2. What is a recruitment?

Recruitment is the process of locating applicants for employment. The Judiciary has two types of recruitments: Open-Competitive recruitments, which are open to the general public; and Internal (Non-Competitive) recruitments, which are open to permanent, regular civil service Judiciary employees only.

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3. What is a recruitment period?

A recruitment period is a time period indicated on the job announcement during which applications are accepted.

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4. What does "Continuous Recruitment Until Needs are Met" mean?

The recruitment will be open continuously until there is no longer a need for candidates. A continuous recruitment may close at any time without prior notice.

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5. What is a Job Announcement?

A Job Announcement describes a job for which the Hawai`i State Judiciary Human Resources Department is currently recruiting. The announcement will contain information about the time period for which applications will be accepted, the job title, recruitment number, geographic location of the position, pay, job duties and minimum qualification requirements.

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6. How are vacancies filled?

Vacancies can be filled either from an Internal (Non-competitive) recruitment for which only regular, permanent civil service employees can apply, or from an Open-Competitive recruitment which is open to the general public.

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7. How do I apply for a Judiciary civil service job?

There are two ways to apply for Judiciary civil service jobs:

1. Online Application - The first time you apply using our online program, you will create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can apply by clicking on the job title of interest and then clicking the "Apply" link to begin the process. The application you create can be saved and used to apply for more than one job opening. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm Hawaii time of the announced deadline. Applications and documents submitted by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

2. Traditional "Paper" Application - Completed "paper" applications may be submitted by mail or in person by the deadline stated. Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked by the announced deadline. Hand-delivered applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. in the Human Resources Department. Applications and documents submitted by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

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8. Do I need to have my own unique e-mail address in order to apply online?

Yes. If multiple users share the same e-mail address, Human Resources correspondence may go to the wrong person. Also, a previously created application may be overwritten by the second person's application.

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9. Where can I obtain a paper application?

We strongly encourage you to apply online. The process is quicker, and once you've created your application, you can access it and use the same application to apply for additional job openings.

If you cannot apply online, you may obtain a paper application at the following address either by walking
in or by sending a 9"x12" self-addressed, stamped envelope with $1.56 in postage for each recruitment
package requested to:

Hawai'i State Judiciary
Human Resources Department
426 Queen Street, First Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813

Applications may also be obtained at any of the courthouses on the islands of Maui, Moloka`i, Lana`i, the Big Island of Hawai`i and Kaua`i.

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10. Can I update my online application?

Yes. Your online application, once built, can be updated at any time. You must have your established username and password to access your information. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, you may CLICK HERE. Please do not call our office as we do not have access to password information.

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11. When can I apply for a job?

You may apply only during the recruitment period specified on the job announcement. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm Hawaii time of the announced deadline for filing applications. Hand-delivered applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. in the Human Resources Department. Mailed applications must be postmarked by the announced deadline. Applications and documents submitted by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

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12. How do I know for which jobs I qualify?

You must first meet the minimum qualification requirements of the job. These requirements can be found on each Job Announcement. You should review each announcement carefully, noting the location of the job opening, minimum qualification requirements, description of job duties and any other special requirements. Taking the time to thoroughly review each announcement will help you avoid applying for jobs that may not interest you, or for which you may not qualify.

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13. I want to apply for a job, but the location is not listed. Can I still apply for the location I want?

No. The geographic restriction targets the location of the immediate or anticipated vacancy. If you are not willing to work at the listed location, watch for any future announcement that contains your location preference.

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14. Can I submit an online or paper application for a recruitment that has already closed?

No. When the recruitment closes, you will not be able to apply online. Your paper application will be considered "late" and will be rejected. To be considered timely, hand-delivered applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. in the Human Resources Department on the last day to file applications. Mailed applications must be postmarked by midnight on the "last day to file." Applications and documents submitted by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

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15. Can I apply for more than one job at the same time?

Yes, but you must submit a separate application for each job by recruitment number.

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16. I submitted an application for Social Worker IV with the State Recruiting Office, Executive Branch of Hawai`i state government. Do I need to submit a separate application to be considered for Hawai`i State Judiciary jobs?

Yes. Since the Judiciary is a separate branch of state government, it conducts its own recruitments to fill Judiciary jobs.

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17. How do I notify you of a change to my name, address, phone number or availability for employment?

