Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

Lantern Community Services is seeking an experienced and progressive Director of Social Services for its single adult male shelter in Queens. This position oversees Clinical and Social Services functions to optimize resident care, develops and supervises the Social Services team, and implements best practices to meet residents' physical, emotional, and social needs. The role involves working closely with the Shelter Director to track, report, and evaluate outcomes.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, and supervise Social Workers, Case Managers, Housing Coordinators, and Peer Specialists.
Provide leadership through regular supervision, performance evaluations, and staff meetings.
Attend mandatory DHS trainings and meetings.
Ensure adherence to DHS, OTDA, and Lantern standards for client intake, assessments, service delivery, and documentation.
Support staff in developing individualized Independent Living Plans and Housing Plans.
Coordinate access to medical, mental health, and substance use services.
Develop counseling approaches, programming, and referral resources.
Implement crisis prevention and intervention strategies.
Provide follow-up on critical incidents and assist with safety planning.
Maintain strong relationships with community partners.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Mental Health Counseling (MHC), or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from an accredited institution required.
Licensure (LMSW/LMHC/LMFT) must be obtained within one year of hire.
Minimum of 8 years of social service experience.
At least 2 years of supervisory experience within a DHS shelter or similar human services setting.
Experience using electronic case management systems.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to crisis situations.
Flexibility with scheduling as needed.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Skills

Mental health
Substance use
HIV/AIDS
Issues impacting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness
Electronic case management systems
Data analysis for service delivery improvement
Crisis intervention
Harm reduction
Wellness
Housing readiness
Safety planning
Community outreach

Location

Queens, NY
Ozone Park, Queens

Work Type

Full-time
Exempt

Experience Level

8 years of social service experience
2 years of supervisory experience

Education Level

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Mental Health Counseling (MHC), or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
LMSW/LMHC/LMFT licensure

About the Company

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.
Recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.
A great place to do meaningful work with people who care.

Equal Opportunity

Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners.
By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy, and just communities.