Q:	What are the civil service application and hiring procedures followed by the Jefferson Parish Personnel Department?
A:	The Jefferson Parish Personnel Department is the "clearing house" for Parish jobs in a number of departments in Parish government including the Departments of Streets Water Drainage Sewerage Animal Shelter Planning Jefferson Community Action Programs and many others. Some departments hire new employees frequently; for others only a few replacements are required each year. When a job vacancy occurs in a Parish department the department head submits a request to fill the vacancy to the Personnel Department. The Personnel Department maintains eligibility lists which contain the names of job applicants who have been qualified for employment. In most cases the names on the eligibility lists are ranked according to the applicants' scores on a competitive civil service exam. When the request to fill a vacancy is received the top candidates are referred to the department head for interview. The department head can appoint any one of the individuals referred by the Personnel Department. The Personnel Department publishes civil service examination announcements as additional names are needed on the appropriate employment lists. Examination announcements typically include the job title salary information description of the work involved qualification requirements type of test(s) involved application deadline etc. Current announcements are posted and can be viewed at the application offices indicated below. Also the Personnel Department posts a notice of current job vacancies prior to examination dates. Applications may be completed only when the specific examination is announced. Some examinations have specific deadlines others are given on a continuous basis until a sufficient eligible list has been established. Applications must be made on official forms which are available at the Personnel Office's application counters in East and West Jefferson. Applicants may request accommodations or assistance in completing any or all application forms. Completed forms must be received by the Personnel Department prior to the closing date of the announcement. Applicants will be notified whether their applications have been accepted or rejected and admission notices will be mailed to qualified applicants when an assembled test is required. Fill out your application carefully including a record of your work experience and addresses where this experience can be verified. Failure to give complete information may result in rejection of your application or may lower your score where such information is credited as part of the final grade. A competitive examination may include a written test a rating of training and experience a performance examination an oral interview or any combination of the above. Some jobs are filled on a non-competitive basis requiring only that the applicant meet certain basic qualifications. Applications for examination shall be open to all persons irrespective of race color national origin sex religion age or disability; however permanent Jefferson Parish residents will receive preference on certifications for employment over nonresidents.
Q:	If the class of work I am interested in is not currently open to application how can I be notified when applications are being accepted?
A:	The Personnel Department provides "job-interest-postcards" to individuals interested in a specific class of work not presently available for application. These postcards are valid for one year from the day they are completed. When a class of work is announced the appropriate postcard will be mailed to alert you of the impending opportunity.
Q:	Where and at what times can I apply for Jefferson Parish jobs?
A:	Joseph Yenni Bldg., Room 206 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Harahan LA 70123 The hours are: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM 12:00 Noon - 4:30 PM. In West Jefferson General Government Building, Suite 3100 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna LA 70053 The hours are: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. If you have questions regarding the application process testing job requirements etc. please call 364-2730 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Q:	As a Parish employee will I be eligible for annual pay increases?
A:	The first six months of employment in a position is a probationary period unless extended to a maximum of one year. Successful completion of a probationary period results in permanent status in that class of work and a one-step approximate 5% pay increase. The attainment of permanent status also establishes your "eligibility date". Every year at that time you will be evaluated on your work performance attitude and attendance. A satisfactory evaluation will make you eligible for a one-step increase. This will continue unless or until you reach the maximum pay in your class of work.
Q:	What benefits am I eligible for upon entering Jefferson Parish employment?
A:	Paid vacation time (annual leave) is accumulated by employees at the initial rate of one-half day for each biweekly pay period worked which equals 13 days of annual leave per year. The rate of accumulation increases after five years and after ten years. Accrued but unused annual leave is usually paid upon separation from the service after ten working days notice of resignation. An equal amount of sick leave is available for illness or medical consultations. Nine official holidays are observed plus any holidays declared by Parish Officials. Except for "exempt" employees anyone who must work extra hours over 40 hours in a week is paid overtime or is credited with compensatory time off at a time and a half rate. All regular employees can receive a life insurance policy along with partially paid basic and major medical insurance. Special leaves of absence for military service maternity leave etc. may be granted in accordance with the Personnel Rules. Most employees become contributing members in the Parochial Employee's Retirement System.