Send a written notification of any changes to the Human Resources Department. Be sure to include your full name, the job you applied for and your day time telephone number. Your changes will replace the previous information on record. You must also update your changes on your master application which is saved on https://www.governmentjobs.com/js_login.cfm.

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18: What do I need to do to claim Veterans' Preference?

In order to claim credit for 5 or 10 points Veterans' Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214 and/or other substantiating documents which includes the “Type of Separation” and “Character of Service”.  Spouse, widow/widower or mother of a disabled veteran claiming preference must also submit appropriate documentation. 

If you have any questions regarding Veterans’ preference, please contact the Department of Veteran Affairs.

 

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19. I am retired from a government job and receiving a retirement allowance from the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).  Will accepting a part-time or short-term appointment affect my ERS pension?

Before accepting re-employment with the State or any County, you should contact the ERS to discuss whether your appointment will affect your pension benefits.  Effective January 1, 2011, retirees seeking re-employment in State or County jobs are affected by Act 179, which requires either a six consecutive month or 12 consecutive month break in State and County employment, depending on the type of appointment, before an ERS retiree can return to work. 

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Examination

 

20. Can I apply for a job requiring a college degree if I have not yet graduated?

Unless otherwise indicated on the Job Announcement, you must meet the education requirement at the time your application is filed.

 

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21.  Do you have study guides to help me prepare for a written test?

No.

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22. How often is the written test given?

If you apply for a continuous recruitment, the exam will be administered several times a year. This can vary depending on the number of applicants, the type of exam and the needs of the hiring program. If the recruitment has a closing date, it will only be administered once after the closing date. If a written test is required, we will tell you where and when to report for the test.

 

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23. How often can I re-take a written test?

If the recruitment is still open, you may re-apply and take the written test again as long as 30 days have lapsed between the written tests.

 

 

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24. I already took the written test for Social Worker I, Kaua`i. I am now submitting an application for Social Worker I, O`ahu. Do I have to take another written test?

There is a possibility that your written test score from the Kaua`i recruitment can be applied to your application for O`ahu provided your eligibility is still valid and the written test has not changed. The request to have your written test score from a previous recruitment applied to another recruitment must be submitted in writing at the time of application. Please include a copy of your "Notice of Examination Results and Eligibility" indicating your written test score, eligibility void date and recruitment number.

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25. If I take the written test again before my eligibility expires and receive a lower score, can I still keep my original score?

No. If you pass the written exam and receive a lower score, the lower score will replace the original one. Generally, once you take the test again, your most recent test score, whether it is higher or lower, will replace your previous score. However, should you fail the test, you will maintain your previous score for the duration of your eligibility

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26.

Am I required to submit college transcripts when I apply?

Yes, if a college degree is required to qualify for the job. Please note the recruitment title and number on your transcripts and mail them directly to the Human Resources Department at the following address at the time of application:

Hawai'i State Judiciary
Human Resources Department
426 Queen Street, First Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813

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27. Do you require original transcripts, or may I submit copies?

You may submit copies of your official transcripts for application purposes; however, you must provide us with original transcripts from your college if you are selected for a position. Please note that transcripts taken off your college's Internet site are unofficial and are not acceptable.

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28. I was placed on an eligible list three months ago, and have since obtained an advanced degree that could improve my score. Can I ask to amend my score?

No. Your newly acquired education or work experience cannot be considered after your name has been placed on an eligible list. However, if the recruitment is still open, you may re-apply and submit any additional education and experience on your new application.

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Eligibility/Referral

29. What is an eligible list?

A list of persons who have passed the examination.

 

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30. How long will it take until I am placed on an eligible list?

Qualified applicants are placed on the eligible list as timely as possible. The actual time frame depends on a variety of factors, including the number of persons applying for a job, the type of exam used for the job and the needs of the hiring program using the eligible list.

 

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31. How long will I remain on the eligible list?

You remain on the list for the period stated on the "Notice of Examination Results and Eligibility." It will also indicate your score and whether you have met all the minimum qualification requirements.

 

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32.  If I accept a temporary position, will my name be removed from the eligible list?

It depends. If you are appointed to a temporary position, your name will be suspended from the eligible list for temporary positions only. You will continue to be referred to permanent vacancies until you are selected for a permanent vacancy or are suspended/removed from the eligible list.

However, if you are appointed from a recruitment conducted for temporary vacancies only, you will be removed from the eligible list and will no longer be referred to other vacancies.

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33. How long does it take to be referred for a job interview?

