Director of Social Services

Related•New York, NY

84d•Onsite

About The Position

At Related, we believe housing is more than four walls—it’s the foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity. We’re seeking a Director of Social Services to lead the delivery of critical resident support at Willets Point in Corona, Queens, a transformative affordable housing community serving formerly homeless individuals with complex needs. This role is about leadership, collaboration, and impact. As the Director, you’ll be the driving force behind building a supportive environment where residents can thrive, ensuring that services are not just delivered, but truly make a difference. You’ll partner closely with property management, community organizations, and service providers to foster resident stability, strengthen accountability, and create a culture of respect and care. This is more than a position—it’s a chance to shape the future of supportive housing in New York City and set the standard for how housing and social services work hand-in-hand to change lives. The Director of Social Services is responsible for leading and overseeing supportive service delivery to 133 formerly homeless residents with verified mental illness living in a large-scale affordable housing development in Flushing Queens. The Director will serve as the primary liaison between property management and contracted social service providers—Breaking Ground and Women In Need—ensuring that all service obligations are met and residents receive consistent, high-quality support. Project Information: Willets Point | Related The Director will work on-site and be responsible for establishing program protocols, holding providers accountable, and supporting resident stability through proactive engagement, including two monthly touchpoints per resident (one of which must occur in the home).

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Psychology, Public Health, or a related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required
5+ years of experience working with vulnerable or formerly homeless populations, particularly those with mental illness
Strong understanding of supportive housing, housing-first practices, and trauma-informed care
Experience managing or coordinating with contracted social service providers in a residential setting
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
Strong organizational and data management abilities; proficiency with Microsoft Office and client case management systems
Familiarity with NYC housing systems and public agency partnerships (e.g., DHS, HPD, HRA)

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English a plus

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a site-specific social service plan tailored to the needs of the 133 formerly homeless residents with verified mental illness
Conduct at least two engagements per resident per month, including one in-home visit, to support housing retention, wellness, and community integration
Serve as the lead coordinator with Breaking Ground and Women In Need, overseeing service delivery and ensuring contractual obligations and performance benchmarks are met
Track, monitor, and report on resident engagement, incident response, and service provider effectiveness
Build and maintain trusted relationships with residents to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and respect
Collaborate with property management and compliance teams to address lease violations, nonpayment issues, and tenant concerns in a trauma-informed and housing-first approach
Coordinate with additional CityFHEPS applicants placed through the housing lottery who may not have a set-aside preference but will need guidance and supportive services as they transition into housing
Facilitate regular case conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings to align property management and social service goals
Lead crisis response planning and coordinate with external agencies (EMS, mental health, and housing stability partners) as needed
Identify service gaps and propose solutions, including staff training, process improvements, or external referrals
Maintain up-to-date records, assessments, and documentation in compliance with privacy and confidentiality regulations
Participate in audits, reviews, and reporting requirements related to funding or oversight entities