Sergeant

City of New York • New York City, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is hiring 29 Supervising Special Officer I's to serve as Sergeants within 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, coordinating with shelter operations staff and local law enforcement agencies. The work uses a trauma-informed approach and is evaluated through data-driven performance measures.

Sergeants supervise and direct subordinate staff, assign posts, inspect personnel and equipment, maintain logbooks, prepare schedules, evaluate performance, and provide instruction and guidance. They oversee records and reports, help staff manage serious incidents, patrol facilities and grounds, support special projects and training, liaise with operations staff and law enforcement, and promote health and safety standards.

The role requires working a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. It involves substantial physical activity and exposure to varied conditions, including outdoor work in all weather. Duties may include extended walking or standing, operating or sitting alert in a patrol vehicle, pursuing suspects, climbing stairs, assisting injured people, restraining individuals, physical confrontations, detecting odors such as smoke or gas, communicating by radio in noisy environments, reading and writing in low light, and carrying or wearing heavy equipment such as a bullet-resistant vest. The description is a general overview and does not include every duty or responsibility.

Requirements

• A four-year high school diploma or its 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 and obtain and maintain certification for the duration of employment.
• For Assignment Level II: one year of experience as a Supervising Special Officer—Assignment Level I; or, in addition to the Assignment Level I minimum qualifications, one year of supervisory experience in law enforcement, protection, or security.
• For Assignment Level III: two years of experience as a Supervising Special Officer; or, in addition to the Assignment Level I minimum qualifications, two additional years of full-time experience in law enforcement, protection, or security, including at least one year in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Applicants must be permanent in the Special Officer civil service title. Candidates hired provisionally must take and pass the civil service exam when it becomes available to be eligible for continued employment.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts, including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
• Must be able to meet the physical and environmental demands described for the position.

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 established safety and security procedures.
• Prepare work schedules, evaluate subordinate performance, and provide guidance, mentorship, and corrective instruction as needed.
• 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 across assigned locations.
• Perform duties that may include outdoor work in all weather, extended walking or standing, operating or remaining alert in a patrol vehicle, pursuing suspects, climbing stairs, assisting injured individuals, physically restraining individuals, and carrying or wearing heavy equipment.

What This Job Offers

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