New York State Extends NY HELPS Hiring Program

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the extension of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement (NY HELPS) program.

Initially launched to help accelerate the ability of New York state and municipal government agencies to appoint and hire talented employees, the NY HELPS program has been extended by the New York State Civil Service Commission until June 30, 2028.

NY HELPS temporarily waives exams for many New York government jobs that are available to the public, “making it easier than ever for jobseekers to find employment in the public sector,” according to a statement from Hochul’s office.

Through NY HELPS, jobseekers can apply for positions that are open to the general public for which they meet the minimum qualifications and other conditions of employment, the statement noted. According to Hochul’s office, the original HELP program—created in 2023 and expanded and renamed NY HELPS in 2024—has already helped fill more than 60,000 appointments to positions across New York state and local government.

“Our public employees are unparalleled, and together, we have made great strides in rebuilding the state and local workforce during my administration, but our work is still not finished,” said Hochul, in a statement.

“By extending NY HELPS and continuing to break down barriers that may exist for employees, we can bring more New Yorkers into rewarding public sector careers, expand opportunities for current employees to advance and ensure we are meeting the needs of every community while delivering the high-quality services and resources they deserve.”