Special Officer

Special Officer

ONLY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE TITLE AND THOSE THAT ARE REACHABLE ON THE SPECIAL OFFICER CIVIL SERVICE LIST ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. Division/Program Summary: The Division of Administration-Bureau of Operations/Health Police Unit oversees, directs, and protects DOHMH employees, clients, visitors, and properties throughout NYC areas on a 24/7 basis. In meeting the growing needs and demands of the agency, this Unit requires adequate resources and staff to perform these services in an effective and efficient manner. Such services include the extension of hours of operations beyond the normal hours of operations at Public Health Laboratories and District Health Centers Neighborhood Health clinics. Position Summary: Special Officers under supervision, perform work relating to physical security, safety, loss prevention, and maintenance of order.

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Respond to emergency incidents. Maintain heightened security level at key locations and secure other Health Department facilities throughout the five boroughs. Patrol of unstaffed locations. Complete complaint and incident reports. Conduct interior and exterior patrols of DOHMH facilities. Some physical activities performed are working outdoors in all kinds of weather, walking or standing in assigned area during a tour; assist in carrying an injured adult; gripping persons to prevent escape. Carrying or wearing heavy equipment and wearing a bullet resistant vest. May be required to work various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; work rotating tours, change tours or work overtime when ordered, as permitted by the collective bargaining agreement.

Why you should work for us: Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund. A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. A tax-deferred savings program and a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers. Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home. Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work. Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise. Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers! Commitment to Equity: 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. The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Skills

Possess a valid NYS driver license. Ability to resolve conflicts and multitask. Ability to attend, complete, and maintain State and agency training requirements. Excellent communication, oral, and written skills.

55a Program

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

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.