PEACE OFFICER

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 39,206 - 40,480; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York Department of Homeless Services is seeking to hire thirty Special Officers as Peace Officers within the Shelter Security Management Unit. Officers will patrol facilities, screen clients, monitor access, operate security equipment, and document incidents as part of a trauma-informed safety program.

The role requires NYS Peace Officer certification, a high school diploma, and flexibility for night/weekend shifts; residency rules apply in NYC.

Qualifications

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state education authority.
• Individuals designated as Peace Officers under NYS CPL; must satisfy State training requirements and maintain certification.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned buildings, facilities, and surrounding areas to maintain order and public safety.
• Screen clients and visitors; provide routine information and directions.
• Monitor access to facilities using CCTV and access control systems.
• Operate security equipment such as x-ray machines, magnetometers, and handheld wands.
• Prepare reports and maintain logs of daily activities.
• Enforce laws and facility rules; issue summonses and make arrests when appropriate.
• Escort and transport individuals in custody and testify in court if required.
• Respond to emergencies; provide first aid and naloxone when necessary.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

The New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is the largest organization in the United States dedicated to preventing and addressing homelessness. In partnership with other City agencies and nonprofit organizations, DHS works to prevent homelessness before it begins, reduce street homelessness, provide temporary shelter, and connect individuals and families to stable housing all with a focus on accountability, empathy, and equity.

DHS is committed to continuous improvement and employs innovative strategies to deliver high-quality services that support a swift transition from shelter to self-sufficiency. The agency manages hundreds of facilities and operates with a large team as well as a several billion-dollar budget to meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

The Shelter Security Management team is responsible for establishing and maintaining safety across DHS facilities. Building on existing strategies, the team works to strengthen security while improving connections between New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and essential services, shelter, and housing. This effort is guided by a trauma‑informed approach to site management and security, alongside ongoing evaluation using data to measure effectiveness and progress toward overall security goals.

Position Summary

The Department Of Homeless Services Is Seeking To Hire Thirty (30) Special Officers To Function As Peace Officers Within The Shelter Security Management Unit.

• Patrol assigned buildings, facilities, and surrounding areas to maintain order and ensure public safety.
• Screen clients and visitors; provide routine information and directions.
• Monitor and control access to facilities using electronic security systems, including CCTV and access control technology.
• Operate and monitor security and safety equipment, including x‑ray machines, magnetometers, and handheld wands.
• Observe, investigate, and report security incidents, hazards, and unusual occurrences.
• Prepare written reports, maintain logbooks, and record daily activities in memo books.
• Enforce laws and facility rules; issue summonses and make arrests when appropriate.
• Escort and transport persons in custody; prepare arrest documentation and testify in court as required.
• Respond to emergencies; provide first aid and administer naloxone when necessary.
• Identify and report safety and fire hazards and coordinate with Fire Safety Directors.
• Safeguard and maintain accountability for assigned equipment and property.
• Operate a motor vehicle in the performance of duties, when required.
• Attend and successfully complete all required training in accordance with State and Agency mandate.

Special Officers are required to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), and holidays.

This role involves significant physical activity and exposure to a range of environmental conditions. Duties may include working outdoors in all types of weather; walking or standing for extended periods within an assigned area; and operating or remaining seated in a patrol vehicle while maintaining a high level of alertness.

Officers may be required to pursue fleeing suspects, climb stairs, and assist in carrying injured individuals. Responsibilities also include physically restraining individuals using appropriate techniques, such as applying handcuffs, and maintaining control to prevent escape. This role may involve engaging in physical confrontations to subdue resisting individuals.

Additional demands include detecting odors such as smoke or gas leaks; remaining physically active for prolonged periods; and effectively understanding verbal communication over radios in noisy environments. Officers must also be able to read and write in low‑light conditions and carry or wear heavy equipment, including a bullet‑resistant vest.

This description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass all duties and responsibilities.

Hours/Schedule: Varies

SPECIAL OFFICER - 70810

Minimum Qualifications

• A four‑year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state's department of education or a recognized accrediting organization; and
• 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.

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.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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/.

Residency Requirement

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.

Additional Information

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.

$39,206.00 – $40,480.00