Ask the Experts: Civil Service Employment and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation OVR

1. Ask the Experts: Civil Service Employment and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

2. Opportunities! Approximately 2,400 distinct job titles Located in numerous state agencies and local government offices Most positions in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, but are also available statewide

3. Civil Service Job Categories Administration, Accounting, and Fiscal Control Clerical Information Technology Education and Museum Engineering and Environmental Control Law Enforcement, Investigation, and Safety Medical and Health Services Social and Employment Services Trades and Maintenance Go to Web site. Point out Online Services section, different options under dropdown menu and Job Seekers tab with left navigation menu. On Summary page, also point out Programs to be Opened link. Address hiring freeze at this point, with special emphasis on Immediate Needs page. Many people who call our office to inquire about Civil Service employment opportunities think there is only one Civil Service test that qualifies them for any given job title. However, there is a separate test for each job title. Our largest job categories include administration, accounting and fiscal control; engineering and environmental control; medical and health services; and social and employment services. Go to Web site. Point out Online Services section, different options under dropdown menu and Job Seekers tab with left navigation menu. On Summary page, also point out Programs to be Opened link. Address hiring freeze at this point, with special emphasis on Immediate Needs page. Many people who call our office to inquire about Civil Service employment opportunities think there is only one Civil Service test that qualifies them for any given job title. However, there is a separate test for each job title. Our largest job categories include administration, accounting and fiscal control; engineering and environmental control; medical and health services; and social and employment services.

5. What is OVR?

6.  OVR Central Office Contact Rob Hodapp Western PA VR Specialist Employer & Placement Services PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 4200 Lovell Place Erie, PA 16503 (814) 451-5421 TTY (814) 871-4599 rhodapp@state.pa.us

7.  OVR Central Office Contact Ralph Roach Employer Outreach Rehabilitation Specialist Employer & Placement Services PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 1521 North 6th Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 787-3940 TTY (717) 787-4885 rroach@state.pa.us

8.  OVR Central Office Contact David Baum Rehabilitation Specialist Supervisor Employer & Placement Services PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 1521 North 6th Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 (717) 787-5518 TTY (717) 787-4885 dbaum@state.pa.us

9. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) OVR Mission To assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to secure and maintain employment and independence www.dli.state.pa.us Click �Disability Services� icon

10. Office of Vocational RehabilitationState/Federal Public VR Program The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (BVRS) The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) Commonwealth Technical Institute (HGAC) 21 District Offices throughout the state Central Office in Harrisburg (BCO)

11. For a person to be eligible for OVR services, an individual needs to have a disability that is �an impediment to employment.� This can be an impediment in preparing for, attaining or retaining employment. OVR often assists people who are currently employed in retaining employment.

12.  PA Civil Service/OVR Collaboration Civil Service Resume Review/OVR Customer Expanded Resources for Civil Service/OVR Expanded Civil Service Recruitment Network Commonwealth of Pennsylvania/Top 10 Employer for OVR Customers

14. Two Paths to State Employment Civil Service (Merit System) Account for about 70% of the workforce Required to complete an exam or assessment Non-Civil Service Account for about 30% of the Commonwealth workforce Most jobs do not require testing The eight testing centers are located in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown, Johnstown, Erie, Lock Haven and Scranton. Sometimes people who call to inquire about tests think they must come to Harrisburg to take their exam. This is not always the case. The test announcement (under the Testing section) provides details about where the test will be given. There is no charge to take any Civil Service exam, and there is no penalty for not reporting for your exam or needing to reschedule. For non-Civil Service positions, the one exception where a test is offered is for Clerk Typist positions. You can visit www.bse.state.pa.us for more information about what the test involves.The eight testing centers are located in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown, Johnstown, Erie, Lock Haven and Scranton. Sometimes people who call to inquire about tests think they must come to Harrisburg to take their exam. This is not always the case. The test announcement (under the Testing section) provides details about where the test will be given. There is no charge to take any Civil Service exam, and there is no penalty for not reporting for your exam or needing to reschedule. For non-Civil Service positions, the one exception where a test is offered is for Clerk Typist positions. You can visit www.bse.state.pa.us for more information about what the test involves.

