Sergeant

City of New York • New York City, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is seeking twenty-nine Supervising Special Officers I to serve as Sergeants in the DHS Police Department (DHSPD). DHSPD maintains an on-site presence at DHS-operated and contracted shelter facilities to help ensure the safety and security of clients, staff, and visitors. Officers enforce applicable laws, DHS policies, and shelter rules, and coordinate with shelter operations staff and local law enforcement. The work uses a trauma-informed approach and data-driven performance measures.

Sergeants supervise and direct subordinate staff, maintain discipline and professionalism, and oversee security operations at assigned locations. They assign posts, inspect staff, posts, and equipment, maintain logbooks, prepare schedules, assess performance, and provide instruction and corrective guidance. They oversee records and reports, support staff responding to serious or unusual incidents, patrol facilities and grounds, contribute to special projects and training, liaise with operations staff and law enforcement, and promote health and safety standards.

The position requires working a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. It involves significant physical activity and exposure to varied environmental conditions. Duties may include outdoor work in all weather, extended walking or standing, operating or sitting alertly in a patrol vehicle, pursuing suspects, climbing stairs, assisting injured individuals, physically restraining individuals, and carrying or wearing heavy equipment, including a bullet-resistant vest. Officers may also need to detect odors such as smoke or gas, communicate by radio in noisy environments, and read and write in low-light conditions. The description provides a general overview and does not include every duty or responsibility.

Requirements

• High school diploma or educational equivalent approved by a state's department of education or a recognized accrediting organization.
• One year of full-time satisfactory experience in law enforcement, protection, or security.
• Must be qualified to serve as a Peace Officer under New York State Criminal Procedure Law.
• Must satisfy New York State Peace Officer training requirements, obtain certification, and maintain certification throughout employment.
• For Assignment Level II: one year as a Supervising Special Officer-Assignment Level I; or, in addition to the Assignment Level I minimum qualifications, one year of law enforcement, protection, or security experience in a supervisory capacity.
• For Assignment Level III: two years as a Supervising Special Officer; or, in addition to the Assignment Level I minimum qualifications, two additional years of full-time law enforcement, protection, or security experience, including at least one year in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Able to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to perform the described physical duties, including extended walking or standing, pursuing suspects, climbing stairs, assisting injured individuals, restraining individuals, and carrying or wearing heavy equipment.
• Able to understand verbal radio communication in noisy environments and read and write in low-light conditions.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coordinate, and direct subordinate staff while maintaining discipline, efficiency, and professionalism.
• Assign posts; inspect patrol staff, security posts, and equipment; maintain location logbooks; conduct regular post inspections; and advise agency management on security matters.
• Instruct and confer with Special Officers about their duties and responsibilities and ensure compliance with safety and security procedures.
• Prepare work schedules, evaluate subordinate performance, and provide guidance, mentorship, and corrective instruction.
• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of records and reports, and assist subordinate staff in managing serious or unusual incidents.
• Conduct facility and grounds patrols, support department-wide special projects, and contribute to training initiatives.
• Maintain effective liaison with operations staff and appropriate law enforcement agencies.
• Promote, maintain, and enhance health and safety standards at assigned locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED