March 2024: Volume 7, Issue 1

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.

A Message from the State Civil Service Director –

SCS Hiring Framework and the Hiring Manager

In January, I had the pleasure of announcing the implementation of the State Civil Service (SCS) Hiring Framework, which took effect January 1, 2024. This innovative tool transforms our approach to recruitment and hiring, enabling state agencies to match job seekers' skills precisely with the unique requirements of each position in state government – a departure from the traditional pre-employment testing process.


While the Hiring Framework represents a significant step forward in modernizing our agencies' hiring processes, its full potential is realized when coupled with the active support of hiring managers. So, how can you, as a hiring manager, contribute to this initiative?


First and foremost, I urge all hiring managers within state government to acquaint themselves with the recruitment process for the classified workforce. Whether it entails exploring current job openings on our Louisiana Jobs page or engaging with your Human Resources Department to grasp agency policies, this journey will inevitably lead you to the new SCS Hiring Framework.


Throughout the year, State Civil Service plans to provide resources to support hiring managers in navigating this new framework. In the interim, I encourage you to observe your agency's recruitment process in action. As a hiring manager, you possess invaluable insight into what competencies a job applicant must possess to thrive within your team. During this observation, consider three fundamental questions:


  • Are the job duties and responsibilities clearly articulated in the job announcement?
  • Do the work examples effectively demonstrate the competencies required for success in the role?
  • Are the supplemental questions appropriate?


If you answered “yes” to these questions, congratulations! Your agency is moving in the right direction. If not, it's essential to collaborate with your Human Resources office to refine and optimize the recruiting process.


Already, we have realized an increase in the number of job applicants since the inception of the framework and continue working to assist state agencies in assessing the competencies of applicants. 


Our objective is straightforward: to equip the recruitment and hiring process with the necessary tools to align candidates' skills seamlessly with each agency's needs. The team at State Civil Service is enthusiastic about this new framework and appreciate any feedback you have as we continue to refine and enhance our practices.


We encourage you to share this with any additional hiring managers on your team. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in state government hiring!

 

Warm regards,

Byron P. Decoteau, Jr.

State Civil Service Director

Success Series Webinars 2024 Season

State Civil Service is proud to announce the new 2024 season of Success Series Webinars. This season of our quarterly webinar series is all about taking personal responsibility for your own engagement at work. From mastering essential skills to cultivating meaningful relationships, each episode offers practical tips and actionable advice to empower you to make a difference in your career and beyond. Tune in at 1pm on the dates below to start your journey toward owning and maximizing your professional engagement today! 


  • March 12, 2024: Owning Your Engagement o Explore what engagement is, its benefits, and assess your current level. Learn practical strategies to find meaning in your work and take charge of your professional journey. No inspiration required – just a commitment to own your engagement! Watch the recording here.


  • June 11, 2024: Elevate Your Influence o Explore how your engagement resonates with those around you. Join us for strategies to inspire yourself and others to support a thriving workplace culture. 


  • September 10, 2024: Owning Your Development o You're in the driver's seat for your own development. Learn to leverage your talents, navigate barriers, and take control of your growth. Discover strategies for self-challenge and elevate your career by engaging in proactive development! 


  • December 10, 2024: Cultivating Engaged Connections o Engage in growing connections that take your professional journey to the next level. Join us as we uncover the importance of investing time and energy into building stronger work relationships. Explore personal perspectives for creating inclusivity and a sense of belonging.


Check out our 2024 promo video!

Watch previous SSW episodes

Register Today

State Employee Recognition Day was initiated in 2001 under the leadership of then NASPE President Donna Traywick and then South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges in partnership with the National Governors Association (NGA). NASPE and NGA joined forces to ask the governors and state human resources officers to coordinate their efforts during National Public Service Recognition Week to recognize the important contributions of state employees. Since then, response to the initiative has grown significantly as states report some kind of recognition event for their employees.


State Employee Recognition Day is an excellent opportunity to express appreciation to state employees. Recognition is a powerful motivator, and it contributes to higher employee morale, increases organizational productivity, and aids in recruitment and retention.


