Director of Social Services

Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities Inc•New York, NY

About The Position

The Director of Social Services is a senior management role responsible for overseeing and coordinating social service programs and initiatives. The Director leads social workers, professionals, and/or case managers to ensure high-quality services for individuals and communities in need. The role develops, implements, and evaluates social service strategies in support of the organization’s mission and goals. The Director oversees clinical and social services at the sanctuary, including intake, case management, crisis response, and care and resources addressing participants’ physical, emotional, and social needs. Working with the Shelter Program Director, the role develops and evaluates measurable outcomes, supports contract and performance goals, ensures compliance and quality assurance, and identifies program improvements and service gaps. The Director also coordinates with internal teams, outside agencies, medical and psychiatric providers, employment providers, and community organizations. The position is based in Long Island City and is full-time. The stated schedule is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with flexibility for some evenings and weekends based on program needs, and to cover shifts during staffing shortages or emergencies.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a related field, such as Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Education, Psychology, or Sociology.
Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment, and strong organizational skills.
Willingness to work collaboratively and the ability to work independently.
Strong interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to maintain professional, respectful, service-oriented relationships with staff, clients, and stakeholders.
Excellent judgment and discretion; ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, remain detail-oriented, and perform effectively in high-stress, fast-paced environments.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, resolve routine problems, identify issues, and remain accountable for results.
Collaborative, positive, and professional approach to maintaining a calm and productive work environment.
Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends based on program need and cover shifts during staffing shortages or emergencies.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
Experience working with NYC DHS and the DHS CARES system is preferred.
Previous experience with case management, job development, and/or adult education.

Responsibilities

Ensure quality care and oversee the sanctuary’s clinical and social services in accordance with DHS requirements.
Develop and execute a strategic vision for the social services department.
Oversee and implement care and resources that address participants’ physical, emotional, and social needs.
Supervise intake services, case management, and crisis teams; work with the Program Director to develop, implement, track, report, and evaluate measurable outcomes.
Coordinate case management services, including social service intake, assessments, independent living plans, and case conferences.
Facilitate interdepartmental communication and conduct meetings with social service employees.
Attend meetings with governing and outside agencies as required.
Build connections with community leaders to gain support and troubleshoot issues or concerns.
Liaise with medical and psychiatric providers, employment providers, and community partners to support appropriate service delivery.
Develop program content addressing housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health, and employment needs.
Plan and organize program activities to meet contract and performance goals.
Assist the Program Director with assigned monthly deliverables.
Maintain compliance with organizational policies and legal regulations and ensure department activities are documented meticulously.
Review program and demographic client data and use the analysis to improve programs.
Set weekly and monthly performance goals with reporting staff in accordance with contract requirements.
Ensure housing and performance outcomes are met on monthly, quarterly, and annual schedules.
Identify changing program needs and service gaps and develop new services, directions, or programs.
Conduct internal file reviews and implement quality assurance measures, including addressing and investigating participant complaints.
Conduct and document individual supervision of direct-report staff to assess performance and identify training and professional development needs.
Develop and implement crisis prevention and intervention strategies to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Organize onsite and offsite training opportunities for staff development.
Report incidents that may subject the agency to liability to the Program Director.
Assist with reviewing and submitting incident reports as assigned by the Program Director.