The application process for the special constable role is very thorough, involving several stages which can take several months to complete. The process goes as follows:

Job posting

Special constable job openings are posted on our career site at www.torontohousing.ca/careers. To be considered for this role, all interested candidates must apply online when the job is posted. Applications must include:

• A cover letter and detailed resume that highlights the candidate's qualifications for the role
  
• A valid certification letter from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) or proof of a Fitness Pin should the applicant hold prior peace officer status within Canada in the past five years.
  

Eligibility and resume review:

After applying online to the job posting, candidates' resumes will be reviewed and assessed by our Human Resources team based on the following qualifications:

• Knowledge of law enforcement, safety and security practices and techniques;
  
• Familiarity with equipment such as elevator, lock, hydro, and fire alarm systems;
  
• Ability to learn and effectively apply building and fire safety standards, by-laws, and related legislation such as the Criminal Code of Canada, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Mental Health Act, Liquor Licence Act, Trespass to Property Act and Provincial Offences Act.
• Ability to investigate and assess security incidents and use good judgment in responding to emergency situations;
  
• A commitment to excellent tenant service;
  
• Proven ability and sensitivity in providing respectful service to a diverse population (age, race, language, gender, sexual orientation, culture and disability);
  
• Ability to develop positive working relations with staff, tenants, police and fire officials, and community agencies, including demonstrating qualities of a good team player;
  
• Ability to establish harmonious positive relations with tenants, especially youth and seniors;
  
• Strong and effective interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills and the ability to be diplomatic, tactful, patient and courteous while providing a high level of customer service;
  
• Strong situational assessment, analytical, problem solving and decision making skills and the ability to apply these skills in difficult, challenging and dangerous situations;
  
• Excellent listening, problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation skills;
  
• Ability to write (reports, letters) using clear concise language;
  
• Demonstrated experience using computer software packages such as MS Word, Excel and database applications;
  
• Ability to work varying/rotating shifts (including days, afternoons, evenings, holidays and weekends) and flexibility to be re-assigned as necessary;
  
• Ability to successfully pass the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer (MLEO) exam;
  
• Requires a valid, non-probationary, Province of Ontario class "G" or greater driver's license (proof of possession and driving record will be required at time of job offer);
  
• Possess and maintain full security and police clearance including fingerprinting and background check;
  
• Must pass mandatory re-qualification training, tests and background investigation/checks, as required; and,
  
• Ability to successfully pass the Basic Special Constable Training Program, and maintain the designation where required.

Applicants that meet the qualifications for the special constable position will be invited to attend a face-to-face panel interview. During this interview, candidates will meet various members of the Community Safety Unit and Human Resources team and will be asked various behavioral and situational questions that will be scored. A passing mark of 70% must be achieved in order to move to the next step in the recruitment process.

Personal background questionnaire (PBQ)

Candidates who proceed will be required to complete a background questionnaire which will be submitted to Toronto Police Service for review. 

During this step, candidates must also provide:

• Two supervisory-level references from current or most recent employers
  
• Contact information for three character references and three close friends that can provide insight into the candidate's morals, values, judgment, professionalism, interpersonal skills etc.
  

Candidates with unsatisfactory references and background checks will be disqualified from continuing in the recruitment process.  

Upon completion of their review, Toronto Police Service will notify TCHC of their decision and only CLEARED candidates will move forward in the process.  

Offers

All offers made to candidates are conditional upon obtaining a satisfactory background check and meeting all the training requirements. Successful candidates will go through approximately 80 days of training. Visit our Training page for more details.