Director of Social Services for Homeless Shelter
Summary:
The Director of Social Services is responsible for the overall management and direction of a comprehensive program of social services for a single men’s, women’s or family shelter with the goal of expeditious placement of residents into permanent housing and providing assistance in becoming self-sufficient. Services include assessments, counseling, service planning, and developing and monitoring linkages with programs that provide entitlements and medical, educational, substance abuse, employment, and mental health services. educational, substance abuse, employment, and mental health services. He/she will oversee the day-to-day operation of social services at the work site. He/she will need to work collaboratively with other on-site departments to facilitate effective methods of problem solving and the alignment of strategies.
Responsibilities:
The Director of Social Services is responsible for, but not limited to:
Provide and ensure delivery of quality services to all clients through direct supervision of a team of Case Managers, Housing Specialists, Recreational Specialist, Social Service Supervisors, Program Coordinator and Employment Specialists
Coordinate all case management services, including assessments and development and implementation of service plans
Ensures that staff appropriately identifies the needs of the clients, provide appropriate referrals and ensure case managers follow up with resources
Ensure assessments, service plans and interactions with the clients are appropriately documented.
Act as the point person with subcontractors and/or service providers including, but not limited to, medical providers, mental health providers, substance abuse providers and employment services providers
Identify changing program needs and program gaps and develop new services, service directions, and/or programs to meet client needs
Ensure all reports are submitted accurately and in a timely manner
Responsible for ensuring monthly housing targets are met
Monitor demographic reports to ensure consistency with ILP compliance
Ensure all employees in Social Services department receive all mandated training and any courses which are indicated for additional professional growth and development as a department or as individuals
Organize onsite and offsite training opportunities for professional development of staff
Facilitate weekly meetings with social service staff to address client issues and progress
Ensure adherence to all requisite regulations and DHS policies and procedures
Act as a liaison with other department directors
Provide crisis intervention and stabilization as needed
Professional & Personal Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with 2+ years of direct social service experience
Bachelor’s degree in Human Service, or related field with 4+ years of direct social service experience
Associate’s degree with 6 plus years of direct social service experience
Ability to work some evenings and occasional weekends as needed
Excellent and demonstrated writing ability
Fluent in English and Spanish a plus
Strong assessment, direct practice, counseling, supervision, community outreach, group leadership and program development experience preferred
Advanced knowledge of MS Word, Excel and database management skills.
Knowledge of community resources
Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts and listen
Ability to deal calmly in crisis situations
Proven ability to work collaboratively well with diverse groups
Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure
Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and efficient
Maturity, integrity, and sound judgment
