipates an initial submission of roughly 20 local titles across county departments and affiliated employers (county, hospital, and some school districts). She said the county will hold a public hearing (late July appointment times were discussed in the meeting) and then submit titles and supporting statistics to the state for review and approval. Committee members asked whether HELPS waives top‑three ranking: Smith said HELPS applies only when there is no pending mandated list or promotion list; if a test exists, the state review will determine eligibility for HELPS use.

Human Services also moved a draft resolution to appropriate $1,540,001.50 related to an intergovernmental transfer in coordination with Lewis County Health System; committee voted to forward that resolution to the full board.