15. Types of Civil Service Tests 4 Basic Types: Computer Administered Test Performance Test (such as typing) Oral Test/Work Simulation Rating of Experience and Training Test announcement indicates exam type An examination may consist of one or more tests Written exams are usually administered on a computer, although paper copies of tests are available if a person needs one as part of an approved accommodation, and as long as the test doesn�t have a video component. Examples of job titles that have a video portion as part of their exam are Aide Trainee, County Caseworker and Income Maintenance Caseworker. If a job title has a video component as part of its exam, that will be noted next to the job title name on our Summary of Civil Service Exams page. In addition to the video link, there is also a Text link that provides the same content the video offers, but it is modified to text for individuals who need that assistance. Last, but not least, we do have a computerized testing tutorial on our Web site that may be useful for anyone who has never taken a CS exam. The tutorial just familiarizes first-time users with the different screens and buttons they might see during their computerized test, mouse movement, etc. It does not include study guides or sample questions for exams. Performance tests measure an applicant�s ability to do a certain task, such as typing. For oral exams, the applicant�s answers will be rated by a panel of interviewers. Ratings of experience and training are just as the name implies. If an applicant is rated on his or her experience and training a supplement will need to be completed along with the main Civil Service application. Completing the supplement is the test. Sometimes, applicants can apply online for job titles that require an application supplement; other times a paper application must be used. The test announcement for the particular job title will note that.Written exams are usually administered on a computer, although paper copies of tests are available if a person needs one as part of an approved accommodation, and as long as the test doesn�t have a video component. Examples of job titles that have a video portion as part of their exam are Aide Trainee, County Caseworker and Income Maintenance Caseworker. If a job title has a video component as part of its exam, that will be noted next to the job title name on our Summary of Civil Service Exams page. In addition to the video link, there is also a Text link that provides the same content the video offers, but it is modified to text for individuals who need that assistance. Last, but not least, we do have a computerized testing tutorial on our Web site that may be useful for anyone who has never taken a CS exam. The tutorial just familiarizes first-time users with the different screens and buttons they might see during their computerized test, mouse movement, etc. It does not include study guides or sample questions for exams. Performance tests measure an applicant�s ability to do a certain task, such as typing. For oral exams, the applicant�s answers will be rated by a panel of interviewers. Ratings of experience and training are just as the name implies. If an applicant is rated on his or her experience and training a supplement will need to be completed along with the main Civil Service application. Completing the supplement is the test. Sometimes, applicants can apply online for job titles that require an application supplement; other times a paper application must be used. The test announcement for the particular job title will note that.

16. Application Process Apply online at http://www.scsc.state.pa.us All information pertinent to applicants is under the Job Seekers tab on our home page

17. Application Process Review Job Requirements section for Minimum Experience and Training One application per test announcement Apply for all titles of interest on announcements List all experience and training you have that you believe qualifies you for job title(s) of interest. This is because the person who evaluates your application can only use the information you provide to determine your eligibility. There is a challenge procedure, but if you provide all the appropriate information up front, you will put yourself in the best possible position. The most common reason people have to challenge findings of ineligibility is because of incomplete info on an application. List all experience and training you have that you believe qualifies you for job title(s) of interest. This is because the person who evaluates your application can only use the information you provide to determine your eligibility. There is a challenge procedure, but if you provide all the appropriate information up front, you will put yourself in the best possible position. The most common reason people have to challenge findings of ineligibility is because of incomplete info on an application.

18. Special Information for Applicants with Disabilities Testing accommodations provided as appropriate �Justification for Testing Accommodation� form required Go online or contact an SCSC office for a form

