Special Officer

Special Officer

The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community. The ACS Police and Security Unit has a headcount of 212 uniformed Special Officers who are responsible for overseeing and coordinating safety and security for all ACS locations and properties, ACS staff, children and youth in care, and visiting public/clients and families. The Unit enforces Agency policies and procedures, and the New York City (NYC) Penal Law. The ACS Police and Security Unit provides information, guidance and training on safety and security (i.e., Security Guard assistance, emergency response, medical distress/health crisis, bomb threats, thefts, crime prevention and threats to oneself or others) to all ACS staff.

We are seeking outstanding candidates to serve as a Special Officers for the ACS Police Unit within the ACS Division of Administration. The selected candidates will become an integral member of the Bureau's team for one of the country's premier children's services agencies dedicated to strengthening NYC's families and their 1.8 million children. Under general supervision, Special Officers perform work of ordinary difficulty and responsibility relating to physical security, safety, loss prevention and maintenance of order.

Some of the physical activities performed by Special Officers and environmental conditions experienced are:

• Work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Walk and/or stand in an assigned area during a tour.
• Drive or sit in a patrol car during a tour while remaining alert.
• Run after a fleeing suspect; climb upstairs; carry an injured adult with assistance; grip persons to prevent escape.
• Restrain a suspect by use of handcuffs.
• Detect odors such as those caused by smoke or gas leaks.
• Engage in hand-to-hand struggles to subdue a suspect resisting arrest.
• Be physically active for prolonged periods of time.
• Understand verbal communication over a radio with background noise.
• Read and write under low light conditions.
• Carry or wear heavy equipment.
• May be required to work rotating tours or shifts, including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.
• The position requires an individual with flexibility who will be available to work overtime.

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

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.

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

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.