Role of the Security Guard in Serving Homeless Shelter Clients

40-Hour Homeless Shelter Security Guard Course Overview

Develop the shelter-specific communication, de-escalation, crisis-awareness, trauma-informed, ethical, reporting, emergency, and coordination skills needed to serve clients safely and respectfully in covered New York City homeless shelters.

What You Will Learn

NYC Local Law 124 Training Requirement

The enacted law requires covered guards at DHS-contracted shelter operators to receive 40 additional training hours within 120 days of hire and an eight-hour refresher annually. Coverage, instructor/provider rules, required content, compensation, records, and reporting should be confirmed for the employer and worksite.

Course Completion Is One Part of Compliance

The certificate does not replace New York security guard registration or state-mandated training and does not alone prove full employer compliance. Confirm IDI’s current eligibility, curriculum, delivery, documentation, and recognition with the shelter operator before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Role of the Security Guard in Serving Homeless Shelter Clients course?

It is 40-hour training focused on safe, respectful, trauma-informed, and professional security services in covered New York City homeless shelters.

What does NYC Local Law 124 require?

NYC Local Law 124 of 2021 requires covered guards employed by or under contract with DHS-contracted shelter operators to receive 40 additional training hours within 120 days of hire, subject to the law’s definitions and requirements.

Is an annual refresher required?

The law requires covered guards to complete an eight-hour refresher annually, including shelter-specific content. Employers should verify current content, timing, and documentation requirements.

Who is this course intended for?

The page identifies guards employed or contracted at DHS shelters. Confirm that your employer, worksite, role, and training provider meet the current law and contract requirements.

What is the course code?

The course code shown on the page is RSGSHSC.

How long is the course?

The initial program contains 40 training hours. The page displays one-week, two-week, evening, and weekend formats.

What topics are covered?

Topics include Local Law 124, shelter guard duties, sexual-harassment prevention, ethics, communication, de-escalation, incident documentation, homelessness, mental-health crises, trauma-informed practice, emergencies, boundaries, and coordination.

Does the course address mental-health emergencies?

Yes. The law and page include techniques for interactions with people experiencing homelessness and people experiencing a mental-health emergency or crisis.

Does this replace New York State security guard training?

No. The 40-hour shelter training is additional to applicable New York State security guard training and registration requirements.

Does completion guarantee eligibility to work at a shelter?

No. Completion does not guarantee registration, employment, assignment, employer acceptance, background clearance, or satisfaction of every DHS contract or site requirement.

Who is responsible for workplace compliance and reporting?

Local Law 124 places compliance, reporting, and certification duties on covered shelter operators. Students should coordinate training records with their employer.

How much does the course cost?

The payment accordion currently displays a total cost of $799. Confirm tuition, included materials, employer payment arrangements, compensation questions, and refund terms directly with IDI and your employer.

What schedules are displayed?

The page displays morning, afternoon, evening, Saturday, and Sunday formats. Confirm actual dates and availability with IDI.

Does the certificate itself prove full Local Law 124 compliance?

Not necessarily. Compliance depends on the covered role, approved curriculum and provider, completion timing, employer records, refresher training, reporting, and other current requirements.

How can I verify current requirements?

Review the enacted NYC law and current DHS or employer guidance, and confirm the provider, curriculum, schedule, and documentation before enrolling.

Related Shelter and Security Training

• Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters
• 8-Hour Annual In-Service Training
• Security Programs