The unemployment rate in the United States is 3.9% – a historically low number. That means that the government and private sector are both competing for a very small segment of job seekers to fill open roles.
And Westchester County is not messing around when it comes to finding the best talent.
That’s why it hired Frank Celentano, Westchester County Government’s Recruitment Coordinator, to oversee its hiring push.
“When unemployment was high, job seekers would come looking for us,” says Celentano. “In this employment landscape, that is no longer the case. We are making more of an effort to publicize why working for Westchester County is such an excellent choice.”
The county has multiple jobs available, and Celentano broke down what it means to work in government, which jobs are available, what it takes to get them, and how to apply.
Job Appeal
First and foremost is how appealing working in a government job can be. There are great benefits, competitive salaries, and membership in a top-ranked retirement system. But it goes beyond that, says Celentano. The county has a wide and varied workforce that includes engineers, accountants, lawyers, and IT professionals. In fact, it has over 25 specialized departments. It provides ample time off, tuition reimbursement to further one’s education, and expanded mental health services.
For Westchester County, most of the jobs are located in White Plains, which Celentano describes as “a city that offers an incredible array of restaurants, cultural experiences, and entertainment.”
“We believe that once job seekers learn about all that we have to offer, Westchester County will be the employer that high-quality job seekers will choose,” Celentano observes.
Each of the 25 departments offers diverse workplace and career opportunities ranging from full-time to part-time positions, along with seasonal and internship opportunities. The county also provides career advancement and continuous training programs.
“If you are looking for a rewarding career with a healthy work-life balance, career advancement, and stability, this is the place for you,” Celentano shares. “All you need to do is apply.”
As of right now, Westchester County Government employs around 4,500 employees and is looking to grow. With its current hiring push, it offers opportunities at every level, ranging from folks with master’s degrees to those with high school diplomas or GEDs.
Celentano is there to show people what the county has to offer. “I am always open to exploratory conversations,” he says. Even for those who are unsure where their skills might fit best, he is there to help job seekers better understand potential career paths with the county.
Current job openings during this hiring push include a staff nutritionist, forensic scientist, radiological and chemical analyst, legal secretary, and office assistant, to name a few.
How to Apply
One of the most common questions Celentano receives is “How do I apply?” It starts by going to the county’s HR website.
Something to take note of is that any job posting you see is posted for a specific period, usually 10 business days, after which it no longer appears on the site. Applications must be sent no later than the “Post Until” date to the person specified on the job posting. Also, there are positions that require a civil service examination.
Celentano encourages job seekers to register for a civil service exam because over 80% of the jobs are competitive, meaning individuals seeking employment must compete in an examination process for selection by merit and fitness. All who are interested can sign up to receive email notifications and alerts of announced Westchester County examinations on a weekly basis. Candidates, including those interested in non-competitive openings, also need to complete an application form called XD10, which can be found on the HR website.
“We encourage candidates that have additional questions on how to apply, requirements, and duties to contact our HR office,” Celentano says.
Related: Diversity Initiatives Are a Focus Among Westchester’s Governments
