CHIEF OF SHELTER INTAKE, ASSESSMENT, AND OPERATIONAL CAPACITY

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES CIVIL SERVICE TITLE OR BE PERMANENT IN A COMPARABLE TITLE ELIGIBLE FOR 6.1.9 TITLE CHANGE OR BE IMMEDIATELY REACHABLE ON ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES CIVIL SERVICE EXAM # 1121.

The New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is the largest organization in the United States dedicated to preventing and addressing homelessness. In partnership with other City agencies and nonprofit organizations, DHS works to prevent homelessness before it begins, reduce street homelessness, provide temporary shelter, and connect individuals and families to stable housing all with a focus on accountability, empathy, and equity.

DHS is committed to continuous improvement and employs innovative strategies to deliver high-quality services that support a swift transition from shelter to self-sufficiency. The agency manages hundreds of facilities and operates with a large team as well as a several billion-dollar budget to meet the diverse needs of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

The Division of Shelter Intake, Assessment, and Operational Capacity is responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the agency’s Single Adult, Adult Families and Families with Children, across both directly operated and contracted, provider sites. Central to the Division’s work is the housing of all shelter populations and the implementation of critical programming and shelter initiatives that support the City’s most vulnerable residents. The Chief and their team ensure that all intake and assessment sites function within established budgets, uphold the health and safety of clients, and remain in full compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. A key component of the Division’s responsibilities is maintaining an accurate and efficient vacancy management system that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, across all five boroughs. This ensures shelter resources are utilized effectively, and individuals are placed in appropriate accommodations without delay. Several specialized operational units fall under the Division’s oversight, including Housing Emergency Referral Operations (HERO), which function as a 24/7 hub for all shelter placements, transfers, and vacancy reconciliation, including overnight and conditional placements for families.

The Adult Vacancy Control (AVC) unit manages overnight bed reconciliations and placements for single adults while generating key reports on census and special populations such as Veterans, Transgender Nonconforming Individuals (TGNC), and those in Safe Haven or Stabilization programs. The Capacity Operations and Inspections unit verifies shelter and hotel capacity through regular inspections, ensuring compliance with the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) standards and facilitating appropriate facility sizing. Additionally, the Serious Incidents Unit (SIU) provides continuous monitoring and escalation of all Priority 1, 2, and 3 incidents within the shelter system to ensure accurate reporting and adherence to oversight protocols. Together, these units ensure the Division can deliver timely, compliant, and effective services to individuals and families in crisis.

Under the direction of the DHS Administrator, with the widest latitude for independent initiative and unreviewed action, and is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, executive and administrative management of Shelter Intake, Assessment and Operational Capacity, which includes the oversight of the agency’s intake systems for Single Adults, Adult Families, and Families with Children and Housing Emergency Referral Operations (HERO).

The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is recruiting for one (1) Administrative Director of Social Services M-7, to serve as Chief of Shelter Intake, Assessment, and Operational Capacity, who will:

- Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the Agency’s Intake and Assessments operations.The Chief is responsible for ensuring that single adults, adult families, and families with children experiencing homelessness have access to the DHS shelter system in accordance with all legal mandates, including federal, state, local laws, and regulations on a 24/7 basis.

- Oversee operational activities within the HERO/Vacancy Control divisions. This involves the oversight of a budget of approximately $15 million. Accountable for developing and implementing policies related to DHS temporary and permanent placements. Responsible for formulating strategies for placement policies, serving as a mission-critical element and arguably the most pivotal component in managing this division.

- Exercise authority for developing and implementing DHS program initiatives, partnering with federal, state and city agencies, and quasi-public/private sector organizations in an effort to gain fiscal and legislative and /or programmatic support for DHS programs and policies. Brief DHS, DSS, as needed, City Hall leadership on processes, identified challenges, and new initiatives. Administers and directs the policy development and implementation of program initiatives of DHS.

- Lead executive team in Intake and DSS partners to identify opportunities for innovations that improve clients experience, respond to changing conditions and mandates, and/or enhance efficiency.

- Clearly articulate DHS’ mission, values, and priorities to a broad range of constituents and decision makers both verbally and in writing.

- Create, develop, and strengthen new and existing partnerships to support DSS’ emerging and established programmatic needs.

- Routinely represent the DSS Commissioner and/or DHS Administrator in public hearings, at community meetings and events, and in meetings with advocates, elected officials, and community leaders.


Hours/Shift:
Managerial Work Schedule

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF SOC - 10056