Social Services Director

The Director of Social Services (DSS) provides executive leadership and full accountability for all social services, case management, housing services, resident engagement, and program compliance within a 24-hour New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter. The DSS also oversees the delivery of trauma informed, culturally responsive, resident centered services while ensuring full compliance with NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), and Cherokee Federal policies and procedures. The DSS serves as the senior leader for the Social Services Department and is responsible for supervising Community Associate Supervisors (Case Management Supervisors), Housing Specialists, Recreational Specialists, Case Managers, and other assigned staff. The Director develops high performing teams, establishes systems of accountability, monitors program performance, ensures documentation quality, and drives measurable resident outcomes through housing placement, independent living planning, and successful exits from shelter.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Director of Social Services : $85k

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security

• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage

• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Paid holidays

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options

• Professional development, training, and certification support

• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Director of Social Services Responsibilities Include:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, Public Administration, Sociology, or related field required.

• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in homeless services, emergency shelter, supportive housing, residential services, or human services.

• Minimum three (3) years of supervisory or management experience overseeing social service professionals.

• Demonstrated experience working within the NYC Department of Homeless Services shelter system.

• Demonstrated experience with HRA housing subsidy programs and supportive housing.

• Lead all shelter social service operations, setting direction and building a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and resident-centered care.
• Directly supervise Community Associate Supervisors, Housing Specialists, Recreational Specialists, Case Managers, and, where applicable, interns and volunteers. Manage recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, evaluations, development, corrective action, and separation recommendations with Human Resources and the Site Director.
• Oversee case management from intake through aftercare, including psychosocial assessments, Independent Living Plans (ILPs), progress notes, referrals, case conferences, housing planning, and discharge planning. Manage caseloads to ensure timely services that meet DHS and contract requirements.
• Engage residents in service planning and housing readiness. Monitor client engagement, length of stay, recidivism, resident exits, and staff productivity.
• Track departmental performance across ILP and assessment timeliness, progress notes, housing placements and package quality, CARES and HOME compliance, HRA subsidy outcomes and referrals, CAPS/CAPCAP documentation, and audit findings. Implement corrective action when results fall below DHS or Cherokee expectations.
• Lead permanent housing strategies, supervise housing productivity, ensure timely and accurate housing packages, and monitor CityFHEPS, supportive housing, NYCHA, HPD, SOTA (where applicable), and other subsidy applications.
• Maintain partnerships with shelter teams; DHS, HRA, ACS, DOE, OMH, and OASAS; housing providers; hospitals; behavioral health and immigration legal services; workforce programs; community and faith-based organizations; brokers; and landlords.
• Maintain DHS, HRA, OTDA, and agency documentation standards through chart audits and reviews of ILPs, assessments, progress notes, referrals, housing packages, CARES entries, and case records. Use findings to improve quality, housing outcomes, subsidy approvals, audit readiness, and resident engagement.
• Manage social service incidents under DHS guidelines, coordinate Serious Incident Unit follow-up, and complete documentation, investigations, resident follow-up, and corrective actions on time. Participate in interdisciplinary incident reviews.
• Mentor emerging leaders and train staff in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, housing systems, documentation, and DHS policies. Lead or attend case, housing, clinical, leadership, DHS, quality assurance, and provider meetings; serve in the leadership on-call rotation; and perform other assigned duties.

Director of Social Services Basic Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of NYC DHS shelter operations.

• Strong knowledge of HRA housing subsidy programs, supportive housing, and permanent housing placement strategies.

• Working knowledge of OTDA regulations.

• Strong understanding of Independent Living Plans, psychosocial assessments, housing planning, and case management best practices.

• Advanced working knowledge of CARES, HOME, CAPS/CAPCAP, and related shelter management systems.

• Strong understanding of trauma informed care, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based case management.

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, accountability, and performance management skills.

• Ability to analyze performance data, identify trends, implement corrective action plans, and achieve measurable outcomes.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Ability to prioritize multiple competing responsibilities within a fast paced 24-hour shelter environment.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and shelter management systems.

• CPR/First Aid certification, Mandated Reporter training, Naloxone certification, and other required certifications must be obtained within program-established timelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or related Human Services field strongly preferred.

• Experience with quality assurance, chart auditing, regulatory compliance, and performance improvement initiatives preferred.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Management & Consulting, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-AS1

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer:  Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.

In compliance with the New York Pay Transparency Law, the estimated annual salary range for this position is available upon request. Final compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Compliance Notices

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.

This position is pending a contract award. If you are interested in a future with Cherokee Federal, please APPLY TODAY! Although this is not yet an approved position, we are accepting applications for this future and anticipated need. The applicable salary range will be posted promptly upon award of the contract and once funding for the position has been determined. No offer will be extended prior to posting the applicable salary range.