SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE DSS FIRST DEPUTY COMMISSIONER

Overview The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self‑sufficiency as quickly as possible. Under the direction of the DSS First Deputy Commissioner (DSS FDC), the Senior Advisor will provide support and advice to help implement the agency’s priorities. The Senior Advisor will assist with managing the work of DSS and the creation, direction and administration of agency policy initiatives and/or programs for DSS internal operations including External Affairs, Accountability Office, Information Technology Services, Emergency Food Assistance Program, Office of Administrative Hearings, and the Planning Office. The Senior Advisor will assist the DSS FDC in providing support for the DSS General Counsel/Chief Legal Affairs Officer, DSS Chief Program Performance and Financial Management Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and the Administrators of both the HRA and DHS. The position will include broad contact with senior agency staff, City Hall staff, and key partner agencies. Position: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRAT - 10136 Hours/Shift: Managerial Work Schedule. Key Responsibilities Act as the lead, on behalf of the DSS FDC, collaborating with executives from the Department of Homeless Services, Department of Social Services, and the Human Resources Administration on critical interagency initiatives, including IT system solutions, program monitoring, resource allocation, fiscal management, legal settlement compliance, contract management, interagency project and operation coordination, and special projects relating to IT and budget management; chairs and leads interagency cabinets such as Children’s Cabinet, Gun Violence Task Force, and Older Adult Cabinet. Oversee policies for the DSS portfolio of food, brainstorm, develop, manage projects, and implement program policy and operations initiatives with the highest quality standards, in the areas of Community Food Connection Program, shelter food policies, and the HRA emergency food contract; serve as the agency’s primary liaison to the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy and advise on integration of citywide and agency-wide services. Explore current operations, program services and governing rules and regulations to recommend new initiatives that address the needs of DSS program participants; serve as agency liaison to task forces and other city-wide efforts relating to new initiatives and governing rules in the area of social services; advise the DSS FDC and Commissioner on emerging trends and opportunities. Act as the lead and on behalf of the DSS FDC, collaborate with Chief Officers and Deputy Commissioners on critical agency concerns such as budget, program mission fulfillment, staffing, cross-program initiatives, and interagency communication, to improve the quality of life for individuals served by DSS/HRA/DHS programs while ensuring adherence to federal, state and local mandates. Responsible for making time-sensitive operational and policy decisions in collaboration with the DSS FDC, Chief Officers, and Deputy Commissioners that will have agency-wide impact affecting service delivery within any functional area under DSS. Research and keep abreast of current practices, programs and legislative enactments on DSS operational and program issues; disseminate new information, best practices and funding opportunities to the Chief Officers. Participate in regular meetings with DSS leadership and, in the DSS FDC’s absence, represent the DSS FDC in meetings with DSS Leadership, the Commissioner, Chief Officers and partners, contributing to long- and short-range planning and policy formulation/implementation. Minimum Qualifications A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and four (4) years of broad progressively responsible experience including two (2) years at the administrative or managerial level in a governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization operating in the area of social services. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience. However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and the two (2) years of experience at the administrative or management level as described in #1 above. Preferred Skills Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proven ability to follow up and follow through. Self‑starter. Proven ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively. Ability to assess a crisis and respond appropriately. Fast learner. Understands the importance of confidentiality. Work well under stress/pressure with restrictive deadlines. Exceptional computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint). Well‑organized, assertive, and able to work independently and collaboratively, with the ability to exercise discretion and initiative. Strong work ethic. Ability to pay close attention to detail. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi‑task and prioritize a large and diverse portfolio of work. Strong people skills and leadership skills. Possess exceptional time management skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook. Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at Residency Requirement New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview. Additional Information The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. #J-18808-Ljbffr NYC Department of Social Services