Director of Social Services (Queens)

ABOUT US

HSNY was founded more than 20 years ago on a simple belief: every New Yorker deserves dignity,

safety, and a place to call home. What began as a small effort to support neighbors in crisis has grown

into a citywide nonprofit providing housing stability and supportive services across all five boroughs.

YOUR PURPOSE IN CREATING SOLUTIONS

The Director of Social Services is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic

oversight of social service operations within the shelter. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality,

client-centered, and trauma-informed services that support residents in achieving stability, independence,

and successful housing outcomes. Reporting to the Site Director, the Director of Social Services

supervises social services staff and oversees all aspects of case management, service planning, and

program implementation. The position ensures compliance with all applicable city, state, and agency

regulations, including DHS, OTDA, and HASA requirements, while maintaining accurate documentation,

audit readiness, and performance standards. The Director of Social Services collaborates closely with

operations and interdisciplinary teams to promote a safe, supportive, and coordinated service

environment. Through strong leadership, data-driven decision-making, and continuous quality

improvement, this role advances program effectiveness and ensures that services are responsive to the

diverse needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

HOW YOU’LL DRIVE SOLUTIONS

• Collaborates with site leadership to assess program effectiveness, identify service gaps, and

support the development of strategies to address performance challenges.

• Builds and maintains partnerships with external agencies to support client referrals and access to

additional services.

• Engages in ongoing professional development through training, seminars, and courses related to

homelessness services, cultural competency, counseling, and workforce development.

• Compiles and submits reports and supporting documentation in alignment with internal and

external funding requirements.

• Conducts consistent, structured supervision with staff and supports professional development.
• Facilitates staff meetings and the monthly Client Community meeting, and attends Community

Board meetings.

• Contributes to data collection efforts to measure productivity and prepares monthly, quarterly,

and annual statistical reports.

• Oversees Social Service staff, including but not limited to Case Managers and Housing

Specialists, ensuring clients receive high-quality, trauma-informed, client-centered, and

appropriate services.

• Provides hands-on support in complex or urgent situations, guiding staff in connecting clients

facing critical needs to resources that help preserve housing stability.

• Leads the Social Services team in all aspects of service provision to clients, including facilitating

case conferences, CARES reviews, and case audits.

• Oversees incident reporting, service plan reviews, assessments, and program records.
• Identifies, evaluates, and establishes service linkages with community-based providers.
• Enforces DHS/HSNY rules, policies, and guidelines through staff outreach and client counseling.
• Facilitates and mediates conflicts between staff members or between staff and residents to ensure

a safe, professional, and supportive environment.

• Reports, investigates, and documents all significant incidents to the Shelter Director, HSNY

Executive Team, and applicable agencies (DHS, ACS, NYPD, etc.).

• Responds in a timely manner to requests for information from HSNY, DHS, or external entities in

consultation with the Shelter Director.

• Participates in weekly/bi-weekly supervision sessions with the Shelter Director.
• Ensures performance evaluations of direct reports are completed annually or at the end of the

probationary period for new hires.

• Carries a caseload and provides coverage as needed to ensure continuity of services.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for emergencies, maintaining 24/7 on-call availability or

coordinating shared coverage with the Site Director.

• Assumes all duties as required in the absence of the Shelter Director.

QUALIFICATIONS BEHIND THE SOLUTIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least three years of supervisory experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, COMPETENCIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English required; proficiency in Spanish

(written and spoken) is highly desirable. Knowledge in at least one of the following areas is

required: homelessness, criminal justice, HIV/AIDS, or substance use. Familiarity with the

CARES database and prior related training is considered an asset.

• Knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, and other database programs

OUR SOLUTIONS DESIGNED FOR YOU:

• Medical. Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life & AD&D Insurance: HSNY pays 100% of the cost.
• 23 days of PTO your first year (accrual-based)
• 11 paid holidays every year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Save pre-tax dollars for healthcare and dependent care needs.
• Employee Discount Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Employee Referral Program
• Professional Development
• 403b Plan & 403b Employer Match: Immediate Vesting
• Dollar-for-dollar match up to 3%
• 4% match when you contribute 5%
• Biannual retention bonus (can be a 3% contribution into your account)
• Pet Insurance