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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 role optimizes the quality of care for residents by overseeing clinical and social services functions, developing and supervising the Social Services team, and implementing best practices to meet residents' physical, emotional, and social needs. The Director will work closely with the Shelter Director to achieve measurable 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

Bachelor's degree in social work, social services, or a related field required.
Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in social services, case management, counseling, direct advocacy, or a related human services setting.
At least five (5) years of documented progressive managerial experience in social services, shelter operations, case management, or related human services programs.
Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Mental Health Counseling (MHC), or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from an accredited institution.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in social services, case management, counseling, direct advocacy, or a related human services setting.
At least three (3) years of documented progressive managerial experience in social services, shelter operations, case management, or related human services programs.
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.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, respond to crisis situations, and maintain flexibility with scheduling as needed.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Skills

Social work
Social services
Case management
Counseling
Direct advocacy
Human services
Managerial experience
Shelter operations
Electronic case management systems
Microsoft Office (Excel)
Databases (CARES)
Mental health
Substance use
HIV/AIDS
Crisis intervention
Harm reduction
Wellness
Housing readiness
Safety planning
Community partnerships
Written communication
Verbal communication
Organizational skills
Problem-solving skills

Location

Queens, NY
Ozone Park, Queens

Work Type

Full-time
Exempt

Experience Level

Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in social services, case management, counseling, direct advocacy, or a related human services setting
At least five (5) years of documented progressive managerial experience in social services, shelter operations, case management, or related human services programs
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in social services, case management, counseling, direct advocacy, or a related human services setting
At least three (3) years of documented progressive managerial experience in social services, shelter operations, case management, or related human services programs

Education Level

Bachelor's Degree in social work, social services, or a related field
Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW), Mental Health Counseling (MHC), or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from an accredited institution

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 also 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.