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Posted by: Foxy85

Any DMH guys out there.... I was able to score an interview, and I am just wondering what I'm about to walk into.....

1 on 1, or panel interview?

How many guys do they typically interview for one position?

Someone said they just got boosted up one pay step...whats it start at?

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Posted by: JMB1977

Foxy...is this position witn DMH PD at Worc State Hospital? From what I have heard the interview process is extremely informal.

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Posted by: mpd61

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMB1977 Foxy...is this position witn DMH PD at Worc State Hospital? From what I have heard the interview process is extremely informal.

Just stress how you like to help people, "clients" have rights and their dignity should be preserved when taking any corrective measures, etc.
Don't forget to express how you prefer to de-escalate stressful incidents rather than force a heavy handed approach. Did I mention you should emphasize your view of law enforcement is more customer service than anything else?

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Posted by: Foxy85

Thanks for the advise guys,

and no its at the Lowell Facility...

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Posted by: j809

Well if you interview in Brockton, make sure you ask if you still have to check the water level in the boiler room, make sure you ask to see the big key ring and the proper way to open and close doors.

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Posted by: Kilvinsky

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpd61 Just stress how you like to help people, "clients" have rights and their dignity should be preserved when taking any corrective measures, etc.

Probably best if you don't use the terms: Whack jobs, nutballs, loons, lunatics, crazies or nutbags.

Also, if you say that you can relate to them, that might not work out too well.

Plus, try not to twitch too much or stare into space between questions. If you MUST confir with someone, make sure the people doing the interview can see them.


Lastly, please forgive my complete lack of sensitivity (and spelling errors). In all sincerety, be sincere and truthful and I honestly wish you the best of luck. It's not an easy job and some folks don't hold it in the high regard it deserves, but it's a job that needs being done and a job that not everyone could do. If you get it, I bet you learn a lot about people and get some very 'interesting' experience. Knock 'em dead Foxy.

Oh, one last thing, if you ask, "Say something bad happened to one of the inmates, would anyone REALLY care?" It'll scare the crap out of them and they will offer you a place at the hospital, but not on the staff!

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Posted by: Foxy85

As far as I'm concerned it has the word "Police Officer" as the title, and I don't plan on going career there....I know I will gain experience, however little it may be to some people, but its experience nonetheless. When I apply to another job, it will look good on the resume.....I'm not looking to do 6 months and quite, but as I said I'm not looking to go career either....A good stepping stone in my opinion....It is JUST an interview, worst comes to worst, I don't get the job....It may be more security oriented, but as I said...resume builder, not a career....

Thanks for the adviCe....lol

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Posted by: 94c

Just be careful of any offers for undercover work.

I hear they misplace guys that way.

Probably why they're always hiring.

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Posted by: WaterPistola

I wouldn't answer "it is a stepping stone" or "it looks good on my resume" when they ask you why do you want to be a DMH Police Officer...

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Posted by: Foxy85

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaterPistola I wouldn't answer "it is a stepping stone" or "it looks good on my resume" when they ask you why do you want to be a DMH Police Officer...

Thankyou, Captain Obvious.

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Posted by: WaterPistola

yes i am a capt now, thanks for noticing

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Posted by: rg1283

Not much goes on at lowell, from what I can tell. Not to say nothing ever happens there. Use the term "least restrictive methods" also.

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Posted by: Q5-TPR

Seriously, give a lot of thought to the question of "why do you want to be a DMH Police Officer". It is one that will be surely asked.

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Posted by: Foxy85

I've been to a few of these interviews, not with the D.M.H. but they are all generic, and the same.....

What does being a ____________ mean to you?

What do you think the duties and job requirements of being a ___________ are?

Are you willing to travel?_______________

Why do you want to be a __________________?

How do you feel about sick time?___________________

Yaddah Yaddah Yaddah.....

The questions are always generic, and vague with state jobs..... I'm not saying I'm going to blow it off, but for whatever reason, the questions always tend to be the same....I can say this for about 3 State jobs that I've been to interviews on....I remember that D.Y.S. had a a couple scenario questions thrown in the mix....

"Seriously, give a lot of thought to the question of "why do you want to be a DMH Police Officer". It is one that will be surely asked."

I'm sure they will ask that or some variation of it....

Can anyone tell me why the turn-over rate is so high with the DMH,DMR,DPH jobs? Seems like they are constantly hiring throughout each year....

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Posted by: j809

Quote:

Originally Posted by Q5-TPR Seriously, give a lot of thought to the question of "why do you want to be a DMH Police Officer". It is one that will be surely asked.

Answer is "Because sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don't"

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Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxy85 Can anyone tell me why the turn-over rate is so high with the DMH,DMR,DPH jobs? Seems like they are constantly hiring throughout each year....

High turnover is usually an indication there is something about the job that is less than desireable.

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Posted by: rg1283

If your a male (or female) who happens to be a police officer in a psych facility, guess who gets called when the patients flip out? If your a male who works in a psych facility you get to wrestle with people atleast once a week, all though these "are coordinated take downs". However, I would not want to do the stuff the mental health workers and male nurses do with out the proper equipment (tazer, handcuffs, mace, bat, corrections like equipment). PM me for more info about lowell, I am not a DMH police officer nor do I work there, but I do visit the place frequently for work related duties. I know all about the mental health system and how it works (and doesn't work).

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