Director of Social Services - Supportive Housing

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter and support services and a leading provider of housing and services for families experiencing homelessness. Across 24 shelters in New York City, URI provides safe housing for nearly 4,000 individuals and their pets every night and serves more than 40,000 people annually.

URI’s work is grounded in survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. In addition to emergency and transitional housing, URI delivers a robust continuum of Justice Initiatives—including economic empowerment, legal education and advocacy, prevention and youth programming, and abusive partner intervention—designed to break cycles of violence, instability, and poverty. URI also develops permanent affordable and supportive housing, advancing long-term pathways to safety, healing, and stability for families and communities.

Innovative Urban Village, opening in Summer 2026, is Urban Resource Institute’s first Supportive Housing program in partnership with Christian Cultural Center and is a comprehensive redevelopment project located in East New York, Brooklyn. Phase 1A includes 376 income-based rental residences, of which 94 units are dedicated to families who have experienced homelessness as a result of domestic violence and who qualify for Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) services. The program provides permanent supportive housing and trauma-informed, culturally competent services designed to promote long-term housing stability and independent living. As URI’s first Supportive Housing program, Innovative Urban Village represents a foundational expansion of the agency’s housing continuum, requiring the development of a comprehensive program model, policies, procedures, and service framework from inception through full implementation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, Clinical Services provides strategic clinical leadership and oversight for all behavioral health and trauma informed services within the Innovative Urban Village supportive housing program. The Director conducts clinical assessments, ensures appropriate interventions, and provides clinical supervision to Case Managers through case analysis, service planning, and structured supervision.

The Director, Clinical Services collaborates closely with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, the Economic Empowerment Specialist, Operations leadership, and external clinical partners to ensure services reflect best practices in supportive housing, domestic violence recovery, and family stabilization. This role ensures full alignment with ESSHI requirements, OTDA regulations, and URI’s trauma informed, culturally responsive service philosophy.

Salary: $81,000 - $85,000

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Leadership & Service Delivery

• Conduct clinical assessments and determine appropriate behavioral health interventions.


• Provide clinical supervision to Case Managers, including case analysis, service planning, and crisis intervention guidance.


• Lead clinical risk assessments, including suicide risk, DV lethality, child safety, and behavioral health crises.


• Oversee the development and implementation of individualized service plans that support long‑term housing stability and family well‑being.


• Coordinate referrals to mental health, substance use, psychiatric, and specialized treatment providers.


• Ensure all services reflect trauma‑informed, evidence‑based, and culturally responsive practices.

ESSHI, OTDA & Supportive Housing Compliance

• Ensure clinical services meet ESSHI service categories and OTDA regulatory requirements.


• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as agency policies.


• Ensure timely and accurate documentation in CAPS, HMIS, and other required systems.


• Participate in quality assurance activities, case reviews, and program audits.


• Support the development and implementation of clinical policies, procedures, and operational protocols.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Partner with Case Managers, Housing Specialists, and the Economic Empowerment Specialist to ensure coordinated, holistic service delivery.


• Collaborate with property management and operations staff to address tenancy‑related concerns and support housing retention.


• Maintain strong relationships with external clinical providers, mobile crisis teams, hospitals, and community‑based organizations.


• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and service coordination meetings.

Training & Staff Development

• Develop and deliver ongoing training on trauma‑informed care, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, safety planning, and supportive housing best practices.


• Ensure staff are trained in risk assessment, mandated reporting, and evidence‑informed case management strategies.


• Provide weekly supervision to assigned staff and ensure consistent supervision across the clinical team.


• Foster a culture of reflective supervision, professional development, and accountability.

Housing Stability & Retention Support

• Support Case Managers in conducting home visits and assessing tenancy conditions, safety, and service needs.


• Provide clinical guidance on lease compliance, conflict resolution, and early intervention strategies to prevent eviction.


• Contribute to the development of clinical components of housing stability plans.

Organizational Representation & Leadership

• Represent URI at city and statewide coalitions, task forces, and committees focused on supportive housing, domestic violence, and behavioral health.


• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and cross‑departmental initiatives.


• Assist in the development and monitoring of the supportive housing program budget.


• Support organizational development efforts and cross‑program collaboration.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Master’s degree required (MSW or related field).


• LMSW or LCSW preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in a clinical or social service setting, preferably within supportive housing, domestic violence services, or homeless services.


• Strong knowledge of OTDA regulations, supportive housing standards, and ESSHI guidelines.


• Demonstrated experience launching or scaling programs, including developing policies, procedures, and service models.


• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.


• Demonstrated ability to manage crises and respond proactively using a client‑centered approach.


• Experience working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, older adults, and individuals with behavioral health or substance use challenges.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems.


• Strong de‑escalation and conflict resolution skills.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Will be required to read printed and handwritten materials.


• Will be required to use computer mouse and keyboard.


• Will be required to read information on computer screen.


• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.


• Must be able to enter information in digital forms and spreadsheets.


• Must be able to lift 10 pounds at times, occasionally reach and bend.


• May require occasional work outside established working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Urban Resource Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.