LIEUTENANT

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE APPROPRIATE SUPERVISING SPECIAL OFFICER CIVIL SERVICE TITLE.

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, ongoing evaluation using data to measure effectiveness, and progress toward overall security goals.

• Exercise full command over DHS Police operations at an assigned facility, ensuring safety, security, and compliance with all DHS policies and procedures.
• Direct and supervise all assigned personnel, including Sergeants and Special Officers, ensuring accountability, discipline, and performance standards.
• Lead all incident response activities, including emergencies, conflicts, and enforcement actions, serving as the on‑site incident commander.
• Develop and implement site‑specific security strategies to address risks, behavioral challenges, and operational concerns unique to the facility.
• Ensure proper staffing, post coverage, and deployment of personnel, making real‑time adjustments to address callouts and operational needs.
• Review, approve, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of all incident reports, logbooks, and official documentation.
• Conduct regular inspections of posts, officer performance, and facility conditions to ensure compliance and operational readiness.
• Coordinate closely with shelter providers, program administrators, and external partners to address safety concerns and maintain order.
• Monitor trends in incidents and staff performance, implementing corrective actions and escalating issues to command staff as necessary.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development to subordinate staff, fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism.

Supervising 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 weather; walking or standing for extended periods within an assigned area; operating or remaining seated in a patrol vehicle while maintaining a high level of alertness; and pursuing fleeing suspects, climbing stairs, and assisting in carrying injured individuals. Responsibilities also include physically restraining individuals using appropriate techniques, such as applying handcuffs, and maintaining control to prevent escape.

Officers may engage 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.

A four‑year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state’s department of education or a…