19. Accommodation Information for Applicants with Disabilities Justification form requirements include: Applicant name and last four digits of Social Security Number Exam title Type of accommodation requested Certifying professional�s contact information For a paper copy call (717) 787-2935 Justification for Testing Accommodation forms must be completed by an appropriate professional (doctor, OVR counselor, etc.) who has knowledge of the disability and the accommodations that might be required. This form must be completed in advance of a test date being scheduled. Common accommodations include extended time, separate testing area, readers/writers, use of adaptive computer software (JAWS or Zoomtext) and tests in alternative format such as large print or tape recorded. The form must be completed and returned before a test date and time is scheduled. All information will be kept confidential, and the form will remain on file and be used for future accommodation requests. A new form will not be necessary unless the applicant�s accommodation needs change. Applicants can request a hard copy of this form by calling (717) 787-2935 (Test Administration) or by calling their local Civil Service office. Please bear in mind that not all job titles or requested accommodations may be appropriate for an applicant with a disability. For instance, if you have a visual or hearing impairment, you may want to consider job titles other than Corrections Officer Trainee � from a safety standpoint. Important to be familiar with nature of work and minimum experience and training requirements so you can make the best choices for yourself if your job search is self-directed. Even though I am the recruiter for applicants with disabilities, I do not work with testing accommodations as part of my job. I can answer general questions about testing accommodations, but not specific questions related to the appropriateness of requested accommodations. I also have no say in whether requested accommodations are approved. Amanda Crawford is the Commission employee who works with testing accommodations. Her contact information is (717) 787-3037 or amcrawford@state.pa.us. Justification for Testing Accommodation forms must be completed by an appropriate professional (doctor, OVR counselor, etc.) who has knowledge of the disability and the accommodations that might be required. This form must be completed in advance of a test date being scheduled. Common accommodations include extended time, separate testing area, readers/writers, use of adaptive computer software (JAWS or Zoomtext) and tests in alternative format such as large print or tape recorded. The form must be completed and returned before a test date and time is scheduled. All information will be kept confidential, and the form will remain on file and be used for future accommodation requests. A new form will not be necessary unless the applicant�s accommodation needs change. Applicants can request a hard copy of this form by calling (717) 787-2935 (Test Administration) or by calling their local Civil Service office. Please bear in mind that not all job titles or requested accommodations may be appropriate for an applicant with a disability. For instance, if you have a visual or hearing impairment, you may want to consider job titles other than Corrections Officer Trainee � from a safety standpoint. Important to be familiar with nature of work and minimum experience and training requirements so you can make the best choices for yourself if your job search is self-directed. Even though I am the recruiter for applicants with disabilities, I do not work with testing accommodations as part of my job. I can answer general questions about testing accommodations, but not specific questions related to the appropriateness of requested accommodations. I also have no say in whether requested accommodations are approved. Amanda Crawford is the Commission employee who works with testing accommodations. Her contact information is (717) 787-3037 or amcrawford@state.pa.us.

20. Accommodation Questions Candidates who are granted a testing accommodation will have their eligibility evaluated for the specific job title(s) prior to scheduling a testing date and time Please direct questions about testing accommodations to the Test Administration Division at (717) 787-3037

21. Self-Scheduling Your Test If you apply online and do not require a testing accommodation, use the online Candidate Application Processing and Scheduling (CAPS) system CAPS self-service includes scheduling test dates, times, and locations as well as changing or canceling tests CAPS is always available online Self-schedule exams by clicking the schedule/reschedule exam link from the Online Services menu on the right side of the home page. You can also apply for exams and/or get exam scores from this menu. Selecting any of the options from the Online Services menu requires that you provide a user ID and password before you can access anything. If you are new user, there will be a link named New user? Register here, that you can click to set up your user ID and password. Self-schedule exams by clicking the schedule/reschedule exam link from the Online Services menu on the right side of the home page. You can also apply for exams and/or get exam scores from this menu. Selecting any of the options from the Online Services menu requires that you provide a user ID and password before you can access anything. If you are new user, there will be a link named New user? Register here, that you can click to set up your user ID and password.

22. Test Centers Computer administered tests are offered on most Mondays through Fridays at SCSC test centers in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh Computer administered tests are also offered 10 days a month, including some Saturdays and evenings, in Allentown, Erie, Johnstown, Lock Haven, and Scranton The Commission has certain days when testing is not offered because of required maintenance to computer systems. These �no test days� are listed on our Web site under the Job Seekers, Testing Information, Walk-In Testing. Erie test center has moved to 155 W 8th Street. Is expected to reopen this August. Exact date unknown.The Commission has certain days when testing is not offered because of required maintenance to computer systems. These �no test days� are listed on our Web site under the Job Seekers, Testing Information, Walk-In Testing. Erie test center has moved to 155 W 8th Street. Is expected to reopen this August. Exact date unknown.

