New York City Council
Committee on Civil Service and Labor
Oct 31, 2024
·
10:00 AM
1 hr 44 min
Summary
A hearing on pathways into New York City's civil service workforce, focusing on initiatives by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the City University of New York (CUNY) to create opportunities for students and others to enter civil service careers.
Discussions centered on programs like the Civil Service Ambassador program, Public Service Corps internships, Civil Service Pathways Fellowship, and efforts to expand access to civil service exams.
Council members raised concerns about filling vacant positions, ensuring diversity in recruitment, expanding internship opportunities, and improving communication about civil service careers.
Features testimony from DCAS, CUNY, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa's opening remarks on pathways to NYC civil service
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa delivers opening remarks for a joint hearing of the Civil Service and Labor Committee and the Higher Education Committee. She introduces the topic of …
0:00:41
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171 sec
Council Member Eric Dinowitz's opening remarks on pathways to civil service and CUNY student engagement
Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education, delivers opening remarks for a joint hearing on pathways into New York City's civil service. He addresses CUNY students …
0:03:32
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3 min
Introduction and overview of DCAS's commitment to civil service pathways
Katrina Porter, Chief Human Capital Officer and Deputy Commissioner of the Human Capital Division at DCAS, introduces herself and provides an overview of DCAS's commitment to providing pathways to civil …
0:08:26
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66 sec
Legislative mandates guiding DCAS's promotion of civil service
Porter outlines several key laws that guide DCAS's promotion of civil service, including local laws and recent state legislation. These laws focus on providing information about civil service exams to …
0:09:33
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161 sec
Civil service exams and new initiatives to increase pathways
Porter details DCAS's efforts in administering civil service examinations and introducing new initiatives to increase pathways to civil service jobs. She emphasizes the importance of competitive examinations and highlights new …
0:12:15
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102 sec
Outreach and recruitment programs to create pathways to city jobs
Porter highlights DCAS's outreach and recruitment efforts, particularly through the Office of Citywide Recruitment (OCR). These initiatives aim to create pathways to city jobs by engaging with various institutions and …
0:13:58
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42 sec
CUNY-oriented and other pathway programs for career experience and guidance
Porter outlines various programs designed to provide real-life experience, career guidance, and practical training in municipal fields. These initiatives focus on creating pathways into civil service, particularly for students and …
0:14:42
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32 sec
Minimum qualification review project to expand candidate pools
Porter highlights DCAS's minimum qualification review project, an ongoing initiative aimed at expanding the pool of eligible candidates for civil service positions and reducing employment barriers. - The project reviews …
0:15:16
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32 sec
Conclusion: DCAS's commitment to expanding access to civil service opportunities
Porter concludes her testimony by reaffirming DCAS's commitment and passion for helping New Yorkers access civil service opportunities. She emphasizes the role of civil service in providing a path to …
0:15:49
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51 sec
Introduction and CUNY's role in economic mobility
Lauren Andersen introduces herself as the University Associate Provost for Careers and Industry Partnerships at CUNY. She highlights CUNY's historical and ongoing role in advancing economic mobility in New York …
0:16:47
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128 sec
Overview of CUNY's strategies for expanding public sector workforce pipeline
Lauren Andersen outlines CUNY's role as a talent pipeline for city, state, and federal agencies. She introduces three key strategies that CUNY is employing to grow this pipeline and prepare …
0:18:55
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24 sec
Expanding paid internship and fellowship collaborations with public agencies
CUNY is expanding paid internship and fellowship collaborations with public agencies to introduce students to the public sector workforce. This strategy includes partnerships with city agencies and the MTA, providing …
0:19:20
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83 sec
Integrating public sector career paths into curriculum
CUNY is working to integrate exposure to public service careers directly into students' classroom experiences. This strategy aims to make public sector career paths more accessible and visible to students …
0:20:44
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37 sec
Expanding access to full-time civil service hiring opportunities
CUNY is working to make full-time civil service hiring opportunities more accessible to students. This strategy focuses on increasing visibility and connections to public sector positions for CUNY students and …
0:21:22
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50 sec
CUNY as a civil service employer
Lauren Andersen briefly acknowledges CUNY's role as a civil service employer itself, highlighting the university's dual role in both preparing students for civil service careers and being a part of …
0:22:13
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9 sec
CUNY's Initiatives to Enhance Civil Service Recruitment and Retention
Ludwig Vouitsis, University Director of Civil Service Support at CUNY, presents the university's efforts to improve recruitment and retention for civil service positions. He outlines several initiatives including online exams, …
0:22:23
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3 min
Inquiry about Public Service Corps program report submission timeline
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about the timeline for submitting the Public Service Corps program report, which was delayed. DCAS representative Katrina Porter confirms that the report will …
0:26:07
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53 sec
Public Service Corps intern recruitment numbers and agency placements for 2024
