Open Competitive
WESTCHESTER COUNTY
CIVIL SERVICE CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
County Service · Westchester Medical Center ·Towns · Villages · School Districts
Special Districts · Cities of Peekskill & Rye
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Last Filing Date: 2/10/12 Date Posted: 1/11/12 JBCL: M0306
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Exam #: 68-241 |
Exam Date: 4/14/12 |
CORRECTION OFFICER
Westchester County
A NON-REFUNDABLE $50.00 APPLICATION FEE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH SEPARATELY NUMBERED EXAMINATION FOR WHICH YOU APPLY. SEE APPLICATION FILING FEE STATEMENT ON LAST SECTION OF ANNOUNCEMENT.
SALARY
$50,125 - Starting
Salary
$78,795 - Maximum reached in four additional steps
RESIDENCE
Must be a New York State resident 30 days prior to the written examination and 30 days prior to appointment. New York State residency must be maintained throughout employment. Preference in appointment may be given to eligibles who have been Westchester County residents for 30 days prior to the written examination and at the effective date of appointment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school or equivalency diploma.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
All appointees must:
DUTIES
Under the supervision of a higher ranking officer and in accordance with New York State Commission of Correction standards and applicable federal, state and local laws, the incumbent in this position functions as the front line officer, responsible for the custody and security of incarcerated persons, staff and general public in the Department of Correction (Penitentiary, Jail and secure Hospital Ward). An incumbent in this class may be assigned to execute a variety of activities to prevent the malfunctioning of security devices, searching cells and inmates and confiscating items that may jeopardize the safety of others (i.e., weapons, drugs, excessive clothing), monitoring and controlling inmate movement and activities, inspecting mail and checking visitors, transporting inmates to various locations, identifying and classifying admissions and discharges, maintaining accounts and files, preparing reports, distributing meals and supplies, and using restraining techniques as needed. Correction Officers advise inmates on rules, rights and regulations governing the operation of the facility, and have a high degree of responsibility for their actions and decisions. Correction Officers may be required to carry firearms in the performance of certain duties. Incumbents exercise oversight, direction and control of inmates assigned to work details and may participate in training other Correction Officers, as assigned. Supervision is not generally a responsibility of this position. Does related work as required.
VACANCIES
The eligible list established as a result of this examination will be utilized, where appropriate, for filling any current or future vacancies in all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Westchester County Department of Correction.
SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION
WRITTEN TEST is designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:
1. Applying written information in a correctional services setting - These questions are designed to evaluate the candidates' ability to read, interpret and apply rules, regulations, directives, written narratives and other related material. The candidates are required to read a set of information, and to appropriately apply the information to situations similar to those typically experienced in a correctional services setting. All the information needed to answer the questions asked concerning the situations presented is contained in the rules, regulations, etc. which are cited.
2. Observing and recalling facts and information - These questions are designed to test how well the candidates can observe and recall information presented.
The candidates will be presented with information describing or depicting prison scenes or other facts. They will have a short time to memorize the information before it is collected by the monitor. They will then be asked to recall specific details.
3. Preparing written material - These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.
4. Understanding and interpreting written material - These questions test how well you comprehend written material. You will be provided with brief reading selections and will be asked questions about the selections. All the information required to answer the questions will be presented in the selections; you will not be required to have any special knowledge relating to the subject areas of the selections.
A Guide for the Written Test for Entry-Level Correction Officer is available at the New York State web site: www.cs.ny.gov/testing/localtestguides.cfm. In addition, a copy of this Study Guide can also be obtained in person from the Westchester County Department of Human Resources, Suite 100, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601.
SPECIAL NOTES:
If a background investigation reveals any current criminal charges pending, the applicant will be automatically restricted from further consideration by the Commissioner of Human Resources until the charges have been resolved. The burden is upon the applicant to produce satisfactory proof of the resolution of the charges.
REMOVAL AND DISQUALIFICATION - Removals and disqualification from the examination and/or the eligible list, or from appointment, shall be in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law and applicable Westchester County Local Laws, including Westchester County Local Law 7 - 1985.
