massachusetts Human Resources Division 
DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATION                                               ANNOUNCEMENT #9310
Correction officer ii
Department of correction

Last date for filing applications:  April 18, 2011                          Examination Date:  May 21, 2011

$125.00 Examination application fee required.	 Please file early.
Apply on-line with Visa or MasterCard at https://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/

Money orders and certified bank checks accepted when applying by mail.                     No cash or personal checks.

ELIGIBILITY:  To be eligible for this examination you must be an employee in the Department of Correction with permanent civil service status in the below listed eligible title. You are also required to have been employed in the eligible title after certification from a civil service list, on a permanent or temporary civil service basis for twelve months preceding the examination date.  A combination of temporary and permanent service can be applied towards meeting this twelve month requirement.  You must have permanent civil service status in an eligible title as of the date of the examination in order to be eligible.  Time spent pursuant to a temporary appointment in the title of Correction Officer II will not interrupt the service period in your permanent position.
ELIGIBLE TITLE
Correction Officer I

NOTE: Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 31 § 59, if less than four applications are received from eligible applicants, as defined above, this examination will be postponed.

SALARY:  Questions regarding salary should be directed to the Appointing Authority. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Correction Officers may work in a correctional facility, alone in an isolated area; may work varied shifts, weekends, holidays, or nights and are subject to a standby (on call) work status; may be subjected to verbal and physical abuse from others; may be required to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress; stand and walk for prolonged periods of time; are subject to injury from firearms; may work under exposure to adverse weather conditions; may travel for job-related purposes; and may be required to furnish private transportation for reimbursable job-related travel.

DUTIES:  Under direct supervision of Correction Officers or other employees of higher grade, the duties of a Correction Officer II are to:
•	Maintain custodial care and control of inmates by performing the following types of activities: escorting or transporting inmates under restraint, patrolling facilities, making periodic rounds, head counts and security checks of buildings, grounds and inmate quarters, etc.
•	Observe conduct and behavior of inmates, noting significant behavioral patterns.
•	Note and investigate suspicious inmate activity relative to contraband by searching individuals, vehicles, packages, mail and inmate quarters for weapons or other forbidden devices/objects.
•	Develop working relationships with inmates by referring individuals to appropriate supportive services (e.g., medical, psychiatric, vocational, etc.) as needed.
•	Prepare reports on such occurrences as fires, disturbances, accidents, security breaches, etc.
•	Prepare monthly evaluation reports on inmates.
•	Make entries into unit log of daily activities and review daily activity reports.
•	Perform related operational duties such as screening visitors, operating two-way radios, carrying and operating firearms, etc.
•	Provide on-the-job-training for staff and for evaluating performance of subordinates.
•	Check posts and conduct rounds.
•	Control the security of criminal records or other sensitive documents and the distribution and accounting of special equipment such as keys, weapons, radios, etc.
•	Recommend sanctions against inmates found in violation of rules and regulations.
•	Perform related work as required.

EXAMINATION SUBJECTS:  The written examination will be designed to test, where practicable, the following knowledge, abilities and skills that have been established as qualifications for the position:  
•	Ability to gather information through examining records and documents and through observing and questioning individuals
•	Ability to read, understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, guidelines, and instructions/post orders governing assigned unit activities
•	Ability to write concisely and accurately
•	Ability to work accurately with names, numbers, codes and/or symbols
•	Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of quantitative and qualitative data such as demographic breakdowns, meal counts, and activity counts
•	Knowledge of the terminology used in correctional institution work in accordance with DOC policy
•	Knowledge of the standard methods and procedures used for the security of buildings and property
•	Knowledge of the standard methods and techniques of disorder management
•	Knowledge of the procedures and techniques used in transporting prisoners in accordance with DOC policy
•	Knowledge of the DOC use of force and forced movement policies, to include the types and uses of devices used in restraining prisoners
•	Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in the use of firearms in the areas of storage, issuance, and carrying of Department’s weapons systems
•	Knowledge of the standard methods used in identifying and preserving evidence in accordance with DOC policy or procedure at a crime scene
•	Knowledge of policies, methods, and techniques of identifying and controlling contraband according to DOC policy

EXAMINATION WEIGHTS:  Your results on the written exam represent 60% of your final mark, with your rating in education and experience making up the remaining 40%.  Applicants must get a passing mark on each of the weighted components.

