Director, Social Services (Lighthouse)

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Social Work is preferred, OR 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
• Experience with securing client entitlements through knowledge of housing regulations and homeless programs is preferred  
• Excellent interpersonal relations skills, with the ability to establish cooperative working relationships
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Director of Social Services is directly responsible for 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
• Ensure 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
• Oversee and supervise 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
• Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free living environment by ensuring that the casework staff are conducting weekly/bi-weekly unit inspections; ensure that staff are communicating and documenting all observations and necessary maintenance repairs
• Intervene or direct staff intervention in appropriate situations to resolve problems effectively
• Work collaboratively with the Housing Specialists to ensure that weekly, monthly, and quarterly targets are being achieved
• Must be knowledgeable of DHS Housing programs, packages, and incentives
• Work in collaboration with other departments (Security, Building Operations, CCCs, Childcare departments, etc.) to develop independent skills workshops
• Coordinate 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
• Work 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
• Perform other duties and special projects as required including serving on-call
• Evaluate and verify employees work assignments and ensure that performance evaluations are being completed in the required timeframe

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate effective communication with other staff within an interdisciplinary context; participate in and contribute to staff meetings and the development of policies and procedures
• Participate in training and staff-development activities to acquire and maintain the interpersonal and operational skills necessary for successful job performance
• Serve as a Super User in the DHS CARES System to assist the program staff with trouble-shooting problems in the system
• Ensure 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.
• The Director of Social Services must be on call 7 days a week for Priority one incidents

MEASUREABLE AREAS: 

• Closely monitor open/closed Public Assistance cases on a weekly basis
• Closely monitor certified housing and high-income families
• Closely monitor all apartments viewed/visited by clients weekly (in the absence of the housing coordinator)
• Closely monitor and track appointments kept/missed, specifically as it relates to ILP’s and housing related matters (in the absence of a casework supervisor and/or housing coordinator)
• Work towards the achievement of DHS weekly, monthly, and quarterly target goals for moving families into permanent housing 
• Closely monitor special populations such as newborn, ACS, medical, mental health, sex offenders, domestic violence cases, etc.

Other Requirements (including Physical Demands):

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

EEO Statement – Children’s Rescue Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.

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