Director of Social Services

Ark Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-Cost health insurance

Vision and dental coverage

PTO and holidays

Retirement plan

Collaborative workplace

Job summary

The Ark Chicago is seeking a Director of Social Services to lead the Social Services and Intake & Eligibility teams. You will supervise a team, manage calendars, PTO, and coverage, and oversee performance, coaching, and budgets while maintaining a client-centered approach rooted in empathy and accountability.

You will also carry a small client caseload, collaborate with the Chief Program Officer and Assistant Director, and help coordinate care across Economic Stability, Housing, Medical, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, human services, counseling, nonprofit management, or related field or a bachelor’s degree with substantial leadership experience.
• 5–7+ years in social or human services, including at least 3 years supervising staff.
• Direct case management experience and experience leading a case management or client-service team.
• Strong administrative skills, including calendar management, scheduling, and coverage planning for a large team.
• Familiarity with Chicago’s social service landscape and community resources is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the Social Services and Intake & Eligibility teams and lead hiring and onboarding with HR.
• Manage calendars, PTO, coverage, and cross-location operations.
• Lead performance management, staff evaluations, and coaching with clinical input.
• Oversee intake/eligibility processes to connect clients to services quickly and fairly.
• Provide regular visibility into department performance, risks, trends, and capacity to the Chief Program Officer.
• Manage department budgets for Social Services and Intake & Eligibility.

Skills

Staff supervision

Calendar management

Coaching & performance

Data-driven operations

Budget oversight

Education

Master's degree in social work or related field

Bachelor's degree with leadership experience

Tools

Salesforce

Case management system

Job description

The Director of Social Services leads The Ark’s Social Services and Intake & Eligibility teams. You’ll directly supervise a team and serve as a point of accountability for how the department runs: staffing, schedules, performance, workflows, and results. You’ll also carry a small client caseload, which keeps you close to the work and the people we serve. This role suits an organized, hands-on leader who keeps calendars, coverage, and priorities tight while building a team culture rooted in empathy, dignity, and accountability. You’ll report to the Chief Program Officer and partner closely with the Assistant Director, who provides clinical guidance to the case management team.

What You’ll Do

• Directly supervise a team, including the Assistant Director, case managers, and intake and eligibility staff
• Manage calendars, schedules, PTO, and coverage so the department runs smoothly across locations
• Own performance management, staff evaluations, and coaching, with clinical input from the Assistant Director
• Lead hiring and onboarding for the department in partnership with HR
• Department Operations
• Track department metrics such as caseloads, documentation, and client contacts, and act on what the data shows
• Oversee intake and eligibility processes so clients are connected to services quickly and fairly
• Provide the Chief Program Officer with clear, regular visibility into department performance, risks, trends, and capacity
• Manage the Social Services and Intake & Eligibility budgets
• Client Services
• Lead case management, care coordination, or similarly complex client-service function; experience overseeing both case management and intake/eligibility preferred
• Strategy and Collaboration
• Partner with the Chief Program Officer to turn priorities into clear workflows, timelines, and expectations
• Work across Ark programs, including Economic Stability, Housing, Medical, and Food Security, to deliver coordinated care
• Represent Social Services in organizational meetings and with community partners

What You’ll Bring

• Master’s degree in social work, human services, counseling, nonprofit management, or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant leadership experience
• 5–7+ years in social or human services, including at least 3 years supervising staff
• Direct case management experience, and experience leading a case management or similar client-service team
• Strong administrative skills, including proficient calendar management, scheduling, and coverage planning for a large team
• A track record of holding staff accountable while building a supportive team culture
• Comfort using data to manage performance and improve operations
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to our Northbrook location once a week
• LCSW, LCPC, or other clinical license is a plus
• Familiarity with Chicago’s social service landscape and community resources is a plus
• Experience with Salesforce or another case management system is a plus
• Sensitivity to the Jewish community and the populations The Ark serves; familiarity with Jewish life and customs is a plus

Why You’ll Love Working Here

The Ark is a vital safety net for the Chicagoland Jewish community. Founded on the principles of dignity and compassion, The Ark provides free, comprehensive human services that bring stability, empowerment, and renewed purpose to people’s lives. Our integrated programs span social services, medical and dental care, financial assistance, housing solutions, employment, spiritual enrichment, and more. Learn more at arkchicago.org

• No-Cost HMO Health Insurance with PPO plan options through BlueCross BlueShield.
• 100% employer-paid vision and dental coverage.
• PTO, sick leave, and generous Jewish and secular holiday time-off.
• Retirement Plan with matching.
• A supportive, collaborative workplace rooted in compassion, integrity, and impact.