Director of Social Services

Director of Social Services

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

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 isnt just a promise its part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Director of Social Services Responsibilities Include:

Includes the following:

Leadership

Provide strategic leadership direction and accountability for all social service operations within the shelter.

Supervise Community Associate Supervisors Housing Specialists Recreational Specialists Case Managers and assigned social service personnel.

Conduct regular supervision coaching performance evaluations corrective action professional development planning and succession planning.

Establish a culture of accountability collaboration professionalism continuous improvement and resident centered service delivery.

Build and maintain strong interdisciplinary partnerships with Operations Security Facilities Administration and external providers.

Program Management

Oversee all case management functions including intake psychosocial assessments Independent Living Plans (ILPs) progress notes referrals case conferences housing planning discharge planning and aftercare.

Ensure all residents receive timely and comprehensive services in accordance with DHS standards and contractual requirements.

Ensure residents are actively engaged in service planning and housing readiness activities.

Monitor staff caseload distribution and workload management to ensure quality service delivery.

Performance Management

Develop monitor and improve departmental performance through routine analysis of key performance indicators including:

Independent Living Plan (ILP) completion rates

Timeliness of psychosocial assessments

Progress note compliance

Housing placements/Housing package submission quality/ Housing package return rates

CARES documentation compliance/ HOME system compliance

HRA housing subsidy outcomes/ HRA supportive housing referrals

CAPS/CAPCAP documentation

Client engagement

Length of stay/ Recidivism

Resident exits/Audit findings

Staff productivity

Develop corrective action plans whenever performance indicators fall below DHS or Cherokee expectations.

Housing Services

Oversee all housing placement initiatives and permanent housing strategies.

Supervise Housing Specialists and monitor housing productivity.

Ensure all housing packages are complete accurate and submitted timely.

Monitor CityFHEPS supportive housing NYCHA HPD SOTA (where applicable) and other housing subsidy applications.

Build collaborative relationships with brokers landlords supportive housing providers HRA HPD and community partners to maximize housing opportunities.

Documentation and Quality Assurance

Ensure all documentation meets DHS HRA OTDA and agency standards.

Conduct routine chart audits.

Review ILPs psychosocial assessments progress notes referrals housing packages CARES documentation and case records.

Develop quality improvement initiatives based on audit findings.

Monitor documentation timeliness and accuracy through ongoing quality assurance reviews.

The DSS is accountable for achieving and sustaining DHS performance standards related to documentation quality housing outcomes subsidy approvals audit readiness and resident engagement.

Community Partnerships

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with:

Department of Homeless Services (DHS)/Human Resources Administration (HRA)/Administration for Childrens Services (ACS)/ Department of Education (DOE)/Office of Mental Health (OMH)

OASAS

Hospitals

Behavioral Health Providers

Immigration Legal Services

Community Based Organizations/ Community Partners

Workforce Development Programs

Housing Providers

Faith Based Organizations

Incident Management/Follow-up

Ensure all social service related incidents are documented and managed in accordance with DHS Incident Management Guidelines.

Coordinate incident follow up with the DHS Serious Incident Unit (SIU).

Ensure required documentation investigations resident follow up and corrective actions are completed timely.

Participate in interdisciplinary incident reviews and quality improvement initiatives.

Staff Development

Mentor emerging leaders within the department.

Develop training plans to improve documentation quality housing outcomes resident engagement and regulatory compliance.

Ensure staff receive ongoing training in trauma informed care motivational interviewing crisis intervention housing systems documentation standards and DHS policy updates.

Meetings

Lead or participate in:

Case Conferences Housing Meetings Clinical Supervision (where applicable) Leadership Meetings DHS Meetings Interdisciplinary Meetings Resident Case Reviews Quality Assurance Meetings and Community Provider Meeting.

The Director of Social Services is expected to participate in the shelter leadership on call rotation and provide after hours consultation incident response operational decision making and emergency support as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Directly supervises:

Community Associate Supervisor (Case Management Supervisor)

Housing Specialist(s)

Recreational Specialist(s)

Case Managers (where applicable)

Interns and Volunteers (where applicable)

Responsible for recruitment onboarding scheduling oversight supervision coaching employee development performance evaluation corrective action and recommendations regarding separation in collaboration with Human Resources and the Site Director.

Performs other duties as may be assigned.

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.

LegalDisclaimer:Cherokee Federalisanequal opportunityemployer.

Pleasevisitcherokee- Employer Statement and Accommodation request.

Please Note:This position is pending a contract award.

If you are interested in a future with CherokeeFederalAPPLYTODAY!

Althoughthisisnotanapproved position weareaccepting applications for this future and anticipated need.

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CherokeeFederalisamilitaryfriendlyemployer.

Veteransandactivemilitarytransitioningto civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.

Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Masters 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.

Education Experience Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Bachelors 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.

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 its 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 wont and deliver where it counts. If thats the kind of work youre looking for youve found your team. Learn more at .

#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 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 candidates 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