Security Specialist 1

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a dynamic and energetic individual for the role of Security Specialist I located at the Northeast Youth Service Center, 33 Gregory Street, Middleton, MA 01949. The selected candidate will monitor surveillance cameras and patrol assigned interior and exterior areas including parking areas; check locks, maintain security by conducting searches for contraband, prevent incidents, and ensure the safety of staff, clients, residents, and youth throughout the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)\:

• Inspect fire and other safety equipment in and around the facility in accordance with established agency procedures and standards to maintain the safety of the property, staff, youth, clients, and other occupants.
• Respond to emergency situations by administering first aid, locking down unsecured areas, calling for assistance, and performing other actions necessary to gain control of the situation and maintain the safety of all parties involved.
• Gather information in accordance with established procedures in the occurrence of an incident; enter relevant information into the operations log or electronic client information system to maintain a record of incidents and activities and to share information in an organized manner with the appropriate authorities.
• Based on assignment, conduct curfew monitoring phone calls to youth placed in the community as determined by regional agency management.
• Take the appropriate action, in accordance with authorized procedures, to handle specific violations or to respond to emergency situations.
• Notify other staff and call for assistance to handle emergency situations.
• Assist in the evacuation of youth, clients, residents, or students in drills or emergency situations. 
• Receive and respond to telephone calls from both internal and external parties to provide requested information and guidance to other departments within the facility, other agencies, and the general public. 
• Transport youth, clients, or residents who may be injured or restrained, to various areas within the facility to ensure the security of all staff, youth, residents, and clients.

Required Qualifications\:

• Demonstrated experience to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergencies or emotionally charged situations.
• Capacity to make decisions and act quickly in emergency or dangerous situations.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply the applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency to exercise discretion in handling confidential information, prepare general reports, maintain accurate records, and assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
• Strong ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse groups of people, establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others, and adapt to varying work situations.
• Ability to follow and give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Aptitude to read and interpret such documents as maps, charts, building plans, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the standard methods and ability to collect, identify, and preserve evidence as well as the terminology used in law enforcement work.

Preferred Qualifications\:

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures followed in the security of buildings and property.
• Understanding of the laws, rules, and regulations governing arrest, search and seizure.
• Knowledge of the geographic composition of the assigned work area.
• Demonstrated experience in the types and application of emergency medical procedures such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), tourniquets, etc.
• Knowledge of the standard procedures followed in operating mobile and/or fixed radio communications equipment.
• Knowledge of the terminology, codes, and standard abbreviations used in connection with radio communication. 

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.
• Based on assignment, incumbents may 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.

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.

Shift\: 2nd Shift (2\:00PM - 10\:00PM) with Tuesday and Wednesday off. Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

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 log on to the DYS website www.mass.gov/dys to access detailed information on the pre-employment process.

Pre-Offer Process\:

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.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation\: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at\: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a dynamic and energetic individual for the role of Security Specialist I located at the Northeast Youth Service Center, 33 Gregory Street, Middleton, MA 01949. The selected candidate will monitor surveillance cameras and patrol assigned interior and exterior areas including parking areas; check locks, maintain security by conducting searches for contraband, prevent incidents, and ensure the safety of staff, clients, residents, and youth throughout the facility.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)\:

• Inspect fire and other safety equipment in and around the facility in accordance with established agency procedures and standards to maintain the safety of the property, staff, youth, clients, and other occupants.
• Respond to emergency situations by administering first aid, locking down unsecured areas, calling for assistance, and performing other actions necessary to gain control of the situation and maintain the safety of all parties involved.
• Gather information in accordance with established procedures in the occurrence of an incident; enter relevant information into the operations log or electronic client information system to maintain a record of incidents and activities and to share information in an organized manner with the appropriate authorities.
• Based on assignment, conduct curfew monitoring phone calls to youth placed in the community as determined by regional agency management.
• Take the appropriate action, in accordance with authorized procedures, to handle specific violations or to respond to emergency situations.
• Notify other staff and call for assistance to handle emergency situations.
• Assist in the evacuation of youth, clients, residents, or students in drills or emergency situations. 
• Receive and respond to telephone calls from both internal and external parties to provide requested information and guidance to other departments within the facility, other agencies, and the general public. 
• Transport youth, clients, or residents who may be injured or restrained, to various areas within the facility to ensure the security of all staff, youth, residents, and clients.

Required Qualifications\:

• Demonstrated experience to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in emergencies or emotionally charged situations.
• Capacity to make decisions and act quickly in emergency or dangerous situations.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply the applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Proficiency to exercise discretion in handling confidential information, prepare general reports, maintain accurate records, and assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
• Strong ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse groups of people, establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others, and adapt to varying work situations.
• Ability to follow and give oral and written instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Aptitude to read and interpret such documents as maps, charts, building plans, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the standard methods and ability to collect, identify, and preserve evidence as well as the terminology used in law enforcement work.

Preferred Qualifications\:

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures followed in the security of buildings and property.
• Understanding of the laws, rules, and regulations governing arrest, search and seizure.
• Knowledge of the geographic composition of the assigned work area.
• Demonstrated experience in the types and application of emergency medical procedures such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), tourniquets, etc.
• Knowledge of the standard procedures followed in operating mobile and/or fixed radio communications equipment.
• Knowledge of the terminology, codes, and standard abbreviations used in connection with radio communication. 

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.
• Based on assignment, incumbents may 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.

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.

Shift\: 2nd Shift (2\:00PM - 10\:00PM) with Tuesday and Wednesday off. Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

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 log on to the DYS website www.mass.gov/dys to access detailed information on the pre-employment process.

Pre-Offer Process\:

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.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation\: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at\: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements\: Applicants must have (A) at least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time, experience in work involving the protection and/or security of buildings, equipment or individuals, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Applicants applying for positions within the Department of Youth Services, Department of Mental Health and Department of Public Health are required to obtain and maintain a valid certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid. Additionally, applicants applying for positions within the Department of Youth Services are required to obtain and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Substitutions\:
I. An Associate’s degree or higher in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Incumbents may be required to have 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.

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. If you decline to vaccinate you will be required to take mitigation measures mandated by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) that are consistent with guidance from the Department of Public Health.  Failure to take those mitigation measures, including masking, could lead to discipline, up to and including termination. 

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!

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..

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements\: Applicants must have (A) at least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time, experience in work involving the protection and/or security of buildings, equipment or individuals, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Applicants applying for positions within the Department of Youth Services, Department of Mental Health and Department of Public Health are required to obtain and maintain a valid certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid. Additionally, applicants applying for positions within the Department of Youth Services are required to obtain and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Substitutions\:
I. An Associate’s degree or higher in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Incumbents may be required to have 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.

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. If you decline to vaccinate you will be required to take mitigation measures mandated by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) that are consistent with guidance from the Department of Public Health.  Failure to take those mitigation measures, including masking, could lead to discipline, up to and including termination. 

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!

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..

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