Promotion Examination Open To All Qualified Employees of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

Correction Sergeant

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Minimum Qualifications

On or before October 9, 2013, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision 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 9, 2011, 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.

Important: As the processing fee is non-refundable, verify that you entered the correct examination number and title on your online or paper application prior to submitting. If you apply online, you should immediately review your email confirmation notice to verify that you applied for the correct examination. If you do not receive a confirmation number after submitting your online application, your application was NOT received by the Department of Civil Service. No late applications will be accepted after the filing deadline has passed.

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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 DOCCS directives. Directives useful for the completion of the multiple choice questions will be provided in the study guide.
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 occur in connection with the performance of these activities; investigate allegations of staff misconduct; and delegate authority to subordinate staff in carrying out department operations. Documents useful for the completion of this exercise will be referenced in the study guide.
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. Documents useful for the completion of this exercise will be referenced in the study guide.
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. Documents useful for the completion of this exercise will be referenced in the study guide.

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.

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.

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.

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 your application. If you are reassigned to a different facility after applying for the test, your test site may 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 or her facility.

General Information

• You will receive an admission notice in the mail approximately one week prior to the test date.
• The reporting time will be 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 start of the test.
• There will be NO smoking at the test site.

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How To Apply

If you do not receive a confirmation number after submitting your online application, your application was NOT processed.

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 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, veteran or military service member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier 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

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 provide equal opportunity. Persons with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in an examination must note this on their application. Further information is available from the Test Administration Unit of the Department of Civil Service. In the Albany area, call 518-457-2487 [press 2, then press 2]. Outside of the Albany area, call toll free at 1-877-697-5627 [press 2, then press 2]. For TDD services, call NY Relay at 711 (requires a fee) or 1-800-662-1220.

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

If you have applied to take a written test announced by either one or several local jurisdictions (county, town, city) scheduled to be held on the same test date as this written test, you must notify each of the local jurisdictions 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. For your convenience, contact information for all local civil service agencies is available on our website at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/local.cfm

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.

Cell Phones or Electronic/Communication Devices at the Test Site

Do not bring cell phones, beepers, headphones, or any electronic or other communication devices to the test site. The use of such devices at the test site in the test room, hallways, restrooms, building, grounds, or other areas could result in your disqualification.

S2/TC2 PMC-sac
Issued: 5/17/13

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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