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 located at 33 Gregory St. 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, preventing incidents and ensuring the safety of staff, clients, residents and youth throughout the facility.

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):

• Inspect fire and other safety equipment in and around the facility in accordance with established agency procedures and standards to maintain 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 instruction 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 of 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.

Schedule: Second (2nd) Shift – 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Days Off: Fridays and Saturdays

About the Department Of Youth Services:

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We work with young people who are detained or committed and provide detention, custody, diagnosis, education and support to young people ages 12-21. Most of the youth served are between the ages 14 and 18. The Department promotes positive change for the youth committed to our care, and has been on the forefront of de-institutionalization, in part, by providing adolescent-focused rehabilitation to youth in residential treatment.

The goal of DYS is to focus on youths’ gradual reintegration back to the community as productive citizens. DYS works in partnership with provider agencies, law enforcement and school officials, families, communities and others to ensure that the services provided are effective and that they create pathways to success for the young men and women in DYS care and custody. By working in close collaboration with these entities, DYS can continue to help make communities better and safer places.

For more information, please go to: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services.

Pre-Offer Process:

Pre-Employment Requirements: Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes: 1) Drug Screening; 2) Psychological Screening; 3) Medical Examination; and 4) Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for direct care positions. 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.

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 Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

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

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.