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: 12/16/19 Date Posted: 11/18/19 JBCL: M0307
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Exam #: 60-967 |
Exam Date: 2/1/20 |
CORRECTION OFFICER
Westchester County
A NON-REFUNDABLE $100.00 APPLICATION FEE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EXAMINATION. SEE APPLICATION FILING FEE STATEMENT ON LAST SECTION OF ANNOUNCEMENT.
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Westchester County is only accepting applications submitted on-line for the 2020 Correction Officer examination. Paper Applications WILL NOT be accepted. TO APPLY ON-LINE VISIT: WWW.WESTCHESTERGOV.COM/HR
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Candidates may use computers available at the Westchester County One-Stop Employment Center, located at 120 Bloomingdale Road in White Plains, or at local libraries in Westchester County to complete the on-line application. The NON-REFUNDABLE application processing fee MUST be paid on-line using a credit card. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Pre-paid cards are accepted. Please call (914) 995-2388, if you have any questions.
SALARY
$62,150 - Starting Salary
$97,700 - Maximum reached in six additional steps
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
ELIGIBILITY: ALL CANDIDATES FOR EXAMINATION MUST BE A LEGAL RESIDENT OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY AT THE TIME OF EXAMINATION AND FOR AT LEAST ONE MONTH PRIOR THERETO (JANUARY 1, 2020). CANDIDATES MUST ALSO BE A RESIDENT OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY AT THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT. CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT PROOF OF RESIDENCY WHEN REQUESTED.
The following documents will be accepted as proof of residency:
· 2019 Tax transcript (must request from IRS);
· Most recent utility bill (electric, water, gas, etc.);
· Most recent phone bill (land line only);
· Most recent mortgage bill;
· Most recent rent bill or lease and copy of proof of latest month’s payment (cancelled check or copy of money order);
· Most recent property or school tax bill.
For candidates who reside with their parent(s) who are residents of Westchester County, the following documents will be accepted as proof of residency:
· A notarized statement from a parent stating that the candidate resides with them, and has as of January 1, 2020 or earlier; AND
· A copy of one of the documents listed in (a) above establishing the parent(s) residency; AND
· Any verifiable documentation under candidate’s name.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
IN ADDITION TO BEING A RESIDENT OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY, CANDIDATES MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
· EDUCATION: At the time of EXAMINATION, all candidates MUST have either:
a) Graduated from a standard high school; OR
b) A high school equivalency diploma or a USAFI/GED.
· ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: At time of APPOINTMENT, all candidates MUST:
1) Meet all applicable sections of the New York State Public Officers Law;
2) Be age 21 at time of appointment;
3) Possess a valid New York State driver's license, 30 days prior to probationary appointment, and maintain same while serving in the title of Correction Officer;
4) Be a resident of the State of New York 30 days prior to probationary appointment and while serving in the title of Correction Officer;
5) Be a U.S. citizen 30 days prior to probationary appointment;
6) Consent to a background investigation and have no record of felony conviction. Misdemeanor conviction may bar appointment;
7) Meet all medical, physical agility and psychological standards in effect at time of appointment;
8) Participate in a substance abuse test, both prior to appointment and during the 12-month probationary period.
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 Human Resources.
SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION
• WRITTEN TEST
Designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:
Test guide: A Guide for the Written Test for Correction Officer is available at the New York State website: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm. Candidates not having access to a computer or the internet may request copy of the test guide from the municipal civil service office conducting this examination using the contact information found elsewhere on this announcement.
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.
Westchester County 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 $120.00. 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.
Candidates will be required to meet the medical/physical/psychological standards for Correction Officer as prescribed by Westchester County. Candidates must pass all portions of this examination to be eligible for appointment. Rank on the eligible list will be determined by written test scores only, plus veterans’ credits if applicable. Failure or failure to appear as scheduled for any of these tests or evaluations will result in the elimination of a candidate’s application from further consideration for appointment and the name will be permanently removed from the civil service eligible list for this title. There is no re-test or appeal if you fail any part of the examination.
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
· 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).
GENERAL NOTICE TO CANDIDATES FOR ALL CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS
1. Most Civil Service written tests do not require the use of a calculator or slide rule. The use of calculators is ALLOWED for this examination.
2. You may not bring books or other reference materials to the examination location.
3. If you are filing for examinations offered by other agencies (e.g. New York State, another County, Cities of Yonkers, New Rochelle, White Plains, etc.) that are being given on the same date as this examination, you must make arrangements to take all examinations at one test site. You are also required to complete and return the Cross Filer Form, (available at Westchester County Department of Human Resources, 148 Martine Avenue, Suite 100, White Plains, NY 10601, or on our website: www.westchestergov.com/hr) to this office no less than two (2) weeks prior to the examination date. Failure to provide such information on time may result in disqualification from one or more examinations in this series. There is NO reciprocity with New York City and you must make a choice between the two jurisdictions. Furthermore, if you have applied for both New York State and Westchester County examinations, you must take all examinations at the state examination center. Candidates must take admission notices for all participating examinations on that test date to the state examination center and include all examination numbers on your test materials. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL (914) 995-2117. DO NOT CONTACT NEW YORK STATE.
4. 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, at (914) 995-2117, for instructions.
5. 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.
6. FOR COUNTY EMPLOYMENT - 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.
7. FOR COUNTY EMPLOYMENT – 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.
8. 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.
9. Veterans and Veterans with Disabilities, 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. Veterans who previously used non-disabled veteran credits for appointment to a position in New York State or local government AND, after his/her appointment, was subsequently classified by the Veterans Administration as a disabled veteran, are now eligible for an award of additional veteran credits. If you are claiming additional disabled veteran credits as a result of the Amendment to Section Six of Article Five of the New York State Constitution effective January 1, 2014, Form 102 Authorization for Disability Record and Form 102S Authorization for Verification of Non-Disabled Veterans Credits Use must be submitted. Completed forms must be received by the Westchester County Department of Human Resources before an eligible list is established in order to be granted credits on that eligible list.
10. In conformance with section 85-a of the Civil Service Law, children of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty shall be 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 of this matter 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
Westchester County is ONLY accepting applications submitted ON-LINE for the 2020 Correction Officer examination. Paper Applications will NOT be accepted. TO APPLY ON-LINE VISIT: www.westchestergov.com/hr
APPLICATION FILING FEE: A $100.00 APPLICATION FEE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EXAMINATION. THE NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST BE PAID ONLINE USING A CREDIT CARD.
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 TO THIS EXAMINATION.
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. All claims for application fee waivers are subject to verification.
PLEASE NOTE:
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.