Jackeline Tirado, CSC Docket No. 2022-2304

Appellant's argumentJackeline Tirado requests to file a late application for the open competitive examination for Human Services Specialist 1 (C0554C), Cumberland County.

BackgroundThe subject examination was announced with specific requirements which had to be satisfied by the October 21, 2021 closing date. A total of 47 candidates applied for the subject examination and 20 were determined eligible. The examination was held on March 31, 2022, and the list has not been promulgated.

Appellant's argumentOn appeal to the Civil Service Commission (Commission), the petitioner asserts that, at the time she applied for the subject examination, she erroneously applied for a similar position in Cape May County.1 The petitioner now states that she immediately realized the error, and that she should have applied for the available position in Cumberland County. As such, she now requests to submit her application.

CONCLUSION

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

Analysis1 It is noted that an announcement for Human Services Specialist 1 (C0553C), Cape May County was also issued with a closing date of October 21, 2021.

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 the merit and fitness. These interests are best served when more, rather than fewer, individuals are presented with employment opportunities. See Communication Workers of America v. New Jersey Department of Personnel, 154 N.J. 121 (1998). Additionally, the petitioner confirms that she made an error at the time she applied for the subject examination. Under these circumstances, the Commission finds that for equitable reasons, the petitioner should be allowed to apply for the subject examination. Therefore, the Commission finds 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 for prospective employment opportunities only.

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 shall submit the attached applications and the $25 application fee postmarked no later than 15 days of issuance date of this decision to the Division of Agency Services so that her application can be processed. If her application and 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 an application for the subject examination processed.

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