New York State Civil Service Law #50.4:
“Disqualification of applicants or eligibles. The State Civil Service Department and municipal commissions may refuse to examine an applicant, or after examination to certify an eligible;
(a) who is found to lack any of the established requirements for admission to the examination or for appointment to the position for which he applies; or
(b) who is found to have a disability which renders him or her unfit to perform in a reasonable manner the duties of the position in which he or she seeks employment, or which may reasonably be expected to render him or her unfit to perform in a reasonable manner the duties of the position in which he or she seeks employment, or which may reasonably be expected to render him or her unfit to continue to perform the duties of such position; or
(c) [Repealed]
(d) who has been guilty of a crime; or
(e) who has been dismissed from a permanent position in public service upon stated written charges of incompetency or misconduct, after an opportunity to answer such charges in writing, or who has resigned from, or whose services has otherwise been terminated in, a permanent or temporary position in public service, where it is found after appropriate investigation or inquiry that such resignation or termination resulted from his or her incompetency or misconduct, provided that in cases of dismissal, resignation or termination after written charges of incompetency, the examination or certification in question be for a position that requires the performance of a duty or duties that are the same as or similar to the duty or duties of the position from which the applicant has been dismissed, resigned or terminated as a result of incompetency; or
(f) who has intentionally made a false statement of any material fact in his application; or
(g) who has practiced, or attempted to practice, any deception or fraud in his application, in his examination, or in securing his or her eligibility or appointment; or
(h) who has been dismissed from private employment because of habitually poor performance.
No person shall be disqualified pursuant to this subdivision unless he has been given a written statement of reasons therefore and afforded an opportunity to make an explanation and to submit facts in opposition to such disqualification.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision or any other law, the State Civil Service Department or appropriate municipal commission may investigate the qualifications and background of an eligible after appointment from the list, and upon finding facts which if known prior to appointment, would have warranted disqualification, or upon a finding of illegality, irregularity or fraud of a substantial nature in the application, examination or appointment may revoke such eligibles’ certification and appointment and direct that employment be terminated, provided, however, that no such certification shall be revoked or appointment terminated more than three years after it is made, except in the case of fraud.
Local Law #7 - 1985 - The Commissioner of Correction shall not, on or after the effective date of this act, appoint as a Correction Officer any person who has been convicted of a felony in New York State or any other offense in any other jurisdiction, which would be a felony. In the exercise of discretion, the Commissioner may, on or after the effective date of this act, refuse to appoint any person to a law enforcement capacity in any penal correctional institution, if such person has or has been convicted of a misdemeanor in New York State or any offense in any other jurisdiction which would be a misdemeanor in this state if the Commissioner determines that hiring of such person would not be in the best interests of the department.
No person shall be disqualified pursuant to the provisions of subdivision three of this section unless such person has been furnished a written statement of the reasons for disqualification and afforded an opportunity by the Commissioner or a duly appointed designee, to make an explanation and to submit facts in opposition thereto.
This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to all appointments of the Commissioner of Correction made on or after such date AND any other laws which may be applicable.”
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: All applicants will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and a criminal record search to be conducted by the appointing authority. Conviction of a misdemeanor or other violation of law may bar examination and/or appointment. A person adjudicated as a youthful offender may be disqualified from appointment. Because of the nature of this position, successful candidates will undergo a thorough investigative screening to determine suitability for appointment as a Correction Officer. Failure to meet the standards set for the investigative screening may result in disqualification. Prior to any hiring, each candidate will be fingerprinted and be required to submit a fee determined by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to conduct a criminal record search. The fee presently is $100.00. The refusal of any candidate to submit the required fee shall, in itself, constitute a declination of a valid offer of appointment. Candidates will be instructed at the appropriate time when and how to submit payment.
As part of the medical/or background investigation process, the candidate may be required to participate in substance abuse testing designated by the appointing authority, and thereafter may be required to participate in such testing on a periodic basis during the twelve (12) month probationary period after appointment. The candidate may be required to assume the cost of any pre-employment drug testing. Evidence of substance abuse may lead to disqualification from appointment or termination from employment. At a later date, peace officer employees may also be subject to random drug testing.
*FEES FOR SERVICES/PROCESSING: It is anticipated that all costs for processing medical tests/evaluations and psychological tests/evaluations will be borne by the candidate, at time of offer of employment.
Correction Officers are granted peace officer status under provisions of the New York State Criminal Procedure Law and are subject to the mandatory training requirements of same.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Upon appointment, successful completion of a 12 week pre-service training program is required. All appointees must serve and satisfactorily complete a 52 week probationary period. During this time, job performance will be periodically reviewed and carefully evaluated. Failure to meet training and/or performance standards while on probation may result in termination of employment at any time.
Probationary officers will be required to pay a fee for Department-issued training materials and related items.
