Hospital Police Sergeant

Exam Code: 9MHC3
Class Code: 1936
Final Filing Date: January 23, 2020
Type of Examination: Promotional
Bulletin Release: 12/23/19
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right of family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
Drug Free Statement
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free state workplace. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Examination Type And Position Locations
This is a promotional examination for the Department of State Hospitals. Examination and/or Employment Applications will not be accepted on an open basis.  Career credits do not apply.
Examination Eligibility Limitation
Competitors must have a permanent civil service appointment with the Department of State Hospitals or meet the provisions of California Code of Regulations 234, 235, or 235.2 as of the final filing date in order to take this examination.
Who Should Apply
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the announced final filing date.  Applicants must have a permanent civil service appointment with the Department of State Hospitals within three years of the final filing date in order to take this examination.  Employees who have limited-term appointments in the department for which the examination is being given (provided they have had a permanent appointment and no subsequent break in service) are allowed to participate in departmental promotional examination in the department.  Otherwise employees must be:

1) A current or former employee of the legislature for two or more years as defined in government code (GC) section 18990; OR
2) A current or former non-elected exempt employee of the executive branch with two or more consecutive years (excluding those positions for which salaries are set by statute) as defined in GC section 18992; OR
3) Persons retired from the united states military, honorably discharged from active military duty with a service-connected disability, or honorably discharged from active duty as defined in GC section 18991.

Testing Period
A candidate may be tested only once during any testing period. The testing period for this classification is once every 6 months. If you have taken an examination for this classification with the Department of State Hospitals within the last 6 months, you are not eligible to compete in this examination.
Requirements For Admittance To The Examination
It is your responsibility to make sure you meet the education and/or experience requirements stated on this announcement on the date you submit your application. Submission of your State Application (STD. 678) indicates that you have read, understood, and possess the basic qualifications required.
Minimum Qualifications For Admittance To The Examination

Qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as “Either” 1, “or” 2, “or” 3, etc. For example, candidates who possess qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1, and additional qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2, may be admitted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

Education:  Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.  and

Training Requirement: Satisfactory completion of the training requirements of Penal Code Section 832.  Candidates may be admitted to the examination before completion of Penal Code Section 832, but must successfully complete this training before being eligible for appointment. and

Either 1
Experience:  Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Hospital Police Officer.

Or 2
Experience:  Three years of full-time, paid California peace officer experience.  Two years of college or university level education in criminal justice administration or related field in law enforcement may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Education may be substituted up to a maximum of two years of experience.
Definition of Terms
High School Equivalence:
Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade must be demonstrated by: (1) possession of a high school diploma; (2) pass the General Education Development (GED) test or other high school equivalency test approved by the State Department of Education that indicates high school graduation level; (3) pass the California High School Proficiency Examination; or (4) have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

The high school shall be either a United States public school, an accredited United States Department of Defense high school, or an accredited or approved public or nonpublic high school. Any accreditation or approval required by this subdivision shall be from a state or local government educational agency using local or state government approved accreditation, licensing, registration, or other approval standards, a regional accrediting association, an accrediting association recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, an accrediting association holding full membership in the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), an organization holding full membership in AdvancED, an organization holding full membership in the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), or an accrediting association recognized by the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations (NFNSSAA).
Special Personal Characteristics
A sympathetic understanding of the problems of the mentally ill; tolerance, tact and emotional stability; ability to remain calm in emergency situations; and willingness to work at night and to report for duty at any time when emergencies arise.

Special Physical Requirements
Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful and emergency situations encountered on the job; and sufficient hearing and vision to effectively perform the essential functions of the job.

Drivers License Requirement
Possession of a valid driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Age Limitation
Minimum age for appointment is 21 years of age.
Peace Officer Standards
Citizenship Requirement: 
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(a), in order to be a peace officer, a person must be either a U.S. Citizen or be a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for U.S. Citizenship. Any permanent resident alien who is employed as a peace officer shall be disqualified from holding that position if his/her application for citizenship is denied.

Felony Disqualification: 
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1029(a), persons convicted of a felony are disqualified from employment as peace officers except as provided under Welfare and Institutions Code, Division 2, Chapter 3, Article 8, Section 1179(b), or Division 2.5, Chapter 1, Article 4, Section 1772(b). Except as provided for by these statutes, persons convicted of a felony are not eligible to compete for, or be appointed to, positions in these classes.

Background Investigation: 
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031, persons successful in peace officer examinations shall be required to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to appointment. Persons unsuccessful in the background investigation cannot be appointed as peace officers.

Medical/Psychological Screening Requirement: 
Pursuant to Government Code Section 1031(f), persons successful in peace officer examinations are required to successfully pass a thorough medical and psychological screening prior to appointment date.  Persons unsuccessful in the medical and psychological screening cannot be appointed as peace officers.

Drug Testing Requirement:
Applicants for positions in these classes are required to pass a drug-screening test. (The drug-screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated "sensitive" class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board Rule 213.)
Final File Date: January 23, 2020
How To Apply
Click on the "Apply for the Exam" link located farther down on this bulletin. You will be required to upload an electronic copy of your Application (STD. 678) as the first step in the online examination process. Once it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications for entrance into the examination, you will be contacted with instructions for completing this examination.  

If you need assistance or have any questions regarding the online examination process, review the information and videos below in the "Online Examination Process" section or contact Department of State Hospital - Sacramento at (916) 651-8832.

California Relay for the hearing impaired:

TDD is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TDD Device.

From a TDD Phone (800) 735-2929
From a Voice Phone (800) 735-2922

Applications (STD. 678) will not be accepted on an open basis. Career credits do not apply.

DO NOT SUBMIT APPLICATION (STD. 678) TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.
Special Testing Arrangements
You will have an opportunity during the online application process to indicate if you have a disability and need special testing arrangements. The Department of State Hospitals, Selection Services Unit will contact you to make special testing arrangements.

Identification Required
Note:  Accepted applicants are required to bring either a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification to each phase of the examination.

Examination Dates
Qualifications Appraisal:  It is anticipated that interviews will be held during February/March of 2020.
Salary Range
Salary information is updated as of July 1, 2019.

$4,489 - $5,820

The salaries used in this bulletin may not reflect all pay raises or any additional bonuses. Verify the salary level(s) with the hiring department personnel office prior to making any commitments.
Job Characteristics
All applicants are required to successfully complete the Department of Mental Health's Hospital Orientation training during their probationary period.

All applicants are required to successfully complete the POST Supervisory Course during their probationary period.

Successful completion of the designated training courses is a requirement for permanent status in this classification.
Examination Information
This examination will consist of a Qualifications Appraisal Interview, weighted 100%. 
In order to obtain a position on the eligible list, a minimum score of 70% must be attained.  
Candidates who do not appear for the interview will be disqualified.
Preparing For The Examination
Below is a list of suggested resources to have available prior to taking the examination.