CREDIT FOR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 31, § 22, individuals may be granted credit for education and experience in the eligible title(s) identified in this announcement. At the examination, a red and white scannable Rating Sheet will be distributed.  You will be asked to complete this Rating Sheet to claim education and experience credit and to provide full documentation supporting your claims.  This Rating Sheet must be submitted by applicants at the examination site. Any subsequent adjustments to claims must be made in writing and, along with supporting documentation, must be postmarked within 7 calendar days of the written examination.  Information on how to complete the Rating Sheet is posted approximately two weeks prior to the examination at www.mass.gov/hrd/examforms. If you have multiple conferred degrees and have applied the same course credits from one degree to another, HRD will grant you full education and experience points for one degree, but will prorate the points for your additional degrees(s) to account for any course overlap.

Once you receive your examination mark, you will have seventeen calendar days from the mailing of your mark to appeal in writing your Education and Experience score. 

Examination Forms for this examination will be available after May 2, 2011. You must download a copy of the education and experience rating worksheet, the instructions for preparing the worksheet, and a copy of the employment verification form for the examination from the website, available by clicking on the Exam Forms link. If you cannot download or print these documents, please contact the Civil Service Unit via the contact information listed on page 4.

HOW TO APPLY
All applications MUST be filed with HRD, or postmarked, by midnight on April 18, 2011. You may apply online for this examination, using a Visa or Mastercard, at https://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/hrd/. A confirmation number for each successful transaction will be issued. You may also obtain a paper application form, and file it along with the examination-processing fee (or fee waiver form) in person at or by mail to HRD (see address and business hours on page 4). Applications and fee waiver forms may also be available at city and town clerks’ offices across the state. If you mail your application, send all correspondence by certified mail with "return receipt requested," if possible. 

EXAMINATION FEE: All applications must be accompanied by a money order, certified bank check, credit card payment, or by a completed fee waiver form. The examination-processing fee is $125. Payment by money order or certified bank check should be made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please print your name, address, social security number, and the examination announcement number on the front of the money order or certified bank check. Payments by Master Card and VISA are also accepted when applying online. NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS. 

FEE WAIVER:  The examination fee may be waived for candidates receiving certain state or federal public assistance, unemployment insurance, or workers' compensation. Fee waiver forms are available from and must be filed at the address below, and may also be downloaded from the Applicant Forms section of our website (www.mass.gov/civilservice).  Waiver forms must be accompanied by proof of eligibility, for the subject time period, in the form of signed and dated receipts, check stubs and/or other documentation from the agency providing assistance. To file a waiver, you must file a paper application form, and be sure to fill in item #16 on the application.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:  If you need special testing accommodations due to a documented impairment such as a hearing, learning, physical, mental or visual disability, fill in item #15 on the paper application form, or click the corresponding circle in the online application. You must also submit a letter of support from a qualified professional detailing what type of accommodation you require at the exam site. Without such a letter, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to grant your accommodation. This information is requested only to provide reasonable accommodation for exams, and will not be used for any other purposes. 

CURRENT MILITARY PERSONNEL:  ALL military personnel who, in connection with current service, have military orders that indicate their unavailability due to military service on May 21, 2011, should contact the Human Resources Division to request a make up examination. To request a make up, file an application and processing fee and request such accommodation in writing, with a copy of your military orders attached. Please include in your letter your e-mail address, daytime base phone number and/or name and phone number of a friend or family member with whom you have regular contact and entrust with your personal communication.

NO MAKE-UP EXAMINATION:  With the exception of current military personnel as described above, no candidate has a right to a make-up examination due to personal or professional conflicts on the testing date. Candidates are advised to consider this BEFORE applying for the examination.

If you file an exam application by April 18, 2011, but are unable to appear for the exam on May 21, 2011, due to an emergency or unanticipated hardship, you may request a makeup examination by filing a written request with verifiable documentation to HRD no later than 7 calendar days from the original written examination date.  HRD reserves the right to approve or deny your request.  HRD may require an additional examination-processing fee upon approval of your request.

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

NOTICE TO APPEAR: Notices to Appear to the assigned examination site will be mailed to candidates for this examination. You will be able to get a copy of your notice after May 9, 2011, by logging on to the Human Resources Division Standings and On-line Applicant Record Information System (SOARIS). You will need to register as a first-time user if you have not used the system before.  Please follow the instructions provided at How to Get a Copy of Your Notice to Appear for an Exam.

