Public Safety Program Specialist

Duties Description

Under the general direction of a Supervisor of Public Safety Programs, SG-27, or other higher level management staff, the Public Safety Program Specialist 3, SG-25, serves as program manager within the Law Enforcement Strategic Assistance Unit (LESAU). The LESAU provides hands‑on strategic guidance to New York State law enforcement agencies focusing on evidence‑based crime reduction strategies and community trust building.

This position will be responsible for the overall leadership of the Planning and Administrative Section supporting LESAU law enforcement training and strategic guidance operations, including developing and monitoring operating budgets, contract management, project management, improving operational efficiency, and compliance monitoring.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Manage the day‑to‑day operations and directly supervise staff of the Planning and Administrative Section of the LESAU.
• Development and monitoring of the LESAU budget, which currently exceeds $3M, including high‑priority training, technical assistance and federally funded projects.
• Provide oversight of the LESAU Vendor Contract working group, managing vendor‑related processes across all three LESAU sections, including the development of training‑related contracts, requests for proposals, and solicitation and administration of quote requests.
• Administration and planning of projects to optimize the efficiency of the entire unit’s operations, including project management, LEAN projects, and other long‑term planning projects.
• Review audit compliance findings of grant‑funded programs and develop corrective action plans as needed.
• Oversight of unit travel, including annual forecasting, approvals, and coordination of out‑of‑state travel.
• Oversight for unit hiring, onboarding, staff development, and compliance with annual training and performance evaluations.
• Manage responses to FOIL requests that pertain to unit initiatives.
• Identify program challenges and propose solutions.
• Brief executive staff regarding grant activities.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, and practices.
• Serve as a liaison between DCJS and local governments regarding GIVE and STRIVE.
• Promote all Governor’s criminal justice initiatives, along with the services of DCJS, to local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
• Perform the full range of supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Eight (8) years of qualifying experience as a law enforcement officer, law enforcement trainer, or public safety program administrator in a local, state, or federal agency.
• Experience with operational budgeting, contracting, auditing, and compliance monitoring is preferred.
• An associate’s degree or 60 credit hours may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience. Time served for basic/recruit training does not count toward the qualifying law enforcement experience.

Promotional

• One (1) year of service as Public Safety Program Specialist 2, SG-23.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. DCJS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Please be advised that the Division of Criminal Justice Services does not currently offer sponsorship for employment visas.

Up to 10% required travel is possible.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Unit, and Accessibility  or (518) 485‑1704.