TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 8195850

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard                                                                           

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Positions in this title series are classified at the Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) and are responsible for administering all Transitional Services Programs in correctional facilities throughout New York State.  The incumbents plan, organize, oversee implementation, monitor, and evaluate Transitional Services Programs; ensure compliance with all Department regulations and mandates and a standardization of evidence-based programming; and develop policies and procedures to govern the program to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES:  one position class; director level; assists with the development and management of the statewide Transitional Services Program at DOCS.

DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES:  one position class; director level; develops and directs the Statewide Transitional Services Program for DOCS.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

Assist the Director in developing and managing a quality, Statewide Transitional Services Program.

• Develop detailed recommendations for the Director concerning revisions to existing programs and activities, or the development of new programs and activities, which are needed to improve the overall effectiveness of Transitional Services in meeting its objective.

• Recommend projects designed to correct deficiencies or to improve or expand programs.
• Visit all Transitional Services Centers on a regular basis, providing technical assistance and ensuring compliance with program standards.

• Meet with program staff in order to provide training and to respond to questions.

• Provide programmatic oversight of various transitional programs at correctional facilities.

Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures for the Departments Transitional Services activities.

• Interpret and monitor the adherence to policies, procedures, and guidelines for Transitional Services activities throughout the State.

• Monitor ongoing program activities to determine the effectiveness of policies and procedures in meeting program needs.

• Develop recommendations for new or revised policies and procedures to increase program effectiveness.

• Direct the implementation of approved new/revised policies and procedures.

Oversee the expansion of a successful model for Transitional Services Programs throughout New York State, providing technical assistance as required.

• Work with internal and external stakeholders in developing evidence-based reentry programming.

• Monitor program effectiveness.

• Inform facility staff of changes in policy and procedure.

• Maintain ongoing communications with facility staff regarding their suggestions for program improvements or changes.

Supervise subordinate staff.

• Establish unit goals, policies, and procedures.

• Provide supervision, guidance, and oversight to subordinate staff, and intervene and resolve problems as necessary.

• Determine and oversee staff assignments. 
• Monitor work flow and evaluate performance and production level of subordinates, implementing corrective measures where necessary.

• Approve leave and track time and attendance.

• Review, monitor, and evaluate staff performance. 

• Complete performance evaluations.

• Identify training needs and arrange for provision of training.

• Manage and direct program activities by setting priorities and deadlines.

DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

May perform all of the same duties and functions as the Assistant Director, Transitional Services.

Confer with facility executive staff concerning changes in policy and to discuss program needs.

Refer complex or sensitive issues with proposed solutions to the Assistant Commissioner for Program Services.

Act as a liaison with State and federal agencies and community organizations concerning transitional services issues.

• Identify organizations and agencies that provide programs and services which could be helpful to released inmates. Areas of concern include employment, housing, counseling services, education, health services, religious services, and social services.

• Refer Transitional Services Centers to these organizations as appropriate.

• Work with organizations to increase and improve services available to released inmates.

• Coordinate efforts with other State and federal agencies and community organizations as appropriate.

Oversee the implementation of a standard core curriculum at all Transitional Services Centers and review new programs proposed by Transitional Services staff.   

• Provide ongoing training to facility staff and other appropriate personnel.

• Maintain an operating manual for use by all Centers.
• Develop and conduct an ongoing training program for Transitional Services Coordinators and inmate peer counselors. 

• Develop and maintain a central resource library of community organizations, videotapes, books, etc., for use by facility centers.

Coordinate efforts with other program areas in the DOCS to ensure effective program delivery.

• Develop budgets and control expenses within areas of responsibility.

• Review, approve, and prioritize facility budget requests in area of responsibility for review by the Assistant Commissioner.

• Implement financial control procedures to be carried out by unit staff.

• Provide monitoring and oversight of contractual agreements with outside service providers, signing off on payment vouchers for outside vendors.

• Approve facility requests for expenditures necessary to effectively run Transitional Services and reentry programs, consulting with facility executive staff as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

Promotion:  one year of permanent competitive service as a Supervising Correction Counselor (all parenthetics) or as a Correctional Guidance Specialist (all parenthetics).

DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

Promotion:  one year of permanent competitive service as Assistant Director, Transitional Services.

Open Competitive:  a Bachelors Degree and three years of professional level program experience in an adult correctional setting; one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.  One year of this experience must also have involved responsibility for the administration of a facility pre-release/transitional services program.

Date:  7/09

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.