One of our readers asked me a question about the New York State Civil Service Law Section 55-a . It’s a provision that provides for the employment of persons with disabilities by municipalities.
He also asked how he would find out the correct information without being blown off by an unpleasant person.
I like that question. It does suck to get someone like that on the phone or in person. You are in need of information and that person knows it and either gives it to you like you’re getting a massive favor and you should be extremely grateful that they bothered with your pitiful self. Or you don’t get anything except attitude. This is where city, state, local, and federal employees get a bad rap. “What do you expect from a city worker”…
But, actually, the private sector has its share too. I once called my privately run medical plan for some coverage information. It was given to me rather rudely. The old crotchety man that I’ve become retorted that “you’ve could have been more pleasant with your response”. Well, it started with “baby, you think that was rude, you don’t know what rude is” and went down from there. But, the true thick-skinned, scarred New Yorker I am took my undeserved verbal beating and moved on. However, the fact that I’m mentioning it here shows the scar is still there. I can hear her again in my head now…
Well, as Einstein said, “There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” Some people choose to live a harder, unhappy life.
But, back to our story.
Basically, the Section 55-a of the New York Civil Service Law allows qualified persons with disabilities to be appointed to civil service positions without having to take an exam.
But, it’s not a free ride nor is it that anyone can fill any position. First, you must be certified as having a mental or physical disability. You must be qualified to do the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Your skills, education and/or experience must meet the qualifications of the position.
You don’t normally see the suggestion to apply for this consideration through the regular Notice of Examinations (NOE). They are usually specified on a job posting like this one at NYCERS.
There is no guarantee of receiving an interview or a position. Appointments through the 55-a Program are discretionary for each City agency. The law also limits the number of 55-a positions to 700 citywide.
There doesn’t seem to be one concise list of titles that support the program. But I know of employees who worked as someone supported by “55-a” in titles that didn’t specify that directly.
Taking a Test is Still the Best Protection
Remember, you do not have the protections of a regular “competitive class” title. You will not obtain “permanent” status if hired under 55-a. If you’re looking for permanent status and all the protections that come with it you’ll still need to follow the process – take and pass a civil service exam, be appointed from the list, and successfully complete your probationary period. If you are already in the 55-a Program, you should take the exam for your present title. Although I haven’t seen it, I suspect you can be “bumped” by someone pulled from a list. You’d have to check with your agency’s 55-a coordinator (if you have one) or contact the Citywide 55-a Coordinator at (212) 386-0257.
I would encourage someone considering obtaining a job using the 55-a program to apply to any job they want and meet the qualifications. The city has a nice guide that gives a lot of details on how to apply and whom to contact for more information. Hopefully it’s not the same contact our colleague was using to get additional information.
If you have a problem getting information via telephone- or get poor treatment – I would suggest sending an email or even snail mail to DCAS. They even have a “Citywide Equity & Inclusion/EEO Inquiries” contact there that may be able to provide further information or help. It’s not so easy to dismiss questions in writing…
Questions and Comments Welcomed Here.
I am a MWM “Metal work mechanic” for nyc their are about 50 of us that are provisional and some guys have 2 years or more other 8 plus as provisional I was wondering when will this bill come help us thanks.
Hi,
You’d have to check with your HR department to see if you’d qualify for the program and if they would keep you on board under the program. I don’t think all of the MWM’s would qualify under 55-a but ones who have a disability that would be covered under 55-a would have a shot. There is a citywide limit and I presume DCAS could help point you in the right direction if you want to check it out.
Click here to go to DCAS and read about the 55-a program.
Good luck! – Chris