Stacey Sadler, CSC Docket No. 2022-2049

Appellant's argumentStacey Sadler requests to file a late application for the promotional examination for Building Management Services Specialist 1 (PS7864H), Ancora Psychiatric Hospital.

BackgroundThe examination at issue was announced with requirements that had to be met as of the February 22, 2022, closing date. A total of 10 employees applied. The method of testing has yet to be determined, and therefore, the examination has not yet been scheduled and the list has not yet promulgated.

Appellant's argumentOn appeal, the petitioner presents that she attempted to file for the subject promotional examination using the Online Application System (OAS). However, when she tried to apply, the OAS indicated that she was locked out of the system. On February 18, 2022, she emailed OAS Support stating, “the system is saying that I am not in the system. when I register it says that I already have an account. I need to know my information.” In response, OAS Support replied on February 18, 2022 indicating “The email address stacey.sadler@dhs.state.nj.us was used to create your user profile; should it be updated to stacey.sadler@doh.nj.gov.” Thereafter, the petitioner states that she tried to apply again, but the OAS indicated that her social security number had already been used. She presents that she called several times and was advised to call Ancora’s information technology (IT) department. However, Ancora’s IT department responded that it is not involved with this agency. Further, the petitioner asserts that she called this agency for a week before someone answered the phone and was advised to file a request to file a late application.

CONCLUSION

RuleN.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.1(e) provides that applications must be filed no later than the announced filing deadline. N.J.A.C. 4A:1-1.2(c) states that the Civil Service Commission (Commission) may relax a rule for good cause in order to effectuate the purposes of Title 11A, New Jersey Statutes.

AnalysisIn this matter, the record indicates that the petitioner attempted to file for the subject examination prior to the February 22, 2022, closing date, but was unable to do so due because she was locked out of the OAS as her account was based on her old Department of Human Services email address, which no longer exists, as the appointing authority is now part of the Department of Health. The Commission notes that the dual purpose of the Civil Service system is to ensure efficient public service for State and local governments and to provide appointment and advancement opportunities to Civil Service employees based on their merit and abilities. These interests are best served when more, rather than fewer, individuals are presented with employment opportunities. See Communications Workers of America v. New Jersey Department of Personnel, 154 N.J. 121 (1998). Further, it would be inequitable to prohibit the petitioner from applying for such a promotional opportunity for the life of the subject list based on her old work email address being associated with her OAS account. Therefore, the Commission finds that there is good cause to relax N.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.1(e) and to allow the petitioner to submit her application and application fee after the closing deadline.1

This determination is limited to the instant matter and does not provide precedent in any other matter.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this request be granted, and the petitioner be permitted to submit an application for the Building Management Services, Specialist 1 (PS7864H), Ancora Psychiatric Hospital examination. It is further ordered that the petitioner submit a promotional examination application and the $25.00 application processing fee to the Division of Agency Services. The application and processing fee must be postmarked no later than 15 days from the issuance date of this decision. Upon receipt of the application and processing fee, it is ordered that his application be processed. If the petitioner’s application and the required payment are not postmarked on or before the 15th day after the issuance date of this decision, she will not be entitled to have his application reviewed.

Analysis1 The Commission notes that it is not making any determination as to whether the petitioner otherwise meets the eligibility requirements found in the announcement. Her credentials will be examined upon receipt of her application.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.