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• A steady source of income.
• Rates of pay higher than what may be available for similar jobs in the private sector (though jobs requiring special technical skills may in some cases pay less).
• Jobs and careers in fields for which there is no private sector equivalent.
• Opportunities to learn new skills and talents while continuing in your current State job.
• Similar to military service, other government agencies, and many corporations; opportunities to apply and test for promotions and/or jobs open only to people who are already employed in State service.
• A variety of health care plans and programs to choose from.
• A continuation of health coverage into retirement.
• Good retirement options.
• A rewarding career with measureable achievements and accomplishments, not just a job.

And, because it is government service, an opportunity to contribute positively to the growth of California and the safety, livelihood, and well-being of others.

The starting point for your search for employment with the State is The State Personnel Board (SPB). As the SPB itself points out, “A disability need not be a handicap when the State of California is your employer. The State has taken an active role in ensuring that qualified men and women with disabilities receive equal employment opportunities.” Resources you will find at the SPB's website include:

A special page for potential new employees.

A special page of general information aimed specifically at persons with disabilities.

Details about the SPB's Limited Examination and Employment Program (LEAP), “an alternate examination and appointment process designed to facilitate the recruitment and hiring of persons with disabilities. Individuals who qualify for LEAP will be able to apply for any LEAP specified examination for which minimum qualifications are met.”

A page where you can search through all of the current announcements of upcoming statewide exams, as well as many posted by individual state government departments.

A page where you can search the list of exams you may take on-line over the Internet. The SPB is, “continuously building new exams and updating existing ones for the convenience of our customers.”

As time goes on DISS hopes to provide more tips for getting a job with the State of California. For now, the above links should help get you going.