Director, Social Services Unit

Overview

The Director of the Social Service Unit provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for a team of Social Workers, Case Workers, and MSW students. This role ensures high-quality delivery of social services to ambulatory and homebound older adults through assessments, case planning, benefits navigation, and advocacy.

Beyond operational oversight, the Director is expected to bring an innovative, forward-looking perspective—challenging the status quo, expanding program reach, and creating new opportunities to serve older adults. The Director will play a central role in strengthening services under umbrella contracts such as the Luncheon Club, ensuring a regular presence at that site while supporting integration across all satellite locations.

This position requires a leader who can build cohesive units, grow client participation, and develop responsive services that reflect both community needs and CBN’s core values:

Responsibility – Ensuring accountability to clients, staff, and funders.

Boldness – Driving innovation, advocacy, and creative approaches to service.

Heart – Leading with compassion and dedication to older adults.

Respect – Creating a culture of dignity, kindness, and inclusion.

Community – Building lasting connections across CBN programs and the broader aging network.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Development

• Provide weekly (and as needed) supervision to Social Workers, Case Workers, and interns.
• Supervise an MSW student and support staff pursuing SIFI certification.
• Facilitate weekly staff meetings and secure guest speakers for staff training needs.
• Support team cohesion by modeling clear, kind, and direct communication.

Compliance & Documentation

• Oversee case records, care plans, and entitlement applications.
• Track weekly and monthly statistics and maintain reports for NYC Aging deliverables.
• Prepare the unit for twice-yearly NYC Aging audits.
• Establish and maintain policies and protocols consistent with NYC Aging standards.

Program Innovation & Growth

• Ensure a regular presence at the Luncheon Club as part of umbrella contract oversight, supporting client outreach, program visibility, and integration across CBN sites.
• Build stronger connections between Walk-In, Luncheon Club, and satellite sites, making staff available across programs to expand client reach.
• Evaluate existing services and identify opportunities for improvement, expansion, and new program development.
• Introduce innovative practices and models of service delivery that increase impact, efficiency, or accessibility.
• Proactively challenge the status quo by addressing barriers and proposing creative solutions to client and program needs.
• Track emerging trends in aging services and integrate best practices into the unit’s operations.
• Collaborate with leadership, community partners, and funders to expand services and secure new resources.

Caseload & Direct Support

• Manage the intake process, assign clients to staff based on client needs and staff expertise.
• Carry a small caseload (5–10 clients), providing services onsite and in client homes.
• Provide supportive counseling, case assistance, and care planning for clients requiring direct attention.
• Step in to support staff caseloads when necessary.

Benefits, Advocacy & Resources

• Guide staff in identifying and securing appropriate resources for older adults.
• Provide expertise in entitlements, benefits, homecare, meals on wheels, and mental health services.
• Oversee management of in-house funds and foundation stipendiary funding that help clients remain safely at home.
• Support referrals to Adult Protective Services (APS) and follow-up on competency concerns.

Program & Agency Collaboration

• Liaise with the Development and Finance teams for budget oversight and grant deliverables.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, government agencies, and strategic organizations.
• Conduct outreach to community-based agencies to increase awareness of CBN and available services.
• Identify and develop new programs and activities that meet emerging client needs.
• Represent the Social Service Unit at agency-wide staff meetings, events, trainings, and conferences.
• Remain current on issues related to aging services and attend required training.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development – Demonstrates the ability to inspire, mentor, and build capacity within a diverse team.
• Strategic Program Oversight – Provides clear direction and oversight to ensure services align with organizational goals and funder requirements.
• Advanced Case Management & Clinical Judgment – Applies deep social work expertise to guide staff and address complex client needs.
• Program Innovation & Growth – Thinks creatively to expand services, grow participation, and challenge the status quo with forward-looking solutions.
• Compliance & Regulatory Expertise – Maintains strong knowledge of policies, HR practices, and regulatory requirements, ensuring unit operations uphold legal and ethical standards.
• Collaboration & Communication – Builds effective partnerships and communicates with clarity, respect, and transparency.
• Cultural Competency & Inclusivity – Values diversity and ensures services are equitable, inclusive, and respectful of all backgrounds.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Affinity for and depth of experience working with older adults.
• Deep knowledge of aging services, entitlements, and community-based resources.
• Advanced interpersonal and case management skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills, with proven ability to build team capacity, and promoting excellence.
• Proficiency in case management databases, reporting systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with limited direct client service.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Required Qualifications:

• LMSW or LCSW with a minimum of 5 years of professional social work experience in aging services or a related field, including at least 3 years of direct management experience supervising staff and/or informing clinical best practices.
• Completion of Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) training, or willingness to complete within one year.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises Social Workers, Case Workers, and graduate-level MSW students.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position is based primarily at CBN’s Walk-In Unit (East 85th Street), with a regular presence required at the Luncheon Club and other CBN satellite locations.

Mobility and Transportation: Regular travel within the catchment area is required, including visits to client homes. Travel may involve walking short distances, climbing stairs, and carrying light supplies (up to 20 pounds). The Director must be able to access a variety of residential environments, some of which may not be wheelchair accessible, and must be able to travel independently by driving or using public transportation.

Physical Stamina: The role requires the ability to carry light supplies and equipment (up to 20 pounds) when visiting clients’ homes or community locations. The Director may also be required to assist with light physical activities, such as helping clients with mobility issues during assessments or while transitioning between areas.

Office Environment Mobility: Work is performed in a professional office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and filing systems. The role requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, move throughout program sites, and communicate effectively with staff, clients, and community partners.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Position Type and Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. As a Director level role, occasional evening or weekend hours may be required based on programmatic needs, special events, or agency priorities. These instances will be communicated in advance and scheduled with consideration for the employee’s availability.

Onsite Presence: During the probationary period, this position requires on-site work five days per week. After successful completion, hybrid flexibility may be available, subject to supervisor approval.

Compensation & Benefits

The Director role offers a competitive salary range between $85,000 – $90,000. In compliance with the NYC Pay Transparency Act, with final placement based on experience, skills, and internal pay equity. We offer a generous benefits package that includes multiple health plans, dental plan options (including 100% employer-paid coverage), 15 vacation days, 4 personal days, 10 sick days, and paid holidays. Additionally, employees are enrolled in a 403(b)-retirement plan featuring a 3% employee contribution and the opportunity for a matched contribution after 1 year. Our supportive culture encourages professional development through training, mentorship, and growth opportunities.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF (preferred) or word document address to Alexandra Jurenko, Managing Director, CBN, that includes:

• A resume highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and accomplishments
• A cover letter expressing your enthusiasm for working in aging services and explaining why you are a strong fit for this role

Applicants who meet the position requirements will be contacted by a member of our search committee. Candidates advancing in the process will be asked to provide contact information for three professional references, including at least one former supervisor, and to complete a pre-hire background screening.