STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Protective Services Trainee (Police)

Office/On-site

Recruitment #231109-6600PS-001

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Introduction


Are you an aspiring law enforcement officer in the State of Connecticut?
Join us and be a vital part of our mission to enhance community well-being and support those in need! 

The State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) is seeking to hire several qualified applicants for the position of Protective Services Trainee (Police). Upon successful completion of training and probationary requirements, incumbents in this class will be eligible for appointment to Police Officer with responsibility for protection of life and property. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to join our Safety Services Division team to ensure the safety of our employees and patients. These positions will be filled in all locations throughout the state. 

THE ROLE:
The mission of DMHAS' Division of Safety Services - Public Safety Division is to maintain a safe and secure environment of care, in a recovery-oriented healthcare agency, through leadership and partnership, based on trust and understanding with the community we serve. Our officers provide service with understanding, respond with compassion, perform with integrity and enforce the law with impartiality and professionalism. 

We have approximately 70 sworn police officers, augmented by building and grounds patrol officers, dispatchers, and other civilian support staff. In a recovery-oriented healthcare service agency, the DMHAS Police have an exciting challenge in providing quality services through traditional law enforcement functions and safety and security management activities which are critical to maintaining compliance required for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and other regulatory entities. 

 

COMPENSATION GUIDELINES:
For those classes in the Protective Services that require completion of both academy training and field training, the working test period shall automatically extend until completion of both the academy training and field training requirements.

    • Salary upon hire: $49,849/year
    • Salary upon successful completion of training academy: $52,154/year
    • Upon completion of both the academy training and field training requirements the employees in such classes shall be upgraded to the target class (Police Officer): $65,872/year
NOTE: For current State employees, compensation will be in accordance with guidelines for computing salary adjustments set forth by the Department of Administrative Services, Determining Salary Upon Change in Class.

HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Full-time (40 hours per week)
  • Every other weekend off
  • Shift and location for each position is To Be Determined
  • NOTE: These positions are Hazardous Duty
These positions are in the following facilities and can be assigned any facility/location and work schedule/shift: 

River Valley Services (Middletown) 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
  • The opportunity to work for a Forbes top company: 'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
  • A Platinum Healthcare Plan, the nation’s best for state employees and dependents, according to a report by Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform and article by Ellen Andrews, Ph.D., along with comprehensive benefit offerings
  • A 25 year hazardous duty retirement plan
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.  Click here for more information.
  • Generous paid time off, including 13 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • A healthy work/life balance to all employees
    DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
    • Be a part of a comprehensive team of caring professionals
    • Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve
    • Assist our clients so they can achieve success
    • Make a difference in the public sector
    • Work together in a collaborative team environment
    We welcome you to be a part of a dynamic team of caring professionals in ensuring a safe and harmonious environment!

    Selection Plan

    FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
    Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

    Requirements:
    • Applicants for this class must have reached their 21st birthday
    • Applicants must have a High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to admission to the Connecticut Police Training Academy
    • Incumbents in this class must have established residence within Connecticut before becoming a sworn member of the DMHAS Police
    • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license during employment
    • During the recruitment process, applicants will be required to submit a copy of their current Motor Vehicle Operator's license
    The Protective Services Trainee hiring process is extensive; the time from application to appointment can take several months. The application to hire process is separated into seven (7) stages:

    1. Application Period:  Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.

    2. Physical Agility: Candidates must complete and Police Physical Ability Test that measures muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.

    Alternatively, candidates can obtain a valid CHIP card prior to and in lieu of the Police Physical Ability Test. To register, please follow the instructions on the CHIP Test Schedule.

    Instructional Video Links:
    On Orientation Day, applicants must also pass an additional Police Physical Ability Test to secure their seat in the Academy Class. 

    3. Interview Panel: Applicants will be interviewed by sworn members of DMHAS Police.

    4.Polygraph Examination: Inquiries concerning employment history; driving history; medical history; financial history; gambling history; illegal possession, use, and sale of drugs/narcotics; criminal activity; military history; illegal sexual activity; use of alcohol; general personal data; prior conduct in police/security/corrections fields; subversive, revolutionary, or gang activity; basic honesty and integrity.

    5.Psychological Evaluation: Combination of written tests and interviews to assess suitability for employment in law enforcement.

    6.Background Investigation: Comprehensive review of employment, education, training, criminal, motor vehicle, and credit history.

    7.Medical Evaluation: Comprehensive physical examination, including drug screening.

    DMHAS Police Recruit Training Program: 
    Successful completion of all phases of the selection process means that you are eligible to be considered for final appointment as a Protective Services Trainee. If you are selected into this role, you will enter the physically and mentally demanding training program at a POSTC approved Police Academy. Depending on the academy you are in, this program may last approximately thirty (30) weeks which includes classroom instruction, practical exercises, and physical conditioning. Depending on the academy you attend, trainees may be required to live at the Academy, Monday through Friday.

    After graduation from the program, Trainees are assigned to one of the DMHAS locations throughout the state for a probationary period and job training.

    Please Note:
    • Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Police). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training.
    To Apply:
    • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
    • You must specify your qualifications on your application. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
    • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
    • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
    • This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
    Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
    • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
    • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
    • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
    • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
    • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
    • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
    Connect With Us:
    • Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.
    • Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Alyssa Hovanec via email at Alyssa.Hovanec@ct.gov.

    PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

    In a state agency this class is accountable for taking a prescribed formal academic and on the job training course in basic police work involving investigative and inspection techniques and procedures.

    KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

    General intelligence; ability to follow oral and written instructions; ability in oral and written expression; ability to evaluate emergency situations and develop effective courses of action; ability to deal effectively with those contacted in the work.

    SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    1. Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States by date of appointment.

    2. Applicants must have a High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification prior to admission to the Connecticut Police Training Academy.

    3. During the period as a Police Trainee candidates will be required to complete a course of training to include completion and graduation from the Connecticut Police Training Academy program or its equivalent.

    4. Appointment to this class will be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months. Provisional appointment will be made to the target class when formal training has not been completed after twelve (12) months as a Protective Services Trainee (Police). Appointment will be made to the target class after successful completion and graduation of formal training.

    5. Applicants in this class must have reached their 21st birthday.

    6. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

    7. Incumbents in this class may be required to obtain and retain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic certification.

    CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

    In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and possess and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity to perform the duties of the class. A physical fitness assessment will be required of all applicants.

    2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

    WORKING CONDITIONS

    Incumbents in this class may be exposed to unpleasant situations which may cause injury and may be exposed to uncomfortable weather conditions.

    Conclusion

    AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

    The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.





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