Assistant Commissioner, Horizon

City of New York•New York, NY

8h•$155,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Commissioner of Operations for Horizon oversees and manages operations at Horizon Juvenile Center, a secure detention facility for youth whose cases are pending in Family Court or the Youth Parts in Supreme Court. The role ensures the center operates in accordance with applicable federal, state, and city regulations, agency policies and procedures, and court orders, while maintaining community safety and the safety, security, and wellness of staff and youth in care. The position oversees facility security, youth and visitor movement, contraband searches and handling, physical space and security equipment, incident response and reporting, and emergency planning and drills. It coordinates with ACS Police and other agency divisions, partners, and oversight bodies, and works with secure detention leadership to align practices across facilities. The Assistant Commissioner also develops a culture of continuous improvement and accountability and conducts risk maintenance assessments, reporting findings and recommendations to the Deputy and Associate Commissioner. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work is required.

Requirements

A master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and four years of full-time, paid professional experience in a child care institution or in group work with children in a child care setting, including two years in an administrative capacity; or
A master's degree from an accredited college in sociology, psychology, education, public administration, or a closely related field, and five years of full-time, paid professional experience in a child care institution or in group work with children in a child care setting, including two years in an administrative capacity; or
Education and/or experience equivalent to the stated alternatives; all candidates must have two years of administrative experience in a child care setting.
Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

Ensure the secure juvenile detention center operates in accordance with applicable federal, state, and city regulations, agency policies and procedures, and court orders and decrees while maintaining community safety.
Ensure the safety, security, and wellness of building personnel and the health, welfare, and safety of youth in care.
Organize regular contraband searches and manage the recovery and storage of contraband, coordinating with ACS Police and the NYC Department of Investigation as necessary.
Ensure safe and efficient movement of youth, staff, vendors, and visitors through the facility.
Monitor and manage physical space, including egress and ingress, security equipment, and the Genetec camera system, coordinating with the Division of Administration and other units to maintain proper working order.
Ensure consistent adherence to policies and procedures, including standardized incident review and reporting protocols.
Coordinate with ACS Police on security matters.
Develop and implement contingency and response plans for emergencies and security breaches, including conducting drills.
Oversee incident response, including creating and staffing a dedicated Rapid Response Team.
Maintain productive relationships with community groups, union locals, public and private agencies, service delivery partners, and oversight agencies.
Coordinate with secure detention leadership to align practices across facilities.
Develop a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Conduct risk maintenance assessments and provide regular reports and recommendations to the Deputy and Associate Commissioner.
Undertake other duties as assigned by the Deputy or Associate Commissioner.