What are the responsibilities and job description for the AWOL Apprehension Officer position at Department of Youth Services?
The Department of Youth Services (DYS), under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 18A, 119 and 120, is the juvenile justice agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Department’s mission is to protect the public and prevent crime by promoting positive change in the lives of youth committed to DYS care and custody, and by partnering with communities, families, public, and provider agencies toward this end. The Department accomplishes its mission through interventions that build knowledge, develop skills and promote positive change in the behavior of the youth in DYS care and custody. The primary goal of these interventions is to reintegrate youth 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 additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs please watch: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view
The AWOL Apprehension Officer's primary duties include, but are not limited to the following:
The AWOL Apprehension Officer performs various care and security activities in connection with juveniles in custody of the agency; observe conduct and behavior of juveniles assigned to the facility; maintain liaison with staff members, law enforcement agencies, professional specialist and others.
- Conduct investigations to aid in the apprehension of DYS clientele found to be in violation of their grant of conditional liberty.
- Coordinate all client apprehensions and serves as the DYS liaison to all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in these efforts.
- Work closely with all Northeast Region personnel at the community re-entry center locations to ensure compliance of clientele placed in the community.
- Assist in investigations related to escapes from area programs.
- Attend all trainings scheduled by supervisor.
- Conduct training sessions as indicated by supervisor.
- Assist in the return of clients from areas outside the state.
- Inspect all local police juvenile lock-up facilities in the region in conjunction with the Department of Public Health.
- Submit timely documentation; maintain monthly records and reports to the Regional Apprehension Team Supervisor.
• Attend all regularly scheduled regional meetings.
- Maintain all department issued equipment.
• Adhere to all departmental policies
- Perform other related duties as scheduled.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to use mechanical restraints.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
Knowledge of the Criminal Justice Information (CJIS) System and Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI processes)
Ability to make group presentation for educational purposes as well as the ability to discharge any and all of the stated responsibilities.
Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:45AM - 5:00PM with Saturday and Sunday off. Must be flexible.
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-Offer 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.
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 and click on "Information for Job Applicants".
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.
As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record 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 the contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services 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:
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the counseling, rehabilitation, or custodial care and treatment of criminal offenders, inmates, prisoners, or juvenile offenders.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- A Bachelor's or higher degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education, rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, law enforcement, criminal justice, or criminology may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
- One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
LICENSES: Based on assignment, a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state may be required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: After assignment, employees must be able to pass the physical requirements of the Special State Police Training Academy.
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.
