Shelter Director: Housing & Wellness Leader

Lantern Community Services, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Lantern Laurel Hall is a 113-bed single adult male shelter in Queens, NY, seeking a Program Director to lead shelter operations and ensure safety, stability, and well-being of residents. The role reports to the Vice President and requires oversight of intake, social services, and DHS/OTDA standards.

The Shelter Director will drive program performance through implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes, fostering a supportive and accountable team environment at Lantern’s Laurel Hall

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Public Health, Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of DHS shelter supervisory experience.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage, motivate, and manage staff in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Experience with electronic case management systems and the ability to utilize data to inform best practices and improve outcomes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel required) and comfort working in databases such as CARES.

Responsibilities

• Hire, supervise, and develop a high-performing shelter team with accountability for client outcomes and compliance with Lantern and funder requirements.
• Provide leadership, direction, and ongoing support to staff to ensure timely completion of operational goals, deliverables, and performance benchmarks.
• Conduct regular one-on-one supervision, performance evaluations, and progressive discipline as needed to strengthen staff effectiveness.
• Oversee all aspects of shelter operations, including service delivery, case management, compliance, housing and employment targets, charting and medical coordination, programming, recreation, food service, security, and supply management.

Skills

Leadership

Crisis management

Staff development

Data-driven decisions

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work / related field

Tools

Excel

CARES

Job description

Lantern Laurel Hall is a 113-bed single adult male shelter in Queens, NY, seeking a Program Director to lead shelter operations and ensure safety, stability, and well-being of residents. The role reports to the Vice President and requires oversight of intake, social services, and DHS/OTDA standards.

The Shelter Director will drive program performance through implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of outcomes, fostering a supportive and accountable team environment at Lantern’s Laurel Hall