NEW YORK STATE
Department of Civil Service Announces
Promotion Examinations Open To
All Qualified Employees of the New York State
Office of Mental Health

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EXAMINATION: On or before October 16, 2004, you must be a qualified employee of the New York State Office of Mental Health and have had permanent competitive or 55-b/55-c service as:

For No. 34-694: Three months of permanent competitive service as a Residential Program Counselor.
For No. 34-695: Three months of permanent competitive service as a Residential Program Manager 1 OR Residential Program Counselor.
For No. 34-696: Three months of permanent competitive service as a Residential Program Manager 1 OR Residential Program Manager 2.
For No. 34-697: Three months of permanent competitive service as a Residential Program Manager 2 OR Residential Program Manager 3.

If you were permanently appointed to a qualifying title on or before July 16, 2004, 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 one year of the service described in the Minimum Qualifications, successful candidates will be qualified for appointment from the eligible list.

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:

For Examination Numbers 34-694, 34-695, 34-696, and 34-697:

1. Characteristics and problems of individuals with mental illness - These questions test for knowledge and understanding of the symptoms, causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches associated with mental illness.
2. Organization and management of residential services for individuals with mental Illness - These questions test for knowledge and understanding of the organization and management of a residential services program for individuals with mental illness. Questions may cover such topics as: program implementation; health and safety; client rights; public and community
   relations; supervising residential staff; budgeting; and issues related to the day-today operation and management of a residential program.
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 and then asked to choose from four suggestions the best order for the sentences.
4. Supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards: motivatina and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale and discipline.

In addition to the above, for Examination Numbers 34-694 and 34-695:

• Counseling individuals with mental illness In a residential setting - These questions test for the knowledge and understanding needed to counsel mentally ill individuals in a residential setting. Questions may cover such topics as: counseling individuals with mental illness; applying knowledge of psychiatric rehabilitation philosophy and technology; participating in service planning; reporting client progress and behavior; choosing appropriate solutions to specific problems; and establishing priorities.

In addition to the above, for Examination Numbers 34-696 and 34-697:

• Administrative supervision - These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and his/her subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. Problems dealt with may involve, but not be limited to, such areas as: assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.

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 war-time 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.

DUTIES: As a Residential Program Manager, you would have administrative and supervisory responsibility for the health, care, and safety of individuals diagnosed with mental illness residing in State Operated Community Residences (SOCR) and State Operated Residential Care Centers for Adults (SORCCA). Under the supervision of a higher level facility-based individual, you would oversee and manage the overall operation of the residence and the rehabilitative program services provided by residence staff. The level of each Residential Program Manager position is based upon criteria related primarily to the size of the residence. However, some of the lower level managers may serve as assistants to higher level managers in the larger residences.

In addition to administrative and supervisory responsibilities, you would assure the provision of necessary support services; assure adequate and appropriate staffing; plan, assign and review work of staff and evaluate performance; provide and/or arrange needed training; prepare budget requests; monitor and control a residence budget; requisition supplies and equipment; assure completion of reports and records on care of residents; assure compliance with standards and regulations; develop residence rules and procedures as needed; respond to crisis situations and emergencies; investigate and report on incidents involving residents and/or staff; maintain linkages with appropriate psychiatric center staff and develop positive relationships with the community and service providers.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

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.

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) 457 5483 if taking the test in Albany; (518) 457-6556 for New York City Test Center; (518) 457 7022 for all other Test Centers.

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 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) 457-3416 or TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) (518) 457-8480.

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) 457-7022 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.

S1/TB1 DMC-exd
Issued: 7/30/04