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Indicates whether if this vacancy posting is part of the NY HELPS Program.NY HELPYes
The agency in which the vacancy exists.AgencyMental Health, Office of
The job title for the vacancy.TitleProgram Aide (NY HELPS), New York State Psychiatric Institute, P27220
The job title for the vacancy.Occupational CategoryClerical, Secretarial, Office Aide
The salary grade for this vacancy. Salaries are determined by salary grade and bargaining unit.Salary Grade13
The collective bargaining unit to which this vacancy is assigned.Bargaining UnitASU - Administrative Services Unit (CSEA)
The minimum and maximum of the salary range for this vacancy.Salary RangeFrom $53413 to $65061 Annually
Indicates whether this job is full-time or part-time. If the job is part-time, an estimated percentage will be provided.Employment TypeFull-Time
This indicates the type of job, typically permanent, temporary, or provisional. 'Provisional' means that the appointment will be temporary until the incumbent takes and passes an appropriate civil service examination.Appointment TypeContingent Permanent
Jurisdictional class is the indicator for how this job can be filled. The classified service is governed by the Civil Service Commission, and consists of competitive, non-competitive, exempt, and labor classes. 'Competitive class' indicates that the applicant must take and pass an appropriate civil service examination. 'Non-competitive class' indicates that the applicant's qualifications will be evaluated without a civil service examination. 'Exempt class' indicates that the applicant will be evaluated by methods other than competitive or non-competitive, and that incumbents will not be granted tenure. 'Labor class' requires that applicants possess skills or other physical characteristics that cannot effectively be evaluated by other means. The unclassified service is legislatively defined, and includes such positions as elected officials, department and agency heads, and all academic personnel in public schools, colleges, and universities.Jurisdictional ClassNon-competitive Class
Estimates the percentage of time incumbents of this vacancy will be required to travel.Travel Percentage0%
The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform.Duties DescriptionAre you interested in starting or advancing your career with New York State? New York State Psychiatric Institute is recruiting for an experience clerical/paraprofessional candidate to work as a Program Aide. Candidates from outside or within State Service can apply.
As a Program Aide, you will perform review and analysis of data and procedures including:
• Maintaining and updating database programs
• Collecting, tabulating, and analyzing data
• Creating tables and charts
• Drafting reports documenting data analyses
• Researching laws, rules, and regulations to find alternative solutions to administrative problems
The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy.Minimum QualificationsCandidates from outside or within State Service can be considered for hire under the Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement – Statewide (HELPS) program as a Program Aide if they have 3 years of experience performing clerical, keyboarding, or paraprofessional work in an office environment.
OR
Candidates within State Service can be considered for a competitive class appointment if they are reachable on the current Program Aide eligible list.
OR
Candidates from within State Service can be considered for a competitive class appointment if they have one year of permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.
OR
In accordance with Section 52.7 of the Civil Service Law, this notice advises all employees of the Office of Mental Health of our intention to conduct a non-competitive promotion examination for the position of Program Aide at New York State Psychiatric Institute. Permanent appointment may be made by non-competitive promotion of an applicant who meets the position’s minimum qualifications if all requirements of non-competitive promotion are met.
Additional comments regarding the vacancy.Additional CommentsAll OMH employees receive a generous benefits package including:
• NYS medical, dental, & vision insurance
• Access to tuition assistance programs
• Excellent opportunities for advancement & professional growth
• Paid time off – 13 paid vacation days in the first year, 5 paid personal days, 13 paid holidays, & paid sick leave
• NYS Retirement programs
Background checks will be required.
This position is eligible for a Down State adjustment of $4,000.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Freqently Asked Questions
In New York, a Program Aide often supports state mental health agencies, focusing on clerical and data analysis tasks specific to public healthcare. This contrasts with other regions where program aides might emphasize education or community services, reflecting New York’s unique blend of administrative duties and regulatory compliance.
Key skills include proficiency in database management, data tabulation, and report drafting. Familiarity with New York state laws and regulations enhances problem-solving, while strong clerical aptitude ensures efficient office operations, aligning with the demands of mental health administrative support.
Advancement opportunities often lead to roles such as Program Coordinator or Administrative Specialist, especially within state mental health services. Gaining expertise in data analysis and regulatory research can open doors to higher clerical or paraprofessional positions, paving the way for leadership roles.
Employees receive comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, tuition assistance, plus generous paid leave. The job also offers professional growth in a stable government environment, with a notable downstate salary adjustment reflecting New York City’s cost of living.
The annual salary spans from approximately $53,413 to $65,061, depending on experience and bargaining unit agreements. This range includes a $4,000 downstate adjustment, recognizing the higher living expenses in New York City compared to other regions.
Given New York City's dense job market and numerous applicants, competition is moderate to high. Candidates with clerical experience and familiarity with state regulations tend to stand out, while the non-competitive classification can expedite hiring for eligible internal candidates.
Commuting in New York City can be time-consuming due to traffic and transit variability. Most Program Aides plan for peak-hour delays and use public transit options. Understanding local transit routes and schedules can significantly improve punctuality and work-life balance.
The culture emphasizes professionalism, compliance with state regulations, and support for employee growth. Program Aides benefit from structured advancement pathways, collaborative environments, and access to government-sponsored benefits, fostering a stable and rewarding workplace.
Beyond standard clerical duties, Program Aides often research state laws to resolve administrative challenges, update complex databases, and produce detailed analytical reports. Their role supports mental health programs, requiring a blend of data precision and regulatory knowledge.
A common misunderstanding is that this role is purely clerical; however, it demands analytical skills, legal research, and report writing. It’s also mistaken for a temporary job, but many positions are contingent permanent, offering long-term career stability.
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