It depends on several factors. After you are placed on the eligible list you will be referred to vacancies based on your examination score. Factors that increase your chances of being referred include how high your score is and the number of vacancies to be filled.

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34. If I apply for a recruitment for O`ahu, may I limit my geographic availability to only Pearl City?

No. You are unable to specify locations. Unless the recruitment is opened specifically for Pearl City, you will be referred to any vacancy on O`ahu.

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35. What happens if I decline or fail to respond to an employment inquiry?

Your eligibility will be suspended immediately if you decline a job offer, do not report for an employment interview or respond to an employment inquiry, indicate a lack of interest, or you are contacted and not available to attend an interview.

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36. If my eligibility is suspended, can my name be put back on the eligible list for future referrals?

Yes. If the list is still active and your eligibility has not expired, you may reinstate your eligibility under the following conditions: 1) you are now available for employment; 2) you now meet the physical standards of the job; or 3) your probationary period is terminated without delinquency or misconduct. Your request must be in writing and include your name, job title and recruitment number.

 

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37.  How many times can I put my name back on the eligible list?

There is no limit to the number of times you may be reinstated to the eligible list within your eligibility period.

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38.  What happens when I am selected for a job?

The Human Resources Department will conduct a criminal history record check and verification of your educational credentials, licensure, certification, etc. as applicable. For some positions, the selected person may also be required to complete a pre-employment physical examination. Applicants should not resign from their current employment until they are notified that they have completed all Judiciary post-offer, pre-employment requirements.

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39. Is there a probationary period?

Yes. Generally, every new employee hired to fill a civil service position is placed on a six-month initial probationary appointment. A probationary period may be extended beyond the six-month period if it is required to fully evaluate the new employee. You must successfully complete the initial probationary period in order to attain regular (permanent) status.

Miscellaneous

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40. Where can I call if I need help or to ask questions?

The Staffing Services Division can provide telephone assistance. Please call our office between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (HST) Monday through Friday, except for state observed holidays.

Oahu: (808) 539-4949

Toll-free: 1-800-493-9298

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41. What are your office / service window hours?

Our office / service window is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (HST) Monday through Friday except for state observed holidays. For your added convenience our service window is open through the lunch hour.

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42. Where is your office located and is parking available?

The Human Resources Department – Staffing Services Division is located at the following address:

Kapuaiwa Hale

426 Queen Street, 1^st Floor

Honolulu, HI 96813

Click here for a map to our office and parking locations.

 

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43. What can I do if I require an accommodation or assistance due to a disability?

Contact the Staffing Services office at 1-800-493-9298 (voice). Please contact us during the application stage or at least five working days prior to a scheduled date or deadline.

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44. What happens if there are technical difficulties with the online application system?

During regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.):
Call us at 1-800-493-9298 and we will assist you.

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45. How do I obtain a copy of my application?

The NEOGOV system will take you through five application process steps:

Step 1 - Job Application
Step 2 - Agency Wide Questionnaire
Step 3 - Supplemental Questionnaire
Step 4 - Confirm Application
Step 5 - Certify and Submit.

Take the opportunity to print a copy of your application at the end of each step before you press "Save & Proceed." Once you have pressed "Certify and Submit," you may view and print your application through "Application Status."

OR

CLICK HERE to access Government Jobs to view and print your application through "Application Status."

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46. What can I do if I disagree with a notice I receive regarding my application?

You can request an administrative review by submitting additional information substantiating your request. This must be done in writing within ten calendar days of the date of notification and be addressed to the Judiciary Human Resources Department.

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47. What can I do if I disagree with the results of the administrative review?

You may file an appeal (within 20 working days of the date on the notice of results) with the Judiciary Personnel Appeals Board, c/o Office of the Administrative Director, 417 S. King Street, Room 206A, Honolulu, HI 96813-2902.

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48. What does the U. S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services require of all new hires?

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires all employers to verify employment eligibility of all new hires. Upon selection, the new hire must present appropriate identity and employment eligibility documents (one document from List A OR one document from List B AND one from List C), to our Human Resources representative to be recorded on the Form I-9. The listing of acceptable documents is current as of May 2008.

 

49. Do I need to provide my social security number on my application form?

No.  Your application is automatically issued a unique identifier by our online system.  Do not include your social security number on any materials submitted to our office.  It is not required to process your application.  If your social security number is required by our office, you will be contacted by letter explaining the purpose of the request.  We do not solicit this type of personal identification information over the telephone. 

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