Transportation Officer, Northeast Region

About the role

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking positive and dynamic individuals for the role of Transportation Officer at 33 Gregory Street, Middleton, MA. 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.

Responsibilities

• Transport youth to and from 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.

Required qualifications

• Successful completion of a Physical Ability Test (PAT)
• Knowledge of the state laws, rules, regulations and safety practices governing motor vehicle operation
• Ability to understand and apply the law, rules and regulations governing agency operations
• Ability to read road maps and understand directions
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make quick decisions
• Ability to interact effectively with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress
• Ability to maintain accurate, organized records
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to use a computer to type, manage databases and produce written documents
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred qualifications

• Good driving record
• Familiarity with General Laws pertaining to juveniles and juvenile rights
• Ability to physically restrain a youth, when necessary
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

Schedule

1st Shift, 11:45 am - 8:00 pm with Saturday and Sunday off.

Pay

Salary: $57,547.10

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.

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.

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