December 2024: Volume 7, 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.

MQ Modernization Project Update – Job Posting Moratorium

The Department of State Civil Service is excited to announce that significant progress has been made on our comprehensive review and overhaul of job minimum qualifications, in alignment with ACT 655 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session. This project has reached a pivotal stage, as nearly all minimum qualifications have been reviewed and newly proposed to our stakeholders to simplify requirements, broaden applicant pools, and modernize our hiring processes.

As we have transitioned into the next phase of the project, focused on implementing system updates – including critical changes to the LA Careers applicant tracking system – we have implemented a job posting moratorium to facilitate these updates.

• State agencies will be unable to create new job postings from December 11, 2024, through December 31, 2024. 
• Continuous postings in LA Careers will be inactivated on December 15, 2024. SCS staff will ensure that all continuous postings will be updated to have a closing date of December 15, 2024. Agency personnel may recreate these postings on or after January 1, 2025.
• Agencies may continue to post unclassified job postings during this period without interruption. 
• Necessary changes to the LA Careers and One Stop Job Information and Finder will be completed during this period to ensure compatibility with the revised qualification standards. 
• All updated minimum qualifications will be finalized and published on January 1, 2025, as originally planned.
• We appreciate the valuable feedback received throughout the review process, which has helped shape the proposed changes. 

We understand the moratorium may present temporary challenges, but this pause is critical to achieving the long-term benefits of a more modern and effective hiring system. The Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development Division staff are available to assist with questions or urgent staffing needs during this time. Please contact Ashton Brown, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development Administrator, for support. 

State Civil Service Commission Updates

State Civil Service Announces Retirement of Longtime State Civil Service Commission Chairman David L. Duplantier

The Louisiana State Civil Service Commission announces the retirement of David L. Duplantier after serving 24 years as a State Civil Service Commissioner, with 14 years of service as Chairman. 

Mr. Duplantier was appointed to the State Civil Service Commission in January 2001 by Governor Mike Foster, following a nomination by Loyola University of New Orleans. He went on to serve three consecutive terms under Governors Foster, Kathleen Blanco, Bobby Jindal, John Bel Edwards, and most recently under Governor Jeff Landry.

Excellent Compliance Audits

State Civil Service would like to commend several agencies for an excellent Compliance Audit. These agencies achieved 90% compliance or higher in all categories audited, had no areas of concern, and no major rule violations. 

Congratulations to Louisiana Department of Revenue, Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority, and Louisiana State University-Alexandria! 

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!

A Transformative Year for Louisiana State Civil Service: Advancing Skills-First Hiring

2024 marked a pivotal milestone for Louisiana State Civil Service as we embraced a bold shift toward skills-first hiring practices across state agencies by laying a foundation to a modernized recruitment model.

Overcoming Challenges & Building Momentum

While 2024 brought significant successes, the transition to skills-first practices revealed opportunities for growth. While traditional mindsets and gaining wider support can be challenging, they also provide a chance to showcase the positive impact of these modern approaches.

Our goal for 2025 is to expand the reach and impact of our skills-first approach. A central focus will be on integrating these practices into the entire job family of individual jobs that previously required the OSE/PLE tests. New resources, such as the “Navigating Skills-First Hiring: A Collaborative Approach” workshop and updated competency models, will empower HR professionals and hiring managers to make decisions with confidence.

Strategic partnerships with organizations like Opportunity @ Work and the Volcker Alliance, alongside our continued collaboration with state agencies, will amplify these efforts. Our participation in the inaugural Transformers in the Public Sector Cohort further highlights our leadership in modernizing hiring practices and breaking barriers.

Setting the Standard for Modern Hiring Practices

This journey is ongoing, but each step solidifies Louisiana’s position as a national leader in skills-first hiring. By leveraging innovation and collaboration, we are breaking down barriers, promoting equity, and building a workforce that better serves the citizens of Louisiana.

As we embark on this next chapter, we celebrate the progress achieved while remaining focused on the road ahead. Together, we will continue to attract, develop, and retain a diverse, engaged workforce capable of delivering exceptional public service. The foundation built in 2024 is just the beginning—2025 promises to be a year of acceleration, innovation, and lasting impact.

SCS Veterans Resources Page Redesigned

The State of Louisiana is honored to employ many current and former service members and veterans of the United States Armed Forces. In celebration of Veterans Day this year, State Civil Service unveiled a redesigned Resources for Veterans Information Page to assist veterans in their search for employment with the State of Louisiana. The update page features:

• Tools to help veterans effectively translate their military experience into relevant civilian job opportunities in state government

• A special video message from Governor Jeff Landry and Colonel Charlton Meginley, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

• Real-time headcount of military service members and veterans currently employed in the Executive Branch of Louisiana’s state government

• Video showcasing insights from several of Louisiana’s veteran state employees, sharing their experiences transitioning from military to civilian life

SCS Announces Launch of Leadership Academy

The SCS CPTP Leadership Academy is designed to help participants prepare for leadership opportunities by developing essential leadership skills. Leaders exist at every level within an organization, so this program allows for anyone to take ownership of their own development. Through a mix of web-based courses and a variety of virtual events, participants will learn valuable skills that will serve them well as they continue their employment journey here at the State of Louisiana. Enrollment opens in SuccessFactors beginning January 2025.

State Civil Service and the Baton Rouge Recruiting & Outreach Center will be closed on the following dates:

• December 24 & 25, 2024 - Christmas Holiday
• December 31, 2024, & January 1, 2025 - New Year's Holiday

There will be no testing on these days.