The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is one of the largest organizations of its kind committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City. Collaborating with other public agencies and not-for-profit partners, the Department of Homeless Services works to prevent homelessness before it occurs, reduce street homelessness, and assist New Yorkers to transition from shelter into appropriate permanent housing.

The New York City Department of Homeless Services Police is charged with protecting designated city managed shelters. Special Officers play a vital role in protecting the city’s most vulnerable, while being part of a tradition that started more than 25 years ago. Special Officers perform difficult and responsible tasks directly related to physical security, safety, loss prevention and maintenance of order.

They patrol designated areas of public buildings, other facilities, and surrounding areas to maintain order, preserve the peace, and safeguard life and property against fire, vandalism, theft, etc.

DHS is recruiting for eight (8) Special Officers to function as Peace Officers who will:

- Provide information to visitors and clients, maintain visitor’s logbook, and direct them to the proper individuals and offices.

- Discourage and eject loiterers and disorderly persons and when appropriate, arrest and issue summonses to law violators on premises.

- Transport, escort and/or arrange for transport of persons in custody to police precincts and have arrests recorded on police blotter.

- Prepare and transmit all necessary documents relating to arrests and testify in court on arrests.

- Report security instances and unusual occurrences by telephone or radio and make subsequent written reports.

- Aid the sick, injured, mentally and physically disabled, and call for ambulances and/or medical attention when necessary, and complete and forward forms.

- Operate motor vehicle and control vehicular traffic on grounds and/or premises.

- Distribute and maintain accountability for designated equipment or property.

- Monitor and control access by the means of electronic security measures, such as closed-circuit television.

- Attend, complete, and maintain training requirements as per State and Agency mandates.

- You may be required to work rotating tours or shifts, including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

- Some of the physical activities performed by Special Officers and environmental conditions experienced are: working outdoors in all kinds of weather; walking and/or standing in an assigned area during a tour; driving or sitting in a patrol car during a tour while remaining alert; running after a fleeing suspect; climbing stairs; may assist in carrying an injured adult; gripping persons to prevent escape; restraining a suspect by use of handcuffs; may be required to detect odors such as those caused by smoke or gas leaks; engaging in hand to hand struggles to subdue a suspect resisting arrest; being physically active for prolonged periods of time; understanding verbal communication over a radio with background noise; reading and writing under low light conditions; carrying or wearing heavy equipment and wearing a bullet-resistant vest.

Citizenship Requirement: Pursuant to New York State Public Officers Law, United States citizenship is required at the time of appointment.

Additional Requirements for Certain Positions: A motor vehicle license valid in the State of New York is required for appointment to positions in certain agencies. If required, this license must be maintained for the duration of the employment.


Work Location: various

Hours/Schedule: Varies

SPECIAL OFFICER - 70810

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state's department of education or a recognized accrediting organization; and
2. Individuals serving in this title are designated as Peace Officers by the New York State Criminal Procedure Law. Therefore, all candidates must be qualified to serve as Peace Officers. Incumbents must satisfy the training requirements established by the State of New York for Peace Officers and obtain certification. Once obtained, this certification must be maintained for the duration of employment.

The Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services/ Department of Homeless Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits: Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System) 401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program Training and Professional Development Opportunity for Scholarship College Savings Program Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.