Job Description
The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking positive, and dynamic individuals for the role of Transportation Officer, at the Central Region located at 363 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01604. The selected candidate will transport youth that are in the care of DYS to various destinations such as other DYS facilities, courts, hospitals and community programs. In this role you will be a key member of the residential team, direct-care staff monitor, and provide on-site and immediate intervention of DYS youth.
For additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs please watch: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
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- Transport youth to and from the Department of Youth Services (DYS) facilities, correctional facilities, community programming and/or community placement, courts, hospitals, foster homes, etc., to bring them safely to the destination in accordance with laws, rules, policies, standards and procedures. Search youth for contraband; deliver youth's personal belongings to the specific destination; observe youth; and maintain awareness of public surroundings to ensure secure transport and to prevent issues or altercations.
- Inspect vehicle and safety equipment, including first aid supplies, fire extinguishers, locks and restraints; perform basic vehicle maintenance and arrange for repairs to ensure vehicles are in proper working order and to meet safety requirements.
- Coordinate with court, hospital, facility and program staff to share and receive relevant youth information, to ensure proper documentation is transported with the youth, and to arrange for efficient and secure transport of youth while protecting the safety of youth and the general public.
- Maintain complete and accurate records and logs related to vehicle use, including inspections, mileage, tolls, gas and repairs to satisfy agency and procurement requests.
- Prepare incident reports related to transport activities to provide documentation in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
- In some instances, serve as the first point of contact for youth following detainment. Communicate with youth and/or families to answer questions, explain the process and put youth at ease; report any disclosed information related to criminal history, abuse or medical concerns in compliance with the law.
- Assist agency staff by providing temporary security in a program or office setting during the intake.
- Determine the process for removing and transporting youth from one facility to another to ensure the safety of all parties.
- Use restraint equipment during transport when necessary and/or appropriate in accordance with policy.
- Select routes to transport youth in a timely fashion.
- Determine whether an environment is unsafe, either for the client or for the general public; change plans for removal or transport if deemed necessary to protect the safety of all parties.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies or medical situations that occur during transport.
Special Requirements:
- Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years
- Must be able to perform the physical requirement of the job (i.e. Ability to properly restrain or subdue youth through appropriate use of handcuffs or other restraint techniques) if necessary.
- Able to talk and/or hear, stand and walk, run, kneel and climb stairs, as well as lift, carry, push, or pull up to 55 pounds with or without assistance and with or without the use of devices and/or equipment to assist in the lifting effort.
- Incumbents will be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
- Upon hire, incumbents must complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
Working Conditions:
- Incumbents may be exposed to verbal and/or physical confrontations and potentially dangerous environments.
- Incumbents may be required to physically restrain youth.
- Incumbents typically work a standard work week (five 8-hour shift); however, may be required to work extended hours, nights, holidays or weekends.
- Incumbents may be required to travel in-state and based on assignment may be required to travel out of state.
Schedule:
11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays off
Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.
About the Department of Youth Services:
As the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody. Our mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in our care. We achieve our mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families, and communities in strategies that support positive youth development. For more information, please go to: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services.
Pre-Hire Process:
Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes:
- Drug Screening
- Psychological Screening
- Medical Examination
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
If you would like more information, please logon to the DYS website www.mass.gov/dys to access detailed information on the Pre-Employment process.
Pre-Offer:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Upon hire, incumbents shall be required to complete and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.