Director of Social Services

The salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills, and expertise.

Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.

About Urban Pathways

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Director, the Director, of Social Services oversees the clinical and case management functions of the program, ensuring the ongoing best practice approach of program functioning and compliance with regulatory agency policies and procedures. The Director of Social Services will be an active listener and provide high quality customer service and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program/Facilities

1. Manages and ensures that performance-based incentives and all other goals of the program are met.

1. Provides leadership to program staff.

1. Manages and develops staff, including coaching, training and mentoring.

1. Meets weekly with all direct reports for individual supervision.

1. Housing documentation and placement

1. Entitlements and benefits

1. Medical and mental health services

1. Employment

1. Oversees/monitors all clinical provisions of the program for clients, including but not limited to casework, case plans, housing placements, substance abuse/MICA counseling, incident reporting, investigation documentation, and all other activities.

1. Oversees all quality improvement monitoring functions including, but not limited to 360 case reviews, Utilization Reviews, and Service Plan reviews.

1. Reviews all case records to ensure quality improvement and compliance with Urban Pathways, funding and regulatory agencies, including incident reporting and investigation documentation.

1. Coordinates clinical meetings with case management staff and other inter-disciplinary teams.

1. Participates in the development of Urban Pathways program policies and procedures.

1. Oversees the on-site medical and psychiatric services including medication management.

1. Liaises and coordinates client services with psychiatric and medical providers.

1. Is on call to address emergency needs on a twenty-four-hour basis.

Administrative

1. Prepares, maintains and submits timely and accurate statistical and other reports mandated by Urban Pathways, regulatory and funding agencies.

1. Assesses, coordinates and facilitates staff Training.

1. Provides back-up administrative coverage in the absence of the Program Director as needed.

1. Monitors and ensures accuracy of employee time-keeping and payroll systems.

1. Ensures timely evaluations of social service staff, identifying areas for improvement and corrective actions as needed.

1. Collaborates with the Program Director and Human Resources to recruit, hire and onboard new program staff.

1. Manges AWARDS and other systems to ensure that all necessary client data is accurate and timely.

1. Ensures paper and electronic charts comply with Urban Pathways and regulatory agency standards.

1. Maintains social service staffing schedule according to program needs and Urban Pathways and funding agency requirements.

Community Relations

1. Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with community services and resources.

1. Represents Urban Pathways at governmental, community or agency meetings, as required.

Communication

1. Communicates verbally and in writing in a professional manner at all times.

1. Facilities/attends meetings, trainings, and supervisor sessions.

Performs all other duties as assigned and as required.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Social Work or closely related clinical field required.
• Minimum five years’ of clinical and supervisory experience required.
• Professional license (LCSW) preferred.
• Experience with people experiencing homeless, mental illness and/or substance abuse population preferred.
• Foreign languages a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong teambuilding and coaching skills and experience.
• Strong problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft office (e.g.Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.).
• Strong skills and knowledge of client relational databases preferred (e.g.AWARDS).
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Other

• Required to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holiday sand evenings.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record a plus.

Capabilities

• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Comfortable with using public transportation to travel to and from various program sites.

Physical Capabilities

• All programs require field work, home visits, client escorts, and use of public transportation.

Urban Pathways offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. 

These benefits include:

• Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to keep you and your family in good health.
• Retirement Savings: A 403(b) plan and a 401(a) with employer annual contribution to help you plan for a secure financial future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is important to us, and we offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs.
• Wellness Programs: Employee wellness programs, including fitness initiatives and mental health support.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related issues.
• Employee Recognition: Recognition programs to celebrate and reward outstanding contributions.