Occ. Code 8195850

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES, M-1	8195850
DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES, M-3	8195900

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard                                                              

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

Positions in this series are responsible for administering all Transitional Services Programs in correctional facilities throughout New York State.  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. 

These positions are classified only at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Main Office.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

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

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

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

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

• Develops 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.

• Recommends projects designed to correct deficiencies, or improve or expand programs.

• Visits all Transitional Services Centers on a regular basis, providing technical assistance and ensuring compliance with program standards.

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

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

Assists in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures for the Department’s Transitional Services activities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Monitors program effectiveness.

• Informs facility staff of changes in policy and procedure.

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

Supervises subordinate staff.

• Establishes unit goals, policies, and procedures.

• Provides supervision, guidance, and oversight to subordinate staff, and intervenes and resolves problems as necessary.

• Determines and oversees staff assignments. 

• Monitors work flow and evaluates performance and production level of subordinates, implementing corrective measures where necessary.

• Approves leave and track time and attendance.

• Reviews, monitors, and evaluates staff performance. 

• Completes performance evaluations.

• Identifies training needs and arranges for provision of training.

• Manages and directs program activities by setting priorities and deadlines.

DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

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

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

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

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

• Identifies organizations and agencies that provide programs and services which could be helpful to released offenders in areas such as employment, housing, counseling services, education, health services, religious services, and social services.

• Refers Transitional Services Centers to these organizations as appropriate.

• Works with organizations to increase and improve services available to released offenders.

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

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

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

• Maintains an operating manual for use by all Centers.

• Develops and conducts an ongoing training program for Transitional Services Coordinators and offender peer counselors. 

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

Coordinates efforts with other program areas in the DOCCS to ensure effective program delivery.

• Develops budgets and control expenses within areas of responsibility.

• Reviews, approves, and prioritizes facility budget requests in area of responsibility for review by the Assistant Commissioner.

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

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

• Approves 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 Services Guidance Specialist (all parenthetics).

DIRECTOR TRANSITIONAL SERVICES

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

Open Competitive:  a bachelor’s 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:  7/18

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.