The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) operates the nation’s largest and most comprehensive municipal shelter system for homeless adults and families through a network of directly operated facilities and programs, as well as non-profit partnerships. The position of First Deputy Commissioner for DHS (FDC) will be responsible for the critical components of DHS operations for the following areas: Capacity Planning and Development, the Office of Program Development which includes the Office of Program Development and Implementation and the Crisis Management Unit; Facilities and Logistics; Office of Administration; and the Placement Division which includes the Vacancy Control Unit, Rehousing Support, and Rehousing Operations

Under the executive direction of the Department of Homeless Services Administrator, the First Deputy Commissioner, with the greatest possible latitude for independent initiative and unreviewed action, is responsible for overseeing the core support areas of the agency. In conjunction with the DHS Administrator, this position will develop, implement, and enhance goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards that impact the administration, operation, and service delivery within shelters and for unsheltered individuals. The FDC is responsible for ensuring that services to the City’s most vulnerable populations are delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and throughout the five boroughs. This position is responsible for the headcount of 1220 staff and the personnel budget of 1.5 billion.

The Department of Homeless Services seeks to hire one (1) Deputy Commissioner Homeless Services M-VII to serve as First Deputy Commissioner (FDC), who will:

- Provide executive leadership and direction for DHS Operations, Shelter Security Management, Rehousing Support and Operations, DHS Budget and Financial Services, Capacity and Program Development, and the Office of Program Development.

- In conjunction with the DHS Administrator, oversee the day-to-day operations of DHS and provide consultation to programmatic divisions.

- Ensure that the divisions and program areas follow the Federal, State and City mandates, rules, regulations, and court rulings affecting the provision of services.

- Plan, develop, and formulate policies and procedures governing DHS programs and processes, and provide the DHS Administrator