Program Director - Laurel Hall

Lantern Community Services Inc•New York, NY

5d•$85,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. The Shelter Director provides leadership and oversight to ensure high-quality, compliant shelter operations that support residents’ safety, stability, and well-being. This role supervises intake and social services functions and ensures adherence to DHS and OTDA standards. The Shelter Director drives program performance through effective implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of measurable outcomes while fostering a supportive and accountable team environment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Mental Health Counseling (MHC), Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Public Health (MPH), or Public Administration (MPA) or a related field from an accredited institution.
Minimum of 5 years of DHS shelter supervisory experience.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and manage staff in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, respond effectively to crises, and take initiative as a creative problem-solver.
Experience with electronic case management systems and the ability to utilize data to inform best practices and improve outcomes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel required) and comfort working in databases such as CARES.
Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and chronic health conditions affecting shelter populations.

Nice To Haves

LMSW/LMHC/LMFT preferred.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Strong understanding of behavioral health, substance use, and chronic medical needs.

Responsibilities

Hire, supervise, and develop a high-performing shelter team with accountability for client outcomes and compliance with Lantern and funder requirements.
Provide leadership, direction, and ongoing support to staff to ensure timely completion of operational goals, deliverables, and performance benchmarks.
Conduct regular one-on-one supervision, performance evaluations, and progressive discipline as needed to strengthen staff effectiveness.
Identify training and professional development needs and coordinate onsite/offsite learning opportunities for staff growth.
Oversee all aspects of shelter operations, including service delivery, case management, compliance, housing and employment targets, charting and medical coordination, programming, recreation, food service, security, and supply management.
Develop and implement program activities that support residents’ stability, independent living skills, and housing readiness.
Ensure adherence to all Lantern, DHS, OTDA, and regulatory policies, procedures, and contractual standards.
Attend all mandatory DHS trainings and meetings to maintain program compliance and best practices.
Facilitate case conferences to address safety concerns, gross misconduct, and non-compliance that affect the transition into permanent housing.
Plan and coordinate social, recreational, and peer-support activities that align with program goals and performance targets.
Facilitate regular staff meetings and ensure accurate reporting, statistical documentation, and timely submission of required data.
Conduct internal file reviews and implement quality assurance measures to maintain high standards of client care and service delivery.
Build and maintain relationships with community partners and leaders, including development of a Community Advisory Board.
Implement crisis prevention and intervention strategies, respond to critical incidents, and ensure ongoing safety through an active Good Neighbor Policy.
Ensure appropriate staffing coverage at all times, including during emergencies, severe weather, and disaster situations.
Perform other duties as assigned.