Associate Commissioner

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $170,000.00 - $180,000.00.

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 Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides a wide range of services and programs for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process. Our goals are to (a) build stronger and safer communities and advance public safety by preventing juveniles from entering the New York City's juvenile justice system, (b) provide therapeutic treatment and services to youth in our custodial care, and (c) help juveniles access the tools they need to leave the justice system for good. We strive to help families and young people by providing supportive services that are responsive to the needs of individual youth and families. DYFJ manages two secure detention facilities for youth in New York City, providing round-the-clock care, supervision, and rehabilitation. Operating 24/7, the facility is responsible for the safety and well-being of detained minors, ensuring a secure environment while promoting positive behavioral development. Staff oversee daily activities, monitor behavior, and implement individualized treatment plans. The facility prioritizes security, education, mental health support, and restorative practices to address the needs of detained youth. Additionally, staff maintain compliance with state regulations and best practices for youth detention.

Under general direction of the Deputy Commissioner, the Associate Commissioner of the Horizon Juvenile Center will be responsible for planning the day-to-day oversight of the administration and operation of the secure juvenile detention center.

Specific duties will include but not limited to:

Oversight and management of detention operations:

• Ensure optimal operation of the secure juvenile detention center is in accordance with all relevant federal, state, and city regulations as well as in compliance with all agency policies, procedures and court orders and decrees

• Ensure community safety is maintained at all times

• Ensure that youth services are coordinated within interdisciplinary teams and family engagement is promoted

• Oversee all aspects of juvenile detention center management including safety and security, programming, plant operation, office management, budget, housekeeping, case management and food service

• Coordinate with the Associate Commissioner of Crossroads and leads for Admissions, Court Services, and MCCU (Movement Control and Communications Unit) to ensure optimal operations

and alignment across Detention and facilitate short- and long-term planning

• Facilitate resolution of high priority issues with other ACS divisions such as IT and Administration to ensure building needs are met

• Ensure the safety, security and wellness of personnel and the health, welfare and safety of the youth in care

• Maintain cooperative productive relationships with community groups, union locals, public and private agencies and oversight agencies

Implementation of program performance improvement initiatives:

• Continue implementation of staff hall-based interdisciplinary teams within the secure juvenile detention center

• Institute standardized supervisory practices that support staff development

• Implement a strong incentive driven youth behavior management system

• Utilize comprehensive statistical analysis to focus on areas requiring improvement

• Reduce the use of physical restraints

• Reduce the rate of assaults and altercations among youth and against staff

• Reduce the rate of gross security breaches

• Develop and implement strategies to reduce the introduction of contraband into the detention facilities

Responsible for overall program efficiency and effectiveness:

• Assesses and revamp organizational structure when required

• Develop quality assurance tools and procedures

• Coordinate with DYFJ Compliance unit to review and respond to federal, state and local oversight requirements and requests

• Support planning of staff training and development in partnership with Executive Director of Organizational Development and ACS's James Satterwhite Academy

• Oversee and strengthen the unit responsible for the comprehensive incident review process to enhance staff training and teaching opportunities

• Review and prepare administrative reports and analysis of the implementation and evaluation of programs and services for the population

Special Note:

• This position will be expected to be on-site at Horizon 80-100% of their working hours. Some work on evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.

TO APPLY

Please go to www.cityjobs.nyc.gov or www.nyc.gov/ess for current NYC employees and search for Job ID #702774.

No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted.

Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

ASSOCIATE COMMISSIONER FOR DET - 95058