Role of the Security Guard in Serving Homeless Shelter Clients

Course Code: RSGSHSC

New York City Local Law 124 requires all security guards working in Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters to complete a rigorous 40-hour training program designed to prepare them for the demanding nature of their roles. This in-depth training is offered by IDI, a certified training provider.

The training must be completed within 120 days of a guard’s hire and includes a mandatory annual refresher course of eight hours. This refresher must cover at least two hours of strategies for engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness and those in mental health crises.

These training requirements exceed the basic standards outlined in Article 7-A of the General Business Law. The sessions are conducted by qualified instructors with a minimum of three years of experience in security or law enforcement, and they can be delivered either in-person or via live online instruction in the event of a public health emergency.

Every shelter contract is require the shelter operator to ensure that all covered guards employed by Every shelter contract shall required that the shelter operator to ensure that all covered guards employed by or under contract with the shelter operator receive training in accordance with this section, and shall require that such guards be paid at their regular hourly rate while receiving such training.

From September 1, 2023, and every September 1 thereafter, shelter operators are obligated to submit quarterly reports to the commissioner detailing the completion of the training by their security personnel. An annual certification must also be provided to confirm compliance with the training requirements.

This Course covers the Following Topics:

• New York City Local Law 124 regulations and requirements
• Responsibilities of shelter operators
• Sexual harassment prevention strategies
• Advanced communication techniques
• Procedures for observing, reporting, and documenting incidents
• Methods for engaging with individuals facing homelessness
• Crisis management for mental health emergencies