State Employee Recognition Day is also an excellent time to spotlight the achievements and contributions of state employees in the workplace and in our communities. The image of state employees is strengthened when citizens see people they know, who happen to be state employees, working to better their communities. Publicizing the good things state employees are doing can go a long way in educating the public and making employees feel appreciated and valued.

Learn More

Hiring Fair Resources

Job Fairs have been picking back up! Visit our resource page to find out how we can help make your event a success.

Learn More

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 Southeastern Louisiana University, Sabine River Authority and Acadiana Area Human Services District! 

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!

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


  • March 29, 2024 - Good Friday Holiday


There will be no testing on these days.

Louisiana Civil Service League Honors

Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Award Recipients

Winners of the 64th annual Charles E. Dunbar, Jr., Career Service Award, presented by the Louisiana Civil Service League were announced by Daniel E. Sullivan, Executive Vice President of the League. This award, named for the founder of the League and co-author of the original Civil Service Law in Louisiana, is presented to employees in a classified merit system who have distinguished themselves by service over and above the call of duty. 


The 12 Honorees for 2023 are:

Mona Chapman

Baker, Louisiana

 

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Child Welfare Programs and Field Operations

Department of Children and Family Services 


Brent C. Frederick

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 

Attorney 4

Department of State Civil Service


Richard Harbor

Walker, Louisiana

 

Accountant Manager 3

Department of Transportation and Development


Marla Jones

Plaquemine, Louisiana

 

Administrative Program Specialist A, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Department

LSU Agricultural Center

Delinda Joseph

Zachary, Louisiana

 

Administrative Assistant 5, Office of Tourism

Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism


Darryl Mizell

Franklinton, Louisiana

 

Corrections Assistant Warden 2, Rayburn Correctional Center

Department of Public Safety and Corrections


Marcus Myers

Cottonport, Louisiana

 

Warden 4, Raymond Laborde Correctional Center

Department of Public Safety and Corrections


Julie A. Ryan

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 

Human Resources Division Administrator

Department of State Civil Service


Pamela Sapp

Start, Louisiana

 

Nutrition Educator 2

LSU Agricultural Center – Ouachita Parish


Raymond Scriber

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 

Architectural Historian Manager, Division of Historic Preservation

Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism


Leo Webb

Metairie, Louisiana

 

Assistant Director

Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation


Randall Winters

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

 

Statewide Program Manager 2, Ports and Waterways Director Department of Transportation and Development 


Twelve Honorable Mentions will also be cited this year, because of the closeness of their scores to the winners. Certificates of Merit will be presented to the following:


  • LaDonna Chreene, of Minden, SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator 2, LSU Agricultural Center – Webster Parish Extension Service


  • James Corley, of Denham Springs, Revenue Tax Assistant Director, Department of Revenue


  • Tina Ficklin, of Gonzales, Administrative Program Specialist C, Department of Agriculture and Forestry


  • Joseph "Joe" Ingrao, of Maurapas, Agricultural Environmental Specialist Administrative Coordinator, Department of Agriculture and Forestry


  • Norris Johnson, of Harvey, Administrative Assistant 2, Nursing CRNA Program, LSU Health Sciences Center – School of Nursing


  • Mitchell (Mitch) Marsalis, of Athens, Agriculture Specialist Regional Enforcement Supervisor, Department of Agriculture and Forestry


  • Richard Miller, of Addis, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Administrative Program Coordinator, Department of Agriculture and Forestry


  • Anthony Parrino, of Baton Rouge, Education Consultant 2, Department of Education


  • Chadley Price, of Effie, Agriculture Specialist Regional Program Manager, Department of Agriculture and Forestry


  • Rudolph "Rudy" Simoneaux, III, of Baton Rouge, Engineer 8/Chief Engineer, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority


  • Melanie P. Tullier, of Denham Springs, Administrative Program Director 2, Department of Agriculture and Forestry


  • Laurie Wright, of Brusly, Retirement Benefits Administrator, Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana

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.

Visit our website
Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Twitter  YouTube