Administration for Children's Services311Search all NYC.gov websites
Becoming a Special Officer
About Us
The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care services. We are one of the country’s premier children’s services agencies dedicated to strengthening NYC’s families and their 1.8 million children.
To fullfill the agency’s mission to support NYC children and families, we operate and maintain over 25 sites within the five boroughs. We seek outstanding candidates to serve as integral members of our security team in the role of Special Officers. As a Special Officer, you may be assigned to one of these sites to ensure for the safety of our clients, staff and infrastructure.
Becoming a Special Officer with ACS sets you on a career path of civil service with opportunities for growth and leadership while serving the City's most vulnerable youth and families.
Working as a Special Officer offers:
- Starting salary is $36,995.00 and rises to approximately $43,062.00 after five years
- Yearly Uniform allowances of $1,500 to ensure officers are neat, and look professional
- Special Officers assigned to Secure Detention receive an additional: (1) $921.00 pay differential and (2) a $2,500 bonus for newly hired Special Officers who work at least 90% of their scheduled tours during the first three months of employment (eligibility subject to terms and collective bargaining agreements)
- Participation in NYC's pension system
- Overtime pays at time and a half for working over 40 hours a week
- Longevity Bonuses available after 15 years of service
Benefits
Health Insurance
Choice of 11 health plans to choose from, some with no co-pays or deductibles.
Vacation, Sick & Holiday Leave
Annual leave may be used after 4 months of City service. Special Officers accrue 10 hours of annual leave per month, equivalent to 15 days per year. Up to 12 holidays per year. Sick leave accrues at 8 hours monthly, or one day per month (12 sick days per year).
Union Benefits
Special Officers are part of Teamsters Local 237, a union of 24,000 City of NY employees who work in government agencies and several municipalities on Long Island.
Transit Benefits
Use your pre-tax earnings, up to $300 per month, to cover public transportation costs through the Commuter Benefits Program.
Flex Spending Accounts
Use your pre-tax earnings to cover to help pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical or dCity of NYependent care expenses, for services such as acupuncture, chiropractor, dental treatments, eye exams and surgery, fertility treatments, lab fees, nursing home and services, organ transplants, psychiatrist and psychologist, weight loss programs, x-rays and more. Also included are products such as reading glasses, braces, contact lens supplies, crutches, first aid supplies, hearing aid expenses, insulin and diabetic supplies, walkers, wheelchairs, and more.
Student Loan Forgiveness
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program forgives the remaining balance on a borrower's direct loans after they have made 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer in a public service job.
Grad School Support
The Mayor's Graduate Scholarship Program is an opportunity for full-time New York City government employees with undergraduate degrees to pursue advanced degrees at local colleges/universities.
Pension System
You may join the NYC Employees' Retirement System (NYCERS), which provides guaranteed income for life upon retirement and the opportunity to provide a continued retirement benefit to a beneficiary upon your death after retirement. Because your payroll contributions are tax-deferred, it may lower your current federal taxable income. Other types of benefits such as loans, disability and death benefits are also offered.
401K, 457 Plan, ROTH IRA
The NYC Deferred Compensation Plan can be used as a bridge to cover necessary expenses in that period before you decide to collect SS. Even if retiring at a normal retirement age and are eligible to collect social security, pre-tax money is tax deferred - lowering your taxable income.
| Benefit | Academy | After 1 Year | After 2 Years | After 3 Years | After 4 Years | After 5 Years | After 6 Years | After 7 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $36,955 | $38,177 | $39,938 | $40,619 | $41,840 | $43,062 | $44,283 | $53,264 |
| Uniform Allowance | $1,500.00 | |||||||
| Paid Sick Days | 12 Days | |||||||
| Paid Vacation Days | 15 Days | |||||||
| Paid Holidays | 12 Days | |||||||
| Choice of Medical | Yes | |||||||
| Prescription, Dental & Eyeglass Coverage |
Yes | |||||||
| Deferred Compensation: 401K, IRA | Yes | |||||||
Requirements
A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state’s department of education or a recognized accrediting organization.
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 and must satisfy the training made available by ACS for this position, as required by the State of New York. Once obtained, Peace Officer certification must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Being a Special Officer
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Are there any work sites outside of New York City?
As an agency of the City of New York, our work sites are within city limits.
I’ve applied, how long will it take to hear back?
If you are among our qualified candidates, we will schedule a phone interview within 60 days as the first step.
Because we receive tremendous interest in this role, we are only able to contact candidates who are under consideration.Is there a driver’s license requirement?
What is the hiring process?
Applications to become a Special Officer are accepted on a continuous basis.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be scheduled for an in-person interview.Is there an exam for this position?
Special Officer are required to take and pass the civil service exam. Please visit NYC.gov/DCAS for details on upcoming Special Officer Exams.
What if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal history does not exclude you from being considered for employment as a Special Officer unless your convictions are directly related to the job or pose an unreasonable risk or are among those specified in legislation as disqualifying for this employment such as:
(1) The Protection of People with Special Needs Act which presumptively disqualifies based on the following convictions:
- A felony conviction at any time for a sex offense;
- A felony conviction within the past ten years involving violence;
- A conviction pursuant to Penal Law (PL) section(s):
- 260.00- Abandonment of a child;
- 260.25- Endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person
- 260.32- Endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person or an incompetent or physically disabled person in the second degree;
- 260.34- Endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person or an incompetent or physically disabled person in the first degree.
- Any similar offense in any other jurisdiction outside of New York State; and
(2) The Prison Rape Elimination Act, (PREA), which presumptively disqualifies based on the following convictions:
- Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution
- Engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse.
What kind of training will I receive?
As a Special Officer, you will receive 8-12 weeks of position-specific training. This is the New York State Basic Peace Officer Training which requires passing both the written and physical exams for certification. This certification is mandatory to remain employed as a Special Officer. Training topics may include, but are not limited to, Security Screening, Observations & Patrols, Safety & Security, CPR and first aid.
Where will I work?
You will be assigned to work at one of our administrative sites, child welfare, or juvenile detention facilities across New York City. Work location assignments are based on years of service (seniority) and agency needs.
What hours does a Special Officer work?
Special Officers can expect an eight-hour shift, with the possibility of overtime.
ACS operates over 25 sites, each with specific security needs. Shift assignments are based on seniority and the needs of the agency.Do I have to work weekends and holidays?
You may be required to work weekends and holidays, depending on your work location.
Is there overtime?
The position requires flexibility to be available to work overtime to maintain security coverage at critical posts.
What is a typical day like?
This is not a sit-behind-a-desk job. Special Officers are the front line in maintaining a safe and secure environment for employees, youth, and families.
From conducting patrols, to screening visitors, and responding to potential breaches in security, no day is the same, but all are equally rewarding in helping to maintain environments to supporting children and families.Is this job dangerous?
Special Officers are on the front-line of protecting staff and the public at ACS locations. In this role, you may be challenged and be required to resolve volatile situations/incidents.
However, you are provided with training to de-escalate and minimize instances of danger, are supported by your colleagues, and provided with safety equipment.
Will there be any promotional opportunities once I become a Special Officer?
Promotional opportunities to supervisory positions and the opportunity to work in other parts of ACS are also available.