Kevin Hibbert, CSC Docket No. 2022-2935

Appellant's argumentKevin Hibbert requests to file a late application for the promotional examination for Supervising Family Service Specialist 2 (PS8313K), Department of Children and Families (DCF).

BackgroundThe examination at issue was announced with requirements that had to be met as of the April 21, 2022, closing date. Agency records indicate that 747 employees applied for the subject examination; however, the determination as to whether the applicants have met the requirements to be admitted to the test has not yet been made. Further, the test has yet to be scheduled. Therefore, the list has not yet promulgated.

Appellant's argumentOn appeal, the petitioner explains that on April 21, 2022, he attempted to submit his application when he learned that his password had not been reset from his prior DCF email to his current DCF email. He states that he contacted human resources as well as a technician who put in a note that he was attempting to rectify the problem. The petitioner states that this issue caused him to be unable to complete his application by 4:00 PM on the closing date. He submits emailsand automated replies to his email from the Online Application System (OAS) support to demonstrate that he contacted OAS support prior to the deadline.1 He also submits

1 He submits one email which shows an automated reply from OAS support that indicates that the subject was User ID/Password, but he did not supply the content of his email to OAS. He submits a an email to OAS support after the deadline where OAS support advised him how to reset his password so that it is associated with his current DCF email.

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 petitioner explains that he attempted to file his application prior to the closing date deadline. However, because his DCF email address that was used to create his OAS profile was no longer in use, he was unable to complete the application. Further, the petitioner had emailed OAS support prior to the closing date deadline; however, the issue was unable to be resolved until after the deadline. 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. 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 his application and application fee after the closing deadline.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this request be granted, and the petitioner be permitted to submit an application for Supervising Family Service Specialist 2 (PS8313K), Department of Children and Families. 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, he will not be entitled to have his application reviewed.

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

second email to OAS support prior to the 4:00 PM deadline where he indicates that he needs his email address updated, and he received an automated reply.