1 - Employment History: Employment dates, job titles, organization names and addresses, names of supervisors or persons who can verify your job responsibilities and their phone numbers.
2 - Education: School names and addresses, dates attended, courses taken (verifiable on a transcript), degrees earned, and contact information for persons or office who can verify education listed.
3 - Training: Class titles, certifications received, names of persons who can verify your training and their phone numbers.
Examination Scope
The examination scope consists of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1 - Knowledge of basic principles and practices of law enforcement.
2 - Knowledge of procedures and laws on patrol operations, investigations, vehicle code enforcement, laws of arrest, search and seizure, and court operations.
3 - Knowledge of hospital and departmental rules, policies, and procedures regarding conduct and control of patients, staff, and visitors.
4 - Knowledge of a supervisor's role in training and disciplinary procedures.
5 - Knowledge of a supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring, employee development and promotion and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
6 - Ability to meet criteria of the Hospital Police Officer.
7 - Ability to apply sound judgment in the enforcement of hospital rules and regulations and applicable State laws necessary for the protection of persons and property.
8 - Ability to physically apprehend and control patients or law violators.
9 - Ability to remain calm, and think and act quickly in an emergency.
10 - Ability to adopt an effective course of action in dealing with unusual situations.
11- Ability to use patience, tact, and impartiality in handling disturbances and confrontations.
12 - Ability to communicate convincingly and effectively.
13 - Ability to work closely with medical and nursing staff to resolve patient-related problems.
14 - Ability to deal effectively with patients, the public, and other law enforcement agencies.
15 - Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
16 - Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.
17 - Ability to interpret and apply hospital and departmental policies and procedures.
18 - Ability to effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Eligible List Information
A departmental promotional eligible list will be established for use by the Department of State Hospitals (DSH). The resulting list will be used to fill vacancies within DSH. The list will be in effect for a minimum of 12 months.  The list will be abolished 12 months after it is established, unless the needs of the service and conditions of the list warrant a change in this period.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans' Preference credit is not granted in promotional examinations.
Online Application Process
In an effort to streamline and make the most efficient use of applicant’s time, the application process is paperless. To take advantage of this feature, you must have a CalCareer account. If you do not have one, it is free and easy to sign up. With an account, you can take as many State civil service examinations that you qualify for, store different versions of your application, apply for vacancies at 150 departments, track your application status and save your resume and other application related documents all in one place. To get started, watch the short videos below on creating a CalCareer account, creating and saving an electronic application, and searching and applying for job vacancies.

How To Create a CalCareer Account


How to Create, Download and Save Your Application


How to Search and Apply for Jobs


To sign up for a CalCareer account, CLICK HERE to visit
https://jobs.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Login.aspx

Return to this page after you create your account to begin the examination process. We recommend saving a copy of your application, which you will be required to submit electronically.
General Information
For an examination without a written feature it is the competitor’s responsibility to contact the Department of State Hospitals, Selection Services Unit at (916) 651-8832 three weeks after the application deadline date if she/he has not received a progress notice. 

If a competitor’s notice of oral interview or performance test fails to reach her/him prior to the day of the interview due to a verified postal error, she/he will be rescheduled upon written request. 

The Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) is available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer account (https://www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Competitors who pass will be ranked according to their scores. 

The Department of State Hospitals reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Examination Locations: When a written test is part of the examination, it will be given in such places in California as the number of competitors and conditions warrant. 

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) subdivisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multidepartmental promotional, 4) servicewide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on this bulletin.

General Qualifications: Competitors must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment and ability to work cooperatively with others; and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.
High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade must be demonstrated by: (1) possession of a high school diploma; (2) pass the General Education Development (GED) test or other high school equivalency test approved by the State Department of Education that indicates high school graduation level; (3) pass the California High School Proficiency Examination; or (4) have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

The high school shall be either a United States public school, an accredited United States Department of Defense high school, or an accredited or approved public or nonpublic high school. Any accreditation or approval required by this subdivision shall be from a state or local government educational agency using local or state government approved accreditation, licensing, registration, or other approval standards, a regional accrediting association, an accrediting association recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, an accrediting association holding full membership in the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), an organization holding full membership in AdvancED, an organization holding full membership in the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), or an accrediting association recognized by the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations (NFNSSAA). 

Career Credits: Career Credits are not granted for examinations administered on an Open basis or Promotional basis.
Reasonable Accommodation
If you need reasonable accommodation or have any questions regarding the online examination process, please contact:

Department of State Hospitals - Selection Services Unit
Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm (excluding State holidays)
(916) 651-8832
 
California Relay for the hearing impaired: 

TDD is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TDD Device.

From a TDD Phone (800) 735-2929
From a Voice Phone (800) 735-2922

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