Director Of Social Services

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Free uniforms
• Paid time off

Seeking an experienced and compassionate Director of Social Services to lead the delivery of comprehensive case management and supportive services within a Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter. The Director of Social Services is responsible for overseeing all social service operations, ensuring compliance with DHS contractual requirements, supervising multidisciplinary staff, and helping residents achieve permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with extensive experience in homeless services, case management, housing placement, and program compliance within New York City's shelter system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

• Direct and supervise all social service operations within the shelter. 
• Provide leadership, coaching, and supervision to Case Managers, Housing Specialists, Employment Specialists, Recreational Coordinators, and other program staff. 
• Conduct weekly individual supervision and multidisciplinary team meetings. 
• Develop staff schedules and ensure appropriate coverage. 
• Monitor staff performance and complete annual evaluations. 
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentor social services personnel. 

Client Services

• Ensure every resident receives comprehensive assessments and individualized service plans. 
• Oversee crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and client advocacy. 
• Monitor progress toward housing stability and self-sufficiency goals. 
• Ensure residents receive referrals to:
  • Mental Health Services 
  • Substance Abuse Treatment 
  • Medical Care 
  • Employment Services 
  • Educational Programs 
  • Public Benefits 
  • Community Resources 
• Coordinate multidisciplinary case conferences. 

Housing & Case Management

• Ensure timely completion of housing applications. 
• Monitor housing placement activities. 
• Oversee permanent housing placements including:
  • CityFHEPS 
  • Section 8 
  • NYCHA 
  • Supportive Housing 
  • Affordable Housing 
  • HASA (when applicable) 
• Monitor housing placement metrics and outcomes. 

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) 
  • NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) 
  • Agency policies and procedures 
  • Confidentiality and HIPAA regulations 
• Conduct regular case record audits. 
• Review documentation for accuracy and timeliness. 
• Ensure all client files meet DHS standards. 
• Prepare for internal and external audits and monitoring visits. DHS shelters operated by nonprofit providers must comply with DHS contractual requirements and applicable OTDA shelter regulations. 

Data Management

• Monitor CARES and other DHS reporting systems. 
• Review daily census reports. 
• Ensure accurate documentation. 
• Track performance indicators including:
  • Housing placements 
  • Case note completion 
  • Service plan compliance 
  • Employment outcomes 
  • Client engagement 

Incident Management

• Respond to client emergencies. 
• Assist with serious incident investigations. 
• Ensure timely completion of incident reports. 
• Coordinate with Operations and Security departments. 
• Participate in the shelter's on-call leadership rotation. 

Community Partnerships

• Build relationships with:
  • DHS 
  • HRA 
  • Community organizations 
  • Mental health providers 
  • Employment providers 
  • Healthcare organizations 
  • Housing providers 
• Attend DHS meetings and community partner meetings. 

Minimum QualificationsEducation

• Master's Degree in:
  • Social Work (MSW preferred) 
  • Human Services 
  • Psychology 
  • Counseling 
  • Sociology 
  • Public Administration 
  • Related Human Services field 

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible social services experience. 
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role. 
• Experience in:
  • DHS shelters 
  • Homeless services 
  • Housing programs 
  • Case management 
  • Crisis intervention 
  • Program administration 

Preferred

• LMSW or LCSW (preferred but not required) 
• DHS-funded shelter experience 
• CARES experience 
• Housing placement experience 
• OTDA and DHS compliance knowledge 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills 
• Excellent crisis intervention abilities 
• Knowledge of NYC shelter system 
• Knowledge of DHS policies and procedures 
• Understanding of trauma-informed care 
• Strong conflict resolution skills 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities 
• Strong documentation and quality assurance skills 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment 
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality 

Computer SkillsExperience with:

• Microsoft Office Suite 
• CARES 
• HMIS (preferred) 
• Electronic Case Management Systems 
• Outlook 
• Excel 
• Teams 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout the shelter. 
• Ability to respond to emergencies. 
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. 
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as required. 

Salary $85,000 – $105,000 annually , based on education, licensure, and experience.