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the number of Public Service Corps (PSC) interns recruited in 2024 and their agency placements. DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar provides a detailed …
0:27:00
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87 sec
Outreach efforts and strategies for Public Service Corps recruitment
DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar explains the comprehensive outreach efforts to recruit Public Service Corps (PSC) candidates. The recruitment process involves engaging with schools, city agencies, and students through various …
0:28:27
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3 min
Accessibility of Public Service Corps program for undocumented and mixed-status students
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the accessibility of the Public Service Corps (PSC) program for undocumented and mixed-status students. DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar provides a response regarding …
0:31:27
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34 sec
Additional information to be included in the upcoming Public Service Corps report
DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar previews additional information that will be included in the upcoming Public Service Corps (PSC) program report, focusing on demographic breakdowns of participants. - The report …
0:32:01
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44 sec
Civil Service Ambassador Program outreach prioritization and engagement strategies
DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar explains how they prioritize outreach for different civil service pathways and engage various communities through the Civil Service Ambassador Program. - Outreach is guided by …
0:32:45
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162 sec
Comparison of participation in virtual and in-person civil service outreach events
DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar compares participation and engagement levels between virtual and in-person civil service outreach events. - Virtual events tend to have higher registration numbers, with up to …
0:35:28
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78 sec
Civil service outreach events in Staten Island and future plans
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about civil service outreach events in Staten Island, addressing concerns about it being the 'forgotten borough'. DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar provides information on …
0:36:47
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109 sec
Civil Service Ambassador Program outreach events across boroughs
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the distribution of Civil Service Ambassador Program outreach events across New York City boroughs. DCAS Assistant Commissioner Kadian Outar provides details on the number …
0:38:36
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89 sec
CUNY's curriculum updates and Career Success Fellows program
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's efforts to update curricula and prepare students for civil service careers. Lauren Andersen, University Associate Provost of Careers and Industry Partnerships at CUNY, …
0:40:05
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3 min
CUNY degree programs and Civil Service Pathways Fellowship
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY degree programs supporting civil service career tracks and the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship. CUNY and DCAS representatives provide information on available programs and …
0:43:57
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161 sec
State approval process for Civil Service Pathways Fellowship positions
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the state approval process for Civil Service Pathways Fellowship positions. DCAS representatives Kadian Outar and Katrina Porter explain the process and limitations. - The …
0:46:37
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120 sec
Cancellation of 311 internship program and CUNY's internship strategy
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the cancellation of the 311 internship program and CUNY's overall internship strategy. Lauren Andersen from CUNY explains the reasoning behind the decision and the …
0:48:38
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3 min
Alignment of internships with students' degrees and career paths
Council Member Eric Dinowitz discusses the importance of aligning internships with students' degrees and career paths. Lauren Andersen from CUNY provides information on their efforts to ensure proper alignment. - …
0:51:50
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81 sec
Discussion on the value and discontinuation of 311 internships
Council Member Gale A. Brewer expresses concern about the discontinuation of the 311 internship program, highlighting its value in preparing students for future careers in New York City. Lauren Andersen …
0:53:12
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79 sec
Importance of internships and relationships in securing government jobs
Council Member Gale A. Brewer emphasizes the crucial role of internships and relationships in securing government jobs, drawing from her experience teaching at Hunter College's public service program. - Highlights …
0:54:31
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69 sec
Request for comprehensive report on CUNY and DCAS programs
Council Member Gale A. Brewer requests a comprehensive report detailing the various programs offered by CUNY and DCAS to provide clarity on civil service career pathways. - Brewer expresses confusion …
0:55:40
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48 sec
Concerns about communication of civil service opportunities
Council Member Gale A. Brewer expresses concern about the clarity and accessibility of information on civil service opportunities for the public and students. DCAS representatives outline their communication methods. - …
0:56:28
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127 sec
Disconnect between city government job shortages and available CUNY students
Council Member Gale A. Brewer highlights a significant disconnect between the numerous job vacancies in city government and the pool of qualified CUNY students who could fill these positions. - …
0:58:35
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63 sec
Funding challenges and limitations for internship programs
Council Member Gale A. Brewer inquires about funding challenges for internship programs and the limitations on available positions. CUNY and DCAS representatives discuss the various barriers to expanding these programs. …
0:59:38
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171 sec
