Assistant Commissioner, Horizon

City of New York•New York City, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides services for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process, with goals that include preventing youth from entering the system, providing therapeutic services to youth in custodial care, and helping youth leave the justice system. DYFJ operates secure detention facilities, including Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx, where youth receive comprehensive services. The Assistant Commissioner of Operations for Horizon oversees the secure juvenile detention center’s operations and ensures compliance with applicable regulations, agency policies, procedures, and court orders. The role is responsible for the safety, security, and wellness of facility personnel and youth in care; facility movement and physical security; emergency planning and response; incident review and reporting; and coordination with ACS Police, agency units, and external stakeholders. The position also promotes alignment across detention facilities and a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays are 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.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage detention operations, ensuring compliance with relevant 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, ingress and egress, security equipment, and the Genetec camera system, coordinating with the Division of Administration and other units to maintain proper operation.
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 emergency response plans, 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.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy or Associate Commissioner.