The Board of Supervisors, at its Dec. 10 meeting, approved in concept a groundbreaking initiative that aims to reduce barriers to County employment for individuals living with disabilities.
The new appointment process will provide an equitable pathway to employment by introducing an alternative appointment process for individuals with disabilities. The initiative seeks to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities can access County employment opportunities more effectively and fairly, and the County anticipates approval by the Civil Service Commission soon to support this initiative.
“This is an important step toward achieving greater equity and inclusion in County employment,” said District 2 Supervisor and Board Chair Patrick Kennedy. “With the approval of the Civil Service Commission for this rule amendment, we will create an environment where individuals with disabilities can compete on a more level playing field, and they have access to the same opportunities as all other candidates.”
The proposed revision to the
County's Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules will provide an alternative appointment option for individuals with disabilities for both the examination and appointment processes. This revision designates specific positions—rather than entire classifications—as "alternative appointment positions." These positions will be open to qualified individuals with disabilities who meet the minimum qualifications but are unable to fully participate in the traditional examination process due to their disability.
Under the proposed revision, eligible candidates must be certified as having a disability by the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) or the Veterans Administration. Additionally, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications for the position to be placed on the alternative appointment eligibility list. Once on the list, appointments are made from this pool for positions that have been approved by the Department of Personnel Services as alternative appointment opportunities.
The next step will be to present the proposed revision to the County’s Civil Service Commission for consideration and approval, which is expected to occur in early 2025.