Medical, Physical Fitness and Psychological Screening Examinations: Candidates who achieve a passing score on the written test may be required by the appointing authority to participate in a medical, physical fitness and psychological screening process. Failure to meet the standards set for this tests/screenings may result/contribute to disqualification. If a candidate fails the Medical, Physical Fitness, Psychological or Drug Screening Test, they will be disqualified and permanently removed from the civil service eligible list for this title.
If a Candidate has passed the Physical Fitness Agility Screening Test within the past 12 months the qualifying test may be waived. Eligible Candidates must retest and satisfy the requirements of the Physical Fitness Agility Screening Test again after the one (1) year period.
PHYSICAL FITNESS SCREENING TEST
DESCRIPTION FOR EACH TEST:
Work Sample:
The work sample is designed to simulate moving quickly to an emergency scene. The work sample assesses physically demanding tasks essential to the correction officer position. On the command, "Go", you will run the course and perform the following tasks: run through a course, unlock and run through a weighted door, run up and down stairs, and drag a mannequin. The work sample requires you to run between tasks. Your score will be the time it takes you to complete the work sample. You will be completing two trials. Passing score is 67.76 seconds (best of two trials).
Arm Endurance Test:
The purpose of the Arm Endurance test is to determine upper body muscular endurance. Muscular endurance is needed by corrections officers to perform essential tasks such as separating, restraining, and subduing resistive individuals. You will kneel on the floor facing the arm ergometer. Once the ergometer is adjusted for your height, you will complete a few revolutions on the ergometer to get a feel for the resistance. Then the handles will be placed in the starting position. On the command, "Go", you will pedal the handles with your arms. You will continue pedaling for one minute. At the end of one minute you will be told to stop. Your score will be the number of revolutions you complete in one minute, so attempt to complete as many revolutions as you can in one minute. Passing is 78 revolutions in one minute.
Sit Ups:
The purpose of the Sit-Ups test is to assess your abdominal strength. Abdominal strength is needed to perform a number of physically demanding correction officer tasks. You will lay on your back on a mat with knees flexed at a 45 to 60 degree angle, feet together, arms crossed over the chest with the fingers on opposite shoulders, and your chin tucked towards your chest. Your feet will be held while you perform the sit-ups. On the command, "Go", you will curl your shoulders and back by bringing the chin to the chest during the sit-ups. To complete one sit-up, the elbows must touch the thighs and you must return to a position in which the midback touches the testing surface. The test will involve performing sit-ups for a 60-second period and only properly performed ones will count. Passing is 20 sit-ups in one minute.
Trunk Pull:
The purpose of the Trunk Pull test is to determine the maximum force that can be generated by the torso muscles. This test assesses trunk strength needed to perform the physically demanding tasks associated with the correction officer position. You will sit on a mat and place your feet flat on a platform and keep your knees straight. Your feet must be flat on the platform. Then you will grab a bar with your palms towards the floor. The command will be "Ready," and you will hear a beep. When you hear the "beep", pull by attempting to lean back while keeping your head looking at the ceiling. Keep pulling until the administrator tells you to stop. You will be completing four trials. The first trial is practice which does not count. Only exert 50% of your force on this practice trial. Then you will complete 3 test trials where you will exert maximum force. Passing is 138 pounds (mean of three trials).
NOTICE TO CANDIDATES:
Most Civil Service written tests do not require the use of a calculator or slide rule. The use of calculators is PROHIBITED for this examination. You may not bring books or other reference materials to the examination location.
Cross-filer Statement: If you have applied for any other civil service examination to be given on the same test date for employment with New York State or any other local jurisdiction, excluding New York City, you must make arrangements to take all examinations at one test site.
If you have applied for both State and local government examinations, you must make arrangements to take all your examinations at the State examination center by calling (518) 457-7022 no later than two weeks before the test date.
Candidates who fail to receive either their admission notice or final disqualification notice by the Thursday prior to the examination are responsible for calling the Department of Human Resources (914-995-2117) for instructions.
ELIGIBLE LISTS - Lists may be established for a maximum of four years. The resulting eligible list will be used to fill appropriate vacancies as they occur in the agencies listed on the face of this announcement.
In accordance with Westchester County’s comprehensive Drug-Free Workplace Policy and Procedures, and commitment to maintain a safe, alcohol and drug- free work environment, you may be required to submit to a urinalysis and/or blood test.
If offered employment, you will be subject to the Westchester County Fingerprinting Policy under which your appointment may be conditioned on the results of a fingerprinting investigation.