23. After You Test After testing, applicants receive a �Notice of Examination Results� Hiring agencies send candidates �Availability Surveys� about vacancies Completion by survey deadline is key Give advance notice for interview accommodations You should complete and return the Availability Survey even if your situation changes and you are no longer interested in the job title the survey applies to. If you do not complete and availability survey and return it to the address listed by the specified date, your name will be removed from Civil Service lists for the particular job title/titles for which you have tested as well as any other job titles in the same pay range or lower. Furthermore, failure to return an availability survey by the deadline means you will not receive the availability surveys for future vacancies. If you need accommodations for an interview, be sure to contact the hiring agency � not the Several Service Commission. Remember that SCSC does not hire for all Commonwealth vacancies. Each agency does its own hiring when there is a vacancy to fill. You should complete and return the Availability Survey even if your situation changes and you are no longer interested in the job title the survey applies to. If you do not complete and availability survey and return it to the address listed by the specified date, your name will be removed from Civil Service lists for the particular job title/titles for which you have tested as well as any other job titles in the same pay range or lower. Furthermore, failure to return an availability survey by the deadline means you will not receive the availability surveys for future vacancies. If you need accommodations for an interview, be sure to contact the hiring agency � not the Several Service Commission. Remember that SCSC does not hire for all Commonwealth vacancies. Each agency does its own hiring when there is a vacancy to fill.

24. After You Test For many titles, retesting is available Your most recent exam score counts Applicants can challenge a finding of ineligibility or an examination score by following the procedures on the back of their �Notice of Examination Results� within the prescribed timeframes Most titles require PA residency

25. Commonwealth Benefits Statewide job opportunities and mobility Excellent compensation package Advancement and professional development opportunities Low-cost medical, dental, vision, prescription, and hearing aid plans

26. Commonwealth Benefits For most jobs, 37.5 or 40 hour work weeks Alternate work schedules in some locations Leave: Annual leave days Progressive personal leave Sick days 11 paid holidays Various other types

27. Commonwealth Benefits Life insurance Optional Deferred Compensation Program Mental health/substance abuse benefits Excellent retirement plan

28. Commonwealth Benefits Governor�s Child Care Center Program Family Care Account Program State Employee Assistance Program Optional Long Term Care and Homeowners Insurance

29. Commonwealth Benefits Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union Savings bonds purchase through payroll deductions Direct deposit of pay and travel expenses

30. Important Websites: PA State Government Employment http://www.employment.pa.gov State Civil Service Commission http://www.scsc.state.pa.us or http://www.civilservicejobs.pa.gov Bureau of State Employment http://www.employment.pa.gov

31. Additional State Civil Service Commission Employment Services The SCSC offers the following additional services to the public: - Civil service employment information and SCSC website navigation assistance - Resume evaluations - One-on-one career counseling - Group presentations on employment opportunities and the civil service application, testing, and hiring processes. Show participants where to find this information on our site. (Job Seekers, Testing Information, ADA Accommodation) Note that with resume evaluations, we always encourage candidates to do a self-directed job search first if possible, because the same resources I would use to evaluate a resume are available to anyone online (Summary page, and HS/College Graduates links) Show participants where to find this information on our site. (Job Seekers, Testing Information, ADA Accommodation) Note that with resume evaluations, we always encourage candidates to do a self-directed job search first if possible, because the same resources I would use to evaluate a resume are available to anyone online (Summary page, and HS/College Graduates links)

32. Central Office Contact Information If you have questions or would like assistance, please contact: Recruitment Specialist for Applicants with Disabilities Phone: (717) 787-1796 or (717) 214-4933 (direct) Fax: (717) 787-5731 TTY: (717) 772-2685 E-mail: ra-cs-recruitment@state.pa.us

33. Eastern Regional Office Contact Information If you live in Philadelphia or surrounding areas and have questions about civil service employment, please contact: Phone: (215) 560-2253 Fax: (215) 560-6715 TTY: (215) 560-4367 E-mail: ra-cs-recruitphil@state.pa.us

34. Western Regional Office Contact Information If you live in Western Pennsylvania and have questions about civil service employment, please contact: Phone: (412) 565-7666 Fax: (412) 565-7638 TTY: (412) 565-2484 E-mail: ra-cs-wro@state.pa.us

35. Thank you for your time!