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

Target Resume Now

About the Role

Lantern Community Services is seeking an experienced Director of Social Services for a new women's shelter in the Bronx. This role oversees clinical and social services to optimize resident care, develops and supervises the Social Services team, and implements best practices to meet residents' physical, emotional, and social needs, ensuring housing stability. The position works closely with the Shelter Director to track and evaluate outcomes.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, and supervise Social Workers, Case Managers, Housing Coordinators, and Peer Specialists to ensure timely completion of program goals, deliverables, and benchmarks.
Provide leadership through regular supervision, performance evaluations, disciplinary support, and facilitation of staff and clinical meetings.
Attend all mandatory DHS trainings and meetings to maintain program compliance and best practices.
Ensure adherence to DHS, OTDA, and Lantern standards for client intake, assessments, service delivery, and documentation within required timeframes.
Support staff in developing individualized Independent Living Plans and Housing Plans that promote long-term stability and successful transitions to permanent housing.
Coordinate access to necessary medical, mental health, and substance use services, including referrals for psychiatric assessment, treatment, and community-based care.
Develop counseling approaches, programming, and referral resources that support residents in achieving harm reduction, wellness, and housing readiness goals.
Implement crisis prevention and intervention strategies to maintain a safe and secure shelter environment.
Provide follow-up on critical incidents, assist with safety planning, and ensure residents are connected to appropriate supports during times of crisis.
Maintain strong relationships with community partners and ensure the shelter upholds a Good Neighbor policy by connecting residents with daytime resources, supportive services, and constructive community-based activities.
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 and applying data to inform best practices and improve service delivery.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel required) and comfort working in databases such as CARES.
Strong knowledge of mental health, substance use, HIV/AIDS, and issues impacting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness preferred.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, respond to crisis situations, and maintain flexibility with scheduling as needed.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Skills

Microsoft Office
Excel
CARES database
Electronic case management systems
Crisis intervention
Safety planning
Communication skills
Organizational skills
Problem-solving skills

Location

Bronx, NY

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.
Lantern was recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.
Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
Lantern Community Services 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.

Equal Opportunity

Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.
Lantern Community Services 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.