This examination will be prepared and rated in accordance with Section 23(2) of the Civil Service Law. The provisions of the New York State Civil Service Law, rules and regulations dealing with the preparation and rating of examinations will apply to this examination.
Veteran’s Credits:
Veterans and veterans with a disability, who meet the criteria set forth in the Application for Examination, may be eligible for additional credits added to their earned scores if successful in examination.
CREDITS MUST BE CLAIMED AT THE TIME OF FILING YOUR APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION AND YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR DD214 SEPARATION PAPERS. If claiming credit as a veteran with a disability, attach form 102. If these documents are not submitted within sixty days of filing your application, your claim will be denied. Active duty members of the Armed Forces have the right to request veteran credits prior to discharge. If you are currently on active duty you should check the appropriate box on the application and attach a letter requesting the use of credits with documentation verifying your active duty status: i.e. copy of military ID, military orders, official documents indicating current service, etc. See our website section "Special Rights for Veterans" for details regarding the use of these credits.
Veteran’s credits can only be added to a passing score on the examination.
In conformance with section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty are entitled to receive an additional ten points on a competitive examination for original appointment in the same municipality in which his or her parent has served. If you are qualified to participate in this examination and are a child of a firefighter or police officer killed in the line of duty in this municipality, please inform this office when you submit your application for examination. A candidate claiming such credit has a minimum of two months from the application deadline to provide the necessary documentation to verify additional credit eligibility. However, no credit may be added after the eligible list has been established.
HOW TO APPLY
APPLICATION FILING FEE
A $50.00 APPLICATION FEE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH SEPARATELY NUMBERED EXAMINATION FOR WHICH YOU APPLY. THE FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION(S) AND MUST BE RECEIVED IN OUR OFFICE AT THE ADDRESS NOTED BELOW BY THE LAST FILING DATE.
SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES WITH YOUR APPLICATION. WRITE THE EXAMINATION NUMBER(S) AND THE APPLICANT’S NAME ON THE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
APPLICATION FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. IF YOU ARE DISQUALIFIED FROM OR FAIL TO APPEAR FOR THE EXAMINATION, YOUR FEE IS NOT REFUNDED. THEREFORE, WE URGE YOU TO COMPARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS CAREFULLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION AND FILE ONLY FOR THOSE EXAMINATIONS FOR WHICH YOU ARE CLEARLY QUALIFIED.
IF YOUR APPLICATION IS RECEIVED WITHOUT THE REQUIRED FEE, IT WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU. SHOULD YOU WISH TO REFILE WITH THE REQUIRED FEE, YOUR APPLICATION AND THE APPROPRIATE FEES MUST BE RETURNED PRIOR TO, OR POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN, THE LAST FILING DATE. (METERED MAIL WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE LAST FILING DATE.)
THE APPLICATION FILING FEE IS SUBJECT TO BEING INCREASED WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
APPLICATION FEE WAIVER: A waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are unemployed and primarily responsible for the support of a household. In addition, a waiver of application fee will be allowed if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or receiving Supplemental Security Income payments, or Public Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance) or are certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act eligible through a State or local social service agency. The fee may also be waived for those who are serving active military duty. Documentation proving eligibility must be submitted with each application. All claims for application fee waivers are subject to verification.
You may apply for this examination online at www.westchestergov.com/hr, (the non-refundable application processing fee must be paid using a credit card when applying online), or by using our paper application form. You may obtain blank application forms in person and submit completed exam application forms to the:
WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF
HUMAN RESOURCES
SUITE 100, MICHAELIAN OFFICE BUILDING
148 MARTINE AVENUE
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10601
Completed applications MUST be postmarked NO LATER THAN THE LAST FILING DATE and must have the required application fee attached; or, if not mailed, delivered to the above address together with the required application fee attached NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. on the last filing date.
NOTE: RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION - Most written tests are held on Saturdays. If you cannot take the test on the announced test date due to a conflict with a religious observance or practice, check the appropriate box under “Testing Accommodation” on your application. We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES - If special arrangements for testing are required, please indicate this on your application.
Candidates are responsible for reporting in writing, all changes in name and/or address directly to the “Recruitment and Selection Unit” at the above address. Please include examination number on all correspondence.
Admission cards may not be mailed to candidates until ten days prior to the examination date.
Candidates who receive disqualification notices and wish to appeal such disqualification must do so in writing.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is the policy of Westchester County to provide for and promote the equal opportunity of employment, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.