Recently, several colleagues received notifications that they were not qualified after filing for an NYC DCAS Civil Service exam. It was clearly a mistake, as I know these gentlemen as very well qualified, and they are presently working as provisional within that title.
As this is a second group that I know of in recent months who received disqualification notices from a different exam, I did further investigation with them to see what could have happened.
It appears that they are giving more details and information than is required when they fill out their work history in OASys . The Notice of Examination or NOE, explains what information and details are required. From OASys:
You must make sure you describe your experience in basic detail. It seems the reviewers are looking for words and terms that are in the NOE and, most likely, do not have the technical background or have the appropriate experience in that particular field to determine if your description meets the NOE.
For example, for Computer Specialist (Software), the NOE states:
For my Ajax and Python examples you pretty much have to state plainly that you have “…maintenance and support of software…” and maybe “…web development and design…” if appropriate regarding Ajax experience.
Several of my Radio Mechanic colleagues were recently disqualified because they, too, had too much information. One gent put down that he had “TDMA and MOTOTRBO systems” experience and has extensively worked with Aviat Eclipse systems. However, the Radio Repair Mechanic (RRM) NOE states:
Unless the DCAS reviewer was familiar with Public Safety and Land Mobile radio systems, they would have no idea that MOTOTRBO is a form of land mobile radio system nor would they know that Aviat Eclipse is a microwave radio system.
When DCAS sends the disqualification notice, they also advise on how to appeal the decision. You have 30 days from the date on the notice itself to file that appeal and it gets sent to the “Committee on Manifest Errors” at the address listed. You should revisit what you have described in your original entries and adjust it to fit the words in the description. They usually don’t want your resume nor would that help.
It must be postmarked no later than the 30 days from the date on the notice – and preferably earlier. Remember, I am not a lawyer, DCAS employee, or city HR person. So, if you’re unsure you may want to contact DCAS for clarification. Personally, I would also send it in a manner where you have proof of mailing and/or receipt; whether that’s hand delivering it to the post office and getting a receipt, mailing it by Priority Mail, or sending it Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested.
Once you have successfully got through the qualifications, passed a test, if one was required, and then called off a certified list, then you can go with the resume. It will be the agency that calls you that will review your specific qualifications in detail.
If you are still found disqualified you may bring it to the NYC Civil Service Commission and perhaps seek legal counsel if you would like to pursue it further. But this is only AFTER you have exhausted the DCAS process and have received a final determination notice that you have been disqualified.
Questions and Comments welcomed below.
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Photo by Taduuda on Unsplash (Computer and Monitor on Desk)