Call for expansion of Civil Service Pathways Fellowship and concerns about long-term workforce development
Council Member Gale A. Brewer advocates for the expansion of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship program and expresses concerns about long-term city workforce development. She engages with DCAS representatives on …
1:02:30
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115 sec
Council member mentions upcoming hearing and asks about support for civil service program students
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa mentions an upcoming hearing on November 19th to discuss agency vacancies. She then asks about the supports available to students going through civil service …
1:04:25
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60 sec
DCAS official explains support and professional development for civil service program students
Kadian Outar, Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Operations at DCAS, explains the support and professional development opportunities available to students in civil service programs. She emphasizes that support goes beyond just …
1:05:33
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83 sec
Discussion on Civil Service Pathways Fellowship career tracks and selection process
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship career tracks and selection process. Katrina Porter, from DCAS, explains the application and matching process for the …
1:06:56
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164 sec
CUNY official describes internship partnership with MTA
Lauren Andersen, University Associate Provost of Careers and Industry Partnerships at CUNY, explains the university's internship partnership with the MTA. The program covers various career tracks and has led to …
1:09:44
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33 sec
Discussion on recent changes to civil service law and recruitment efforts
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about recent changes to civil service law and recruitment efforts. Katrina Porter from DCAS explains the new law signed by Governor Hochul and …
1:10:17
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74 sec
Discussion on civil service exam fees and strategies to reduce barriers
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about waiving civil service exam application fees, and DCAS officials explain their strategies to reduce barriers for applicants. - DCAS offers hardship fee …
1:11:32
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153 sec
Discussion on diversity initiatives in civil service recruitment and fellowship programs
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa inquires about diversity initiatives in the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship program. DCAS officials explain their strategies for promoting diversity in recruitment and program participation. …
1:14:06
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107 sec
Council Member Dinowitz discusses future opportunities and challenges for CUNY internships with city agencies
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with Lauren Andersen from CUNY about expanding internship and fellowship opportunities with city agencies. They discuss potential partnerships, outreach efforts, challenges …
1:15:54
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4 min
Testimony by Arthur Cheliotes, Labor Union Leader from CWA 1180, on Civil Service Pathways and Retention
Arthur Cheliotes, a former president of CWA Local 1180 and current chairman of the Labor Advisory Board at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, testified about the importance of …
1:22:29
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8 min
Question about funding for high school program
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa asks Arthur Cheliotes about a specific program mentioned in his testimony that did not receive city funding. Cheliotes clarifies that it refers to a …
1:30:42
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53 sec
Gratitude expressed to CWA 1180
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa expresses appreciation for Arthur Cheliotes' testimony and extends gratitude to the members of CWA 1180 for their trailblazing efforts. - Acknowledges CWA 1180's work …
1:31:35
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19 sec
Testimony by Sal DeRosalia on Civil Service Opportunities
Sal DeRosalia, a 45-year-old resident of Long Island City, shared his personal experience and challenges in trying to enter the city government workforce. He expressed appreciation for the work being …
1:32:19
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84 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on Civil Service and Nonprofit Sector Employment
Christopher Leon Johnson advocates for shifting focus from civil service to nonprofit sector employment opportunities for CUNY students. He argues that nonprofits are a growing industry with more accessible job …
1:33:55
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3 min
Testimony by Cecile Chapa, Student from Brooklyn College
Cecile Chapa, a freshman at Brooklyn College, CUNY, expressed interest in and inquired about the benefits of CUNY internships, particularly as she plans to start an internship in spring 2024. …
1:38:54
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70 sec
Council member questions student about hearing attendance and internship application
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with a Brooklyn College student, Cecile Chapa, who attended the hearing. He inquires about her motivations for attending and her recent …
1:40:06
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78 sec
Student shares additional thoughts on internships and council member concludes
The council member invites the student to share any additional thoughts, leading to her expressing views on internships and their impact. The exchange concludes with the council member's thanks. - …
1:41:33
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44 sec
Carmen De La Rosa addresses student feedback and begins closing remarks
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa commends the student for their bravery in testifying and offers assistance with the internship process. She then begins to wrap up the hearing by …
1:42:16
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83 sec
Eric Dinowitz offers concluding remarks on education and career pathways
Council Member Eric Dinowitz provides concluding remarks for the hearing, emphasizing the interconnected nature of education and careers. - Dinowitz thanks Carmen De La Rosa for her work on the …
1:43:40
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40 sec
