Director of Social Services - Laurel Hall
$80,000–$90,000 year
On-siteQueens, New York, United States
Job Summary
Hire, train, and supervise Social Workers, Case Managers, Housing Coordinators, and Peer Specialists to ensure timely completion of program goals. Provide leadership through regular supervision, performance evaluations, and facilitation of staff and clinical meetings. Implement best practices to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of residents, ensuring their ability to gain and maintain housing stability. Coordinate access to medical, mental health, and substance use services, including referrals for psychiatric assessment and treatment. Develop counseling approaches and programming that support residents in achieving harm reduction, wellness, and housing readiness goals. Implement crisis prevention and intervention strategies to maintain a safe and secure shelter environment, providing follow-up on critical incidents and assisting with safety planning. Ensure adherence to DHS, OTDA, and Lantern standards for client intake, assessments, service delivery, and documentation within required timeframes. Support staff in developing individualized Independent Living Plans and Housing Plans. Work closely with the Shelter Director to develop, implement, track, report, and evaluate measurable outcomes. Maintain strong relationships with community partners to connect residents with daytime resources and supportive services. Full-time, Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm with on-call responsibilities; Master's degree in Social Work or related field required with five years of managerial experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in social work, social services, or a related field
- Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in social services, case management, counseling, direct advocacy, or a related human services setting
- At least five (5) years of documented progressive managerial experience in social services, shelter operations, case management, or related human services programs
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Mental Health Counseling (MHC), or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from an accredited institution
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in social services, case management, counseling, direct advocacy, or a related human services setting
- At least three (3) years of documented progressive managerial experience in social services, shelter operations, case management, or related human services programs
- Experience using electronic case management systems and applying data to inform best practices and improve service delivery
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel required) and comfort working in databases such as CARES
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, respond to crisis situations, and maintain flexibility with scheduling as needed
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
- Full-time, Mon-Fri 9 am to 5 pm
- Hours may vary and include on-call responsibilities
- Lantern staff may be asked to change work schedule and hours depending on the operational needs of the site and the agency
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
- Attend all mandatory DHS trainings and meetings to maintain program compliance and best practices
- Ensure adherence to DHS, OTDA, and Lantern standards for client intake, assessments, service delivery, and documentation within required timeframes
- Support staff in developing individualized Independent Living Plans and Housing Plans that promote long-term stability and successful transitions to permanent housing
- Coordinate access to necessary medical, mental health, and substance use services, including referrals for psychiatric assessment, treatment, and community-based care
- Develop counseling approaches, programming, and referral resources that support residents in achieving harm reduction, wellness, and housing readiness goals
- Implement crisis prevention and intervention strategies to maintain a safe and secure shelter environment
- Provide follow-up on critical incidents, assist with safety planning, and ensure residents are connected to appropriate supports during times of crisis
- Maintain strong relationships with community partners and ensure the shelter upholds a Good Neighbor policy by connecting residents with daytime resources, supportive services, and constructive community-based activities
- Perform other duties as assigned
- Work Environment: This job operates in a shelter site and works with the female population who experience mental illness, addiction, disability, HIV, and other chronic illnesses
- Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/or kneel
- Occasionally, the employee will have to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
Desired Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of mental health, substance use, HIV/AIDS, and issues impacting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness preferred
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