PRIVATE SCHOOL OR SERVICE:  The Human Resources Division does not recommend or endorse any private school, service, or publisher offering preparation and/or publications for examinations and is not responsible for their advertising claims.

IDENTIFICATION AT THE EXAMINATION SITE: At the examination site, applicants must present current and valid photo identification with signature (e.g., driver’s license, passport, military ID).

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:  Candidates are responsible for notifying HRD in writing of any change of address after applying for the examination. Candidates may submit changes of address online in SOARIS at: https://www.csexam.hrd.state.ma.us/standings/, or by sending a written request, including former address, new address, effective date of new address, and social security number to HRD at the address below. Failure to keep your records up-to-date may jeopardize opportunities for employment.

VETERANS: DEFINITION OF A MASSACHUSETTS VETERAN M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7, Clause 43 as amended by the Acts of 2004 Effective August 30, 2004:  To be a “veteran” under Massachusetts law, a person is required to have either 180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions OR 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day of which is during “wartime” and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. A chart defining “wartime” service is available online at www.mass.gov/civilservice or www.mass.gov/veterans . Qualifying service must have been in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force of the United States. Please note that active duty exclusively for training in the National Guard or Reserves does NOT qualify you for veterans' preference. National Guard Members or Reservists must have been activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 33, sections 38, 40, and 41 and then must meet the minimum service requirements listed above. The Members’ last discharge or release must be under honorable conditions.
VETERANS’ PREFERENCE:  If you are claiming veterans' preference and if your eligibility for veterans’ preference has not been previously approved by HRD, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214 Member-4 Form (Release From Active Duty-Long Form) in order to receive proper credit. Although you may supply this proof at any time during the life of the eligible list, it is recommended that you submit it at the time of the examination or immediately upon qualification.
As of July 1, 1998, those who otherwise qualify for veterans' preference, but are still in military service may claim such credit by supplying proof, on official letterhead with appropriate signature, of their military service to date, including the dates of active duty, current assignment, and estimated time of separation. The individual must provide official documentation of honorable discharge at the time of appointment. See MGL Ch. 31, §3, Clause (f).

DISABLED VETERAN STATUS:  Claims for status as a disabled veteran require written confirmation from the US Veterans Administration of a continuing service-incurred disability rated not less than 10% based on wartime service (MGL. Chapter 31, Section 1).

During the HRD review process or during the life of the applicable eligible list(s), applicants must make original supporting documentation available should the issue of authenticity arise with the submitted copies. 

Veterans and disabled veterans will be awarded two points to their passing, overall (general average) examination score.

For more information about this and other civil service examinations, see www.mass.gov/civilservice or email the Civil Service Unit at CivilService@hrd.state.ma.us.

Correspondence may be sent to:
Human Resources Division
1 Ashburton Place, Room 301
Boston, MA 02108
ATTN: Test Administration

                                                                              -OR-
FAX Number:  (617) 727-0399

HRD’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., except holidays. Inquiries may also be made to HRD during these hours at the following numbers: 
Boston area:  (617) 878-9895 Within Massachusetts: 1-800-392-6178  TTY Number:  (617) 878-9762

EXAMINATION PREPARATION AND RECOMMENDED READINGS: HRD subject matter experts recommend the following reference materials to applicants who wish to prepare for the examination.  All applicants are responsible for reading all the texts and other materials listed below and on all pages of this announcement. Please note carefully which edition and/or date of publication is listed for each item. All chapters, appendices, glossaries, etc., are included unless otherwise noted. All examination questions will be based on these materials. Check with your agency for assistance in locating a copy.

Code of Massachusetts Regulations (103 CMR), as amended through October 17, 2010.
Entire sections of: 403, 430, 481, 483, and 505 only.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Corrections (103 DOC), as amended through October 17, 2010. Entire sections of: 101, 119, 225, 401, 501, 502, 503, 504, 506, 508, 509, 511, 512, 513, 514, 516, 521, 530, 550, 560, 604, 622, 630, and 650 only.

Rules and Regulations Governing All Employees of the Massachusetts Department of Correction (“Blue Book”), as amended through October 17, 2010.

The above readings are found in DOC Rules and Regulations. 

Training Academy Material on Report Writing, as amended through October 17, 2010. 
Entire sections of: Seven Essentials of Report Writing, and Five C’s only.