Director of Social Services

Summary:  The Director of Social Services is a senior management role responsible for overseeing and coordinating social service programs and initiatives within an organization. They lead a team of social workers, professionals and/or case managers ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to individuals and communities in need. The Director of Social Services plays a pivotal role in developing, implementing, and evaluating social service strategies to meet the organization’s mission and goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensures quality care and oversees clinical and social services functions of the sanctuary according to DHS.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the organization’s social services department.
• Responsible for the oversight and implementation of care and resources for the purpose of meeting the physical, emotional and social needs of participants.
• Provides supervision to the intake services and case management and crisis teams and works with the Program Director to develop, implement, track, report and evaluate measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate all case management services, including social service intake, assessments, development and implementation of independent living plans, and case conferences.
• Facilitate interdepartmental communication and conduct staff meetings with social service employees.
• Attend meetings with governing and outside agencies as required.
• Connect with community leaders to build connections, gain support and troubleshoot issues/concerns.
• Liaise with medical and psychiatric providers (both internal and external), employment providers and partnered community organizations to ensure appropriate service delivery for participants.
• Develop program content to address client needs related to housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health, and employment.
• Plan and organize program activities to maximize program contract and performance goals.
• Assist the Program Director with completion of monthly deliverables as assigned by the Program Director.
• Maintaining compliance with all organizational policies and legal regulations, by ensuring meticulous documentation of all activities in the department.
• Review analysis of program and demographic client data to make program improvements.
• Set realistic weekly and monthly performance goals in accordance with contract requirements with reporting staff.
• Ensure housing and performance outcomes are met on a monthly/quarterly/annual basis.
• Identify changing program needs and program gaps to develop new services, service directions and/or programs to meet participant needs.
• Conduct periodic internal file reviews and implement Quality Assurance measures as needed to ensure quality service delivery to participants (i.e., address and investigate participant complaints).
• Conduct and document one on one supervision of direct reporting staff to assess and improve work performance (i.e., identify training needs, professional development, etc.).
• Develop and implement crisis prevention/or intervention strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment.
• Organize onsite and offsite training opportunities for professional growth and development of staff.
• Report all incidents that may subject agency to liability to the Program Director.
• Assist in review and submission of incident reports as assigned by Program Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree in related field (Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Education, Psychology, Sociology, etc.).
• Supervisor experience of at least three (3) plus years strongly preferred.
• Experience working with the NYC DHS and DHS CARES system is preferred.
• Previous experience with case management, job development, and/or adult education.
• Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor, sound judgment and strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently.