Spotlight State Civil Service June 2026
#2 Issue
The Spotlight's Mission is to foster meaningful communication with all stakeholders of the State Civil Service System.
Every Day For Every Citizen
Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., Director
Director's Message
Welcome to the State Civil Service Spotlight . As we move through another busy year in state government, I continue to be inspired by the dedication, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by state employees across Louisiana. Every day, state employees provide essential services that support the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens. Whether serving on the front lines, behind the scenes, or in leadership roles, your work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
• Voices of Public Service Campaign Spotlights In this Issue:
• Podcast Feature • Applicant Clinics • Excellent Compliance Audits
• SCS Internship Toolbox • Recent YouTube Videos
This year has brought both opportunities and challenges for public sector employers nationwide. Like many organizations, Louisiana state government continues to navigate workforce challenges, evolving employee expectations, and demands for public services. These realities require us to think differently about how we recruit, develop, engage, and retain talent. At State Civil Service, we remain committed to helping agencies meet these challenges through practical solutions and strong partnerships. Initiatives such as SHIFT: Shaping How We Invest in Future Talent, the Louisiana Competency Model, the State Civil Service Hiring Framework, and our growing internship and workforce development efforts are helping agencies build stronger talent pipelines while creating meaningful opportunities for current and future employees. We also continue to focus on providing agencies with the tools, resources, and flexibility needed to effectively manage their workforce while maintaining the integrity of Louisiana's merit system. Through collaboration with agency leaders, human resources professionals, and stakeholders across state government, we are working to ensure that our civil service system remains responsive, innovative, and prepared for the future. In this issue, you will find highlights of recent accomplishments, resources available to agencies and employees, and examples of the outstanding work taking place throughout Louisiana state government. I encourage you to take a few moments to explore these stories and celebrate the achievements of your colleagues. Thank you for your continued service to the citizens of Louisiana. Together, we remain committed to our mission of serving the people of this state with excellence, integrity, and accountability. Every Day for Every Citizen.
Byron P. Decoteau, Jr., State Civil Service Director
civilservice.louisiana.gov | jobs.la.gov | scsinfo@civilservice.la.gov
State Employees featured in Voices of Public Service Campaign In celebration of State Employee Recognition Week 2026, which took place at the beginning of May, we launched our Voices of Public Service campaign to highlight state employees across different agencies and the passion, purpose, and impact behind the important work they do every day. We recived over 30 submissions, which have been shared on our social media accounts over the past two months. Here are a few of those employee spotlights: "Helping individuals who may not have the resources, influence, or connections to advocate for themselves gives my work real meaning. Although I serve in an IT support role, I take pride in knowing that my efforts help strengthen the system behind those who directly serve our community. In many ways, I feel like the counselor to the counselors, and that responsibility is both humbling and deeply rewarding." Charley C. IT Technician, Florida Parishes Human Service Authority
"Being a state employee is meaningful because it allows me to directly impact the lives of students and families at scale. Each day, I am fortunate to work with a team to shape policies and systems that improve opportunities and outcomes for people across Louisiana. There is real purpose in my work. I get to see how decisions translate into real change in classrooms and communities. I am proud to support educators by providing clear guidance, meaningful data, and resources that help them succeed. It’s fulfilling to contribute to something bigger than myself." Chelsea H. Director of School & District Accountability Policy, Louisiana Department of Education
"Being a state employee is deeply meaningful to me because it represents both service and a true sense of belonging. I came from Colombia, South America, and in Louisiana, I found not just a place to live, but a community that welcomed me and became my second home. Over the past five years with the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, I have had the privilege of giving back to the people and the state that embraced me, and that is something I carry with great gratitude. My time with the agency has been a journey marked by growth, resilience, and purpose. The challenges we have faced were not always easy, but they shaped us, strengthened our resolve, and reminded me why public service matters. Today, we are moving forward under strong, honest, and heartfelt leadership, with a renewed sense of direction and commitment to those we serve. There is a shared energy and optimism that makes me proud to be part of this team. Being part of an agency that is evolving, improving, and moving forward with intention gives me a deep sense of pride. Knowing that my work contributes, even in a small way, to the well-being of the people of Louisiana fills me with purpose. It is more than a job to me; it is a way to honor the opportunities I have been given and to serve a community that I truly care about." Paola O. Executive Staff Officer, Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control
2
State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
"State civil service, to me, is more than a career path - it’s a calling. Working as a Human Resources Analyst with the Department of Public Safety has given me a deeper sense of purpose than I ever expected. I love my job because it allows me to support the people who dedicate their lives to protecting our state. When I show up to work each day, I know I’m contributing to something bigger than myself.
For me, HR isn’t just paperwork, policies, or processes. It’s people. It’s listening when someone is overwhelmed, guiding them when they feel stuck, and celebrating their growth and accomplishments. It’s knowing that the clarity, compassion, and consistency I bring to my work can make someone’s day just a little easier. Civil service represents stability, fairness, and the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. But on a personal level, it represents pride - pride in the state I serve, pride in the employees I support, and pride in the role I play behind the scenes to help our department function smoothly. What civil service means to me is heart. It’s service. It’s the quiet but powerful feeling of knowing that my work matters, not just to the department, but to the citizens of Louisiana whose safety depends on a strong, supported workforce. That connection - to people, to purpose, and to my state - is why I truly love what I do." Latedra D. Human Resources Analyst, Louisiana Department of Public Safety
"Being a state employee at the Louisiana Department of Insurance is meaningful to me because my work supports those who protect Louisiana’s consumers. I help equip employees with the knowledge and capability they need to serve the public. When employees are prepared, the impact extends beyond our agency. While my role is behind the scenes, that impact reaches every citizen who depends on us." Phillip D. Training & Development Program Manager, Louisiana Department of Insurance
“Even though I’m still new, I can already see how my work plays a part in something bigger. Behind the scenes, I help make sure things are accurate and running the way they should, which supports services people rely on every day. It gives me a sense of purpose knowing I’m contributing to my community. I’m proud to be in a position where I can grow, learn, and make a real impact.” Destiny C. Accountant, Louisiana Department of Health
3
State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
State Civil Service Joins Avature's Talent Transformation Podcast
Learn More
"The Louisiana State Civil Service (SCS) is showing how the public sector can overcome these challenges. When applications dropped after the COVID-19 pandemic, it launched SHIFT, Shaping How We Invest in Future Talent, a statewide effort to improve how it attracts, evaluates, and develops its workforce. In this episode of the Talent Transformation Podcast, CEO Dimitri Boylan speaks with Byron Decoteau Jr. and Nicole Tucker about what it takes to move beyond traditional qualifications to a skills-based model, and what organizations outside the public sector can learn from their example. Rather than layering new tools onto legacy processes, the SCS focused on removing structural barriers that limited access to roles in the first place. This included eliminating two major pre-employment exams that required candidates to complete handwritten tests or travel in person, and overhauling over 1,900 minimum qualifications for employees, broadening who could apply for jobs or make career changes internally based on their skills rather than a degree. This created space not only for a wider pool of external applicants but also for a shift in perspective toward internal mobility." State Civil Service and the Recruiting & Outreach Center offer virtual Louisiana Jobs Applicant Clinics Applicants can attend the clinic to learn more about: • How employment with the state of Louisiana has SHIFTed • How competencies apply to the job search • The basics of applying for state jobs Registration for the first two scheduld clinic dates is already full. Interested applicants can register for the next available Applicant Clinic on August 5, 2026. Additionally, the Recruiting and Outreach Center offers one-on-one assistance at their office in Baton Rouge.
Learn more about Louisiana Jobs Applicant Clinics
4
State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
Excellent Compliance Audits
State Civil Service would like to commend Nicholls State University, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, Louisiana State University-Alexandria, and Delgado Community College, for achieving a perfect Compliance Audit. These agencies achieved 100% compliance in all categories audited.
Lanee Brown, SCS Assistant Compliance & Audit Division Administrator; Jennifer Prejean, Nicholls State University HR Analyst; Melinda Robert, SCS Compliance & Audit Division Administrator
Lanee Brown, SCS Assistant Compliance & Audit Division Administrator; Carla Major, Delgado Community College HR Director; Melinda Robert, SCS Compliance & Audit Division Administrator
Lanee Brown, SCS Assistant Compliance & Audit Division Administrator; Janesia Raybon, Northeast Delta Human Services HR Director; Melinda Robert, SCS Compliance & Audit Division Administrator
Lanee Brown, SCS Assistant Compliance & Audit Division Administrator; LSU Alexandria staff: June Guillory, HR Analyst; Aiesha Wright, HR Director; Candice Gladney, HR Analyst; and Melinda Robert, SCS Compliance & Audit Division Administrator
State Civil Service would also like to commend Louisiana State University for an excellent Compliance Audit. This agency achieved 90% compliance or higher in all categories audited, had no areas of concern, and no major rule violations. The results received by these agencies show the value and importance of excellence they place on Civil Service rule compliance. They are to be commended for a job well done!
5
State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
Louisiana State Civil Service is pleased to announce the launch of the Internship Toolbox, a comprehensive online resource designed to assist state agencies in creating, enhancing, and sustaining high-quality internship programs. The Internship Toolbox was developed to support agencies in attracting emerging talent, building workforce pipelines, and providing meaningful developmental experiences for students and early-career professionals. The resources included offer practical guidance, templates, tools, and best practices that agencies can adapt to meet their unique workforce needs. • Resources available within the Internship Toolbox include: • Internship program planning and development tools • Recruitment and selection guidance • Onboarding and orientation materials • And much more The Internship Toolbox is intended for use by human resources professionals, hiring managers, supervisors, and agency leaders involved in workforce planning and talent development initiatives. • Business case and program proposal templates • Internship position and project planning resources State Civil Service encourages agencies to utilize these resources when developing new internship opportunities or enhancing existing programs. Expanding internship opportunities across state government supports agency workforce needs while introducing students and emerging professionals to meaningful public service careers. We appreciate your continued efforts to develop Louisiana’s future workforce and strengthen the talent pipeline for state government. Questions regarding the Internship Toolbox may be directed to Dr. Dana LeBherz, Division Administrator for the Learning, Performance, and Culture Division. SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SH Launch of the State Civil Service Internship Toolbox
6
State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
6
HIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT Highlights SHIFT
Read the full General Circular
7
State Civil Service Spotlight | March 2026
7
Check out our Recent YouTube Videos
l
Success Series Webinars: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome, May 2026 Success Series Webinars facilitates personal and professional development through offering engaging and relevant topics quarterly. Learn more about Success Series Webinars
SCS CPTP Leadership Academy Virtual Event: Building Influence from Any Seat, May 2026
The SCS CPTP Leadership Academy is designed to help participants prepare for leadership opportunities by developing essential leadership skills. Through a mix of web- based courses and a variety of virtual events, participants will learn valuable skills that will serve them well as they continue their employment journey. Learn more about Leadership Academy Stay Up To Date
Louisiana State Civil Service and the Recruiting & Outreach Center will be closed for the following upcoming holidays:
Subscriptions
General Circulars
3 July
July 4th Holiday
Follow us.
Louisiana State Civil Service | P.O. Box 94111 | Baton Rouge, LA 70804 US
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker