Our department encompasses three core divisions: Personnel Services, Employee Relations, and Affirmative Action. Together, these divisions work to attract, develop, and retain a talented workforce while promoting fairness, equity, and professional opportunities across all levels of County government.

For more information, please visit the following divisions:

• The Division of Personnel Services is responsible for employee onboarding, payroll administration, employee benefits, staff development, and health and wellness initiatives.
• The Division of Employee Relations collaborates with the Albany County Law Department to support labor relations, grievance resolution, and contract negotiations.
• The Division of Affirmative Action ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity employment across all County departments.

Whether you are a candidate, current employee, or a department in need of support, our team is here to provide professional, responsive, and innovative human resources services.

We invite you to explore the many resources available and encourage you to reach out if we can be of assistance.

Division of Personnel Services

The Division of Personnel Services administers all aspects of personnel management for Albany County employees. This includes onboarding, employee relations, payroll, benefits administration (health, dental, vision, life), deferred compensation, savings bonds, workers’ compensation, disability, unemployment insurance, FMLA, health and safety programs, the retirement system, and employee assistance programs.

Division of Employee Relations

The Division of Employee Relations is responsible for negotiating on behalf of Albany County with the fourteen collective bargaining units representing approximately 2,100 county employees.

Core Responsibilities:

• Leading labor negotiations
• Implementing and interpreting labor agreements
• Administering all collective bargaining agreements

In collaboration with the Albany County Department of Law, this Division provides consultation on a range of employment-related matters. The Division also researches, evaluates, and responds to employee grievances to promote the fair and consistent application of County policies. Additionally, it ensures the proper implementation of all Collective Bargaining Agreements across departments.

Division of Affirmative Action

The Division of Affirmative Action ensures that all Albany County employees are afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. This includes hiring, promotion, compensation, training, workplace accommodations, and all employment conditions — regardless of regardless of race, sex, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, familial status, domestic violence status or pregnancy related condition.

The HR Department is supported by the following operational units:

• The Commissioner’s Unit
• The Administrative/Pre-Employment Orientation Unit
• The Payroll Unit
• The Benefits Unit
• The Business Systems/Compliance Unit

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Health Insurance Plans: Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage
• Pharmacy Coverage: Provided through Express Scripts and Carnex
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related concerns

Financial Retirement & Savings Plans

• Retirement Plan: Participation in the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS)
• NYS Deferred Compensation Plan (457b): A voluntary retirement savings program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings options for health and dependent care expenses
• New York 529 College Savings Program: Save for future educational expenses

Benefit Insurance Options

• Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short-Term Disability & Specified Disease Insurance
• Auto & Home Insurance: Optional discounted coverage
• Pet Insurance: Affordable plans for your furry family members

Paid Time Off

• Paid Holidays
• Personal Time
• Sick Time
• Vacation Time

Employee Benefits, Perks & Work-Life Programs

Professional Growth & Rewards

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

Transportation & Parking Discounts

• CDTA Discounted Bus Swiper Cards

Family & Child Care Support

• Little Sprouts is a valuable benefit for Albany County employees. Priority enrollment is offered to employees of Shaker Place, with availability extending to all County employees as space permits.
• 2025 Little Sprouts Childcare Subsidy Application Form (updated July 1, 2025)

At Albany County, we are dedicated to building a public workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The Department of Civil Service oversees the examination and hiring process for all positions within Albany County government and its local jurisdictions.

We are proud to foster an inclusive, equitable workplace where every qualified candidate has the opportunity to succeed. In collaboration with the Division of Affirmative Action, our Civil Service team actively recruits and supports diverse talent to ensure fair access to public service careers.

Albany County is firmly committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination. Discrimination in any form is strictly prohibited, including—but not limited to—discrimination based on race, color, creed, age (40 or older), sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), gender, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or marital status.

Join us in building a workforce that reflects the vibrant, inclusive community we serve.

Click/tap here to learn more about the Albany County Department of Civil Service

Albany County is a participating E-Verify employer.

• E-Verify Information Poster (English and Spanish)
• Immigrant and Employee Rights: Right to Work Information Poster (English and Spanish)