Yes. I applied a shit ton 15 years ago and have been with the state ever since. It is hard internally too. a position opens up and many apply. I've been trying to move up for a while but haven't been able too for a LONG time.

I've also interviewed workers to be hired.

college degree doesn't effect your score unless you are using it as education in place of experience.

The state is sometimes hard to get into. There are only so many positions and while the money isn't great for the level of position you are in, the benefits and leave can't be beat. so you are competing against every other person who applies outside of state workers and competing against every other lower level state worker.

I don't know which positions you've applied for but there are ones that pop up all the time. clerk typists, income maintaince caseworkers and others.