New York State Department of Civil Service Announces Examinations Open to All Qualified Individuals

Correction Sergeant

Promotion Examination Open To All Qualified Employees of the New York State Department of Correctional Services

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Minimum Qualifications

On or before October 21, 2009, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Correctional Services and have had two years of permanent competitive service as a Correction Officer, Correction Officer (Spanish Language), or as a Community Correctional Center Assistant. This two years of service is IN ADDITION TO time spent as a Correction Officer Trainee. Service as a Correction Officer Trainee or Correction Officer Trainee (Spanish Language) does NOT meet the requirements for taking the test or appointment from the list.

If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before November 21, 2007, and have served continuously in this title since that date, you are eligible to file for this examination.

Qualifying Experience for Appointment from the Eligible List

After three years of the service described in the Minimum Qualifications, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

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Subject of Examination

There will be a written test which you must pass in order to be considered for appointment. The written test is designed to test for knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in such areas as:

1. Rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to the operation of a correctional facility - These multiple choice questions test for knowledge of the Employee Manual, Inmate Rule Book, and DOCS directives pertaining to Security Services, Facility Management, Support Operations, Personnel, Minority Relations, Labor Relations, Administrative Management and Programs.
2. Supervision in a correctional facility - This job simulation exercise tests for the ability to: direct the activities of subordinate staff in such areas as issuing directions, demonstrating leadership, evaluating performance of staff, maintaining work standards, motivating and developing staff, and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline; appropriately handle problems that arise in connection with the performance of these activities; investigate allegations of staff misconduct; and delegate authority to subordinate supervisors in carrying out department operations.
3. Conducting investigations in a correctional setting - This job simulation exercise tests for the ability to: properly conduct an investigation; properly and effectively conduct interviews; elicit truthful and accurate information; logically follow an investigation through to its conclusion; properly gather and retain evidence including maintaining the chain of evidence; and properly summarize the results of the investigation in a report.
4. Controlling emergency situations and maintaining security - This job simulation exercise tests for the ability to: control and contain emergency situations; identify pertinent information and pick up on visual cues indicating potential security problems; and draw appropriate conclusions and use reasoned responses to security situations.

Please note that the job simulation exercises for this examination will be completed using a pencil and standard answer sheet. The use of a developer pen and answer sheet packet will not be required.

STUDY GUIDE: All eligible candidates will receive a Study Guide approximately 60 days in advance of the test date. It will provide additional details concerning the various formats of this examination (Multiple Choice and Written Job Simulation Exercises), specific directives for study, as well as suggestions for examination preparation. The Study Guide is being developed by the New York State Department of Civil Service and will be made available to all candidates at the facility where they are employed at the time of distribution.

CREDIT FOR SENIORITY: Seniority is credited at the rate of one credit for each five-year period (or fraction thereof), excluding the first year of service. If you pass, your seniority credit(s), if any, will be included in the computation of your final score.

Rank on the eligible list will be determined after adding any wartime veterans' credits to your final passing score.

LOCATION OF WRITTEN TEST: The written test will be held at various correctional facilities throughout the state. You will be assigned to a test site based on the facility where you work at the time of filing the application. If you are reassigned to another facility after applying for the test, your test site will be changed. THERE IS NO NEED TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE ABOUT CHANGING YOUR TEST SITE. ALL REASSIGNMENTS WILL BE MONITORED TO ENSURE THAT EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE TESTED NEAR HIS/HER FACILITY.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• You will receive an admission notice approximately one week prior to the test.
• The reporting time is 8:30 a.m. You must bring your admission notice and valid photo identification with you. There will be administrative paperwork to complete prior to the test beginning.
• There will be no smoking at the test site.

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How To Apply

Additional Information

New York State is an Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of the State of New York to provide for and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or arrest and/or criminal conviction record unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.

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 box under “Religious Accommodation.” We will make arrangements for you to take the test on a different date (usually the following day).

Reasonable Accommodations in Testing

In addition, it is the policy of the Department of Civil Service, in accordance with the New York State Human Rights Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide qualified persons with disabilities equal employment opportunity and equal opportunity to participate in and receive the benefits, services, programs, and activities of the Department. It is the policy of the Department to provide such persons reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications as are necessary to enjoy equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their applications. Further information is available from the Special Arrangements Unit of the Department of Civil Service at 518-457-2487 [press 2, then press 2] in the Albany area, toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 2], or via TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) at 518-457-8480.

Admission to Examination

Notice to appear for the test may be conditional as review of applications may not be made until after the test. If you have not received your notice to appear for the written test three days before the date of the test, call 518-474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 1].

Multiple Examinations Scheduled for the Same Day

With the exception of written tests announced by New York City, if you have applied to take a written test announced by a local jurisdiction (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this written test, you must call 518-474-6470 in the Albany area or toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 1], no later than two weeks before the test date, to make arrangements for taking all tests at one test site. All tests will be held at the state examination center.

Eligibility for Examination

To be eligible to compete in this examination, you must be employed in the specified department or agency on a permanent or contingent permanent basis in the competitive class, or in the non-competitive class or labor class if specifically noted on this announcement (or be on an appropriate preferred list), and have the specified time in the specified title or salary grade. You may not compete in a test for a title if you are permanently employed in that title (unless you are still on probation) or in a higher direct line of promotion.

S2/TC2 PMC-sac
Issued: 5/1/09

This announcement is subject to amendment or cancellation without notice. Do not copy it, or post it to any other site, but link to it instead.

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