Director, Social Services (Lighthouse)

Childrens Rescue Fund•New York, NY

1d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Social Services is responsible for the development and delivery of comprehensive social services for clients referred to the Children’s Rescue Fund by the NYC DHS-Division of Family Services. This role is designed to help stabilize homeless families by strengthening their independent living skills and achieving their rapid and successful placement into permanent housing. The individual will be responsible for our Lighthouse location in Long Island City, NY and will serve as a member of the management team that works cooperatively to achieve program goals.

Requirements

At least a bachelor’s degree is required.
Five years of social services experience is required, including experience in clinical interventions with families and disadvantaged populations, group work practice, substance abuse issues and housing programs.
For candidates with a Master’s degree in Social Work, at least two years of experience in a supervisory and administrative capacity is required; for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, at least four years of experience in a supervisory and administrative capacity is required.
Excellent interpersonal relations skills, with the ability to establish cooperative working relationships.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Social Work is preferred.
Experience with securing client entitlements through knowledge of housing regulations and homeless programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensuring that each member of the social services staff has hands-on working knowledge of all DHS procedures, New York State Part 900 Regulations, OTDA, CRF Rules and Regulations, and all other relevant laws/programs related to providing comprehensive social services and permanent housing to CRF clients.
Ensuring the timely collection, preparation, and analysis of client and program information to generate routine and as-needed reports, in order to evaluate program performance and facilitate both short and long-term planning.
Overseeing and supervising the Social Services department (Caseworkers, Housing Specialists, and Casework Supervisors) on the utilization of the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing System (CARES) regarding intake, shelter assessment, service plans/independent living plans, Provider Housing, incident reports, case conferences, meeting DHS housing placement targets, transfers, and client responsibility.
Maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free living environment by ensuring that the casework staff are conducting weekly/bi-weekly unit inspections; ensuring that staff are communicating and documenting all observations and necessary maintenance repairs.
Intervening or directing staff intervention in appropriate situations to resolve problems effectively.
Working collaboratively with the Housing Specialists to ensure that weekly, monthly, and quarterly targets are being achieved.
Being knowledgeable of DHS Housing programs, packages, and incentives.
Working in collaboration with other departments (Security, Building Operations, CCCs, Childcare departments, etc.) to develop independent skills workshops.
Coordinating an inter-agency network of both on-site and off-site providers to ensure families’ receipt of appropriate medical, nutritional, educational, and specialized mental health assistance.
Working in collaboration with the Executive Directors to develop and implement social service policies and procedures to guide and direct the delivery of services, including relocation goals and strategies.
Performing other duties and special projects as required including serving on-call.
Evaluating and verifying employees work assignments and ensuring that performance evaluations are being completed in the required timeframe.
Facilitating effective communication with other staff within an interdisciplinary context; participating in and contributing to staff meetings and the development of policies and procedures.
Participating in training and staff-development activities to acquire and maintain the interpersonal and operational skills necessary for successful job performance.
Serving as a Super User in the DHS CARES System to assist the program staff with trouble-shooting problems in the system.
Ensuring that staff attends CORE trainings within (6) months of employment, such as the mandated reporter training, CARES getting started, CARES assessments, Incident Reporting, Safe Sleep Training, Mental Health First Aide Training, Domestic Violence, etc.
Being on call 7 days a week for Priority one incidents.