December 2021: Volume 4, Issue 4

Our Mission: To provide merit-based, innovative workforce solutions which enable state government to attract, develop and retain a productive, diverse and engaged workforce that excels in delivering quality services to the citizens of Louisiana.
On behalf of the State Civil Service Commission and the Department of State Civil Service, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season! As the year draws to an end, we are reminded of the outstanding contributions our workforce has made toward our State. Thank you, to all our state employees, for your committed service and dedication. We are grateful for innovative employees like you who are dedicated to excellence, while upholding the values and principles of public service. It is important that we also recognize and honor our essential employees who will continue to work through the holidays, away from their family and friends, to provide for the necessary health, safety, and welfare of our citizens. We greatly appreciate you.
 
Here’s to a joyful holiday and happy new year! 
 
Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., SCS Director
Louisiana joins NASPE's Military Spouse Transition Network
Military spouses change duty stations, moving across the country approximately every three years. This results in a major impact on their careers and ability to provide financial support to their family. Through the National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE), the Military Spouse Transition Network (MSTN) is designed to help military spouses currently working in a state government identify job leads in the state to which they will be moving. 

The program, open to all identified military spouses working for state government agencies in NASPE member states, activates when a military spouse/state employee who receives notification of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) for their spouse contacts a designated NASPE representative in their home state (i.e., the state from which the spouse is moving). The program delivers career services products such as resume building, skills translation, informal contacts, etc. in support of military spouse re-employment.

“The Military Spouse Transition Network presents a unique recruitment opportunity, but most importantly demonstrates each State’s commitment to supporting our military families. Louisiana is proud to join with our NASPE member States in providing avenues to meaningful employment for military spouses,” stated Louisiana State Civil Service Director, Byron P. Decoteau, Jr.
Excellent Compliance Audits
State Civil Service would like to commend the following agencies for an excellent Compliance Audit:

  • Department of Corrections-Prison Enterprises—Perfect Report!
  • Department of Natural Resources—Perfect Report!
  • Louisiana State Penitentiary
  • Department of Public Safety and Corrections-Administration
  • Dixon Correctional Institute
  • Department of Agriculture and Forestry
  • Department of Transportation and Development
  • Department of Children and Family Services

These agencies achieved 90% compliance or higher in all categories audited, had no areas of concern, and no major rule violations. Prison Enterprises and Department of Natural Resources received a perfect report, achieving 100% compliance in all categories audited! The results received by these agencies show the value and importance of excellence they place on Civil Service rule compliance. They are to be commended for a job well done!
Department of Natural Resources

Melinda Robert,
SCS Compliance and Audit Administrator
Kayla Kirby, HR Director
Joseph Freeman, HR Analyst
Prison Enterprises

Teresa Davis, DOC HR Director
Misty Stagg, Prison Enterprises Director
Melinda Robert,
SCS Compliance and Audit Administrator
State Civil Service and the Baton Rouge Testing & Recruiting Center will be closed on the following dates for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

  • December 24, 2021
  • December 27, 2021
  • December 31, 2021

There will be no testing on these days.
SCS Commission Meeting Update
Preventing Sexual Harassment Training



Coming in January:
the new Preventing Sexual Harassment 2022 Training for employees and supervisors!
Every year during the holidays, we see a variety of ways we can give back to our communities. With COVID-19 still present and the hurricanes our state has experienced recently, the opportunity to meet the needs around us has been even greater. Here are a few ways to contribute:

 
For more ideas, follow us on social media and search #ThoughtfulThursday to see our series on how to give back locally and nationally.
Have Something To Add?

This publication is intended to provide for increased communication between the Department of State Civil Service and all stakeholders within our system. Email your questions, comments, or suggestions to us, and we'll do our best to respond promptly. Your feedback may even be chosen for publication as part of this feature! Participants will remain anonymous if requested. Please note that not all feedback will be published and that only fact-based questions will receive a response.