SERGEANT

City of New York • New York, NY

3d • $55,632 - $62,864 • Onsite

About The Position

The New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is hiring Supervising Special Officers 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. The work uses a trauma-informed approach and is evaluated through data-driven performance measures.

Sergeants supervise subordinate personnel and oversee security operations at assigned locations. They assign posts, inspect patrol staff, security posts, and equipment, maintain location logbooks, advise agency management on security matters, and promote health and safety standards. They also prepare schedules, evaluate and mentor staff, ensure compliance with procedures, oversee records and reports, and assist with serious or unusual incidents. The role includes facility and grounds patrols, special projects, training initiatives, and liaison with operations staff and law enforcement agencies.

The position requires a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. It involves significant physical activity and exposure to varied environmental conditions, including outdoor work in all types of 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, and carrying or wearing heavy equipment such as a bullet-resistant vest. Officers may also need to detect odors such as smoke or gas leaks, communicate by radio in noisy environments, and read and write in low-light conditions.

Requirements

• Applicants must be permanent in the Special Officer civil service title. Provisional hires must take and pass the civil service exam when it becomes available to be eligible for continued employment.
• A four-year high school diploma or 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.
• Candidates must be qualified to serve as Peace Officers under New York State law, satisfy state Peace Officer training requirements, obtain certification, and maintain certification throughout 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 law enforcement, protection, or security experience in a supervisory capacity.
• 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 law enforcement, protection, or security experience, including at least one year in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including extended walking or standing, pursuing suspects, climbing stairs, assisting injured individuals, restraining individuals, and carrying or wearing heavy equipment.
• Ability to understand verbal communication over radios in noisy environments and read and write in low-light conditions.
• Availability to work a variety of shifts, including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

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 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.
• Respond to security incidents and safety concerns in shelter environments, including physically restraining individuals when required.

What This Job Offers

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