Governor Hochul Extends NY HELPS Hiring Program Through 2028
More than 60,000 public-sector hires have already been made as New York continues efforts to rebuild its workforce.
Governor Hochul Extends NY HELPS Hiring Program Through 2028
New Yorkers looking for government jobs will continue to have a faster path into public service after Governor Kathy Hochul announced an extension of the NY HELPS program through June 30, 2028. The initiative, which temporarily waives civil service exams for many positions, has already helped fill more than 60,000 state and local government jobs since its launch.
The extension comes as New York continues working to address workforce shortages across state agencies and local governments. Officials say the program has helped agencies hire workers more quickly while maintaining qualifications and standards for critical public services.
“Our public employees are unparalleled,” Governor Hochul said, emphasizing the need to continue rebuilding New York’s workforce and expanding opportunities for job seekers.
What Is the NY HELPS Program?
The New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide (NY HELPS) program was created to accelerate hiring for public-sector positions that have struggled to attract enough candidates through the traditional civil service process. Under the program, many positions can be filled without requiring applicants to take a competitive civil service exam.
Quick Definition
NY HELPS is a temporary hiring initiative that allows qualified candidates to apply directly for many state and local government jobs without first taking a civil service exam.
Applicants must still meet the minimum qualifications and employment requirements for the positions they seek.
More Than 60,000 Jobs Filled
According to the Governor’s Office, more than 60,000 appointments have been made through the program since the original HELP initiative launched in 2023 and later expanded into NY HELPS in 2024.
Many of those positions have been in areas facing persistent staffing shortages, including:
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Registered Nurses
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Direct Support Assistants
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Mental Health Therapy Aides
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Health and Human Services positions
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Administrative government roles
Officials say these hires have helped maintain essential public services throughout New York.
Why New York Is Extending the Program
State leaders argue that lengthy hiring timelines have made it difficult to compete for workers in today’s labor market. Traditional civil service exams often require applicants to wait months before becoming eligible for employment.
The extension of NY HELPS gives state agencies and local governments additional time to fill vacancies while the Department of Civil Service modernizes the broader hiring system.
Goals of the Extension
The state says the continued program will:
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Reduce barriers to government employment.
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Speed up hiring for critical vacancies.
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Improve access to public-sector careers.
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Support workforce diversity.
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Help agencies deliver services more effectively.
Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues said the state is working to “meet jobseekers and state employees where they are,” while making hiring and promotion opportunities more accessible.
Other Workforce Modernization Efforts
The NY HELPS extension is only one part of a broader workforce strategy being pursued by the state.
Recent initiatives include:
Computer-Based Testing Centers
New York recently opened its first computer-based civil service testing center in Albany County. State officials plan to open 12 testing centers across New York by the end of 2027. These centers are intended to make promotion exams easier to access and allow employees to schedule testing more conveniently.
Expanded Qualifications
In 2025, New York updated qualifications for approximately 800 civil service titles, allowing equivalent work experience to be considered as an alternative to some degree requirements.
Career Assistance Centers
The state has also established Centers for Careers in Government to help prospective employees navigate civil service opportunities and application processes.
Supporters Say the Program Is Working
Supporters of NY HELPS argue that the program has become an important tool for addressing workforce shortages.
The Civil Service Employees Association praised the extension, saying it provides public employers with a practical way to fill critical vacancies while larger reforms to the civil service system continue.
State Senator Robert Jackson also supported the move, saying government services depend on having enough workers in place to meet community needs.
Critics Raise Questions About Temporary Solutions
While the program has received broad support from state leaders and labor organizations, some workforce experts have argued nationally that long-term staffing challenges require more than streamlined hiring processes.
Common concerns include:
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Employee retention after hiring
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Competitive pay compared with private-sector jobs
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Workforce training needs
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Long-term modernization of civil service systems
New York officials acknowledge that NY HELPS is part of a larger transformation effort rather than a permanent replacement for traditional civil service hiring.
What This Means for Job Seekers
For New Yorkers interested in public service careers, the extension means thousands of positions may remain accessible without requiring a civil service examination.
That could create opportunities for:
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Recent graduates
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Career changers
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Healthcare professionals
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Administrative workers
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Individuals seeking stable government employment
Job seekers can continue applying for eligible positions through participating state and local government agencies while the program remains active through June 2028.
New York’s workforce challenges are unlikely to disappear overnight, but state officials believe extending NY HELPS will help bridge the gap while broader reforms take shape. With more than 60,000 hires already made, the program has become one of the state’s most significant efforts to rebuild government staffing levels and ensure essential services continue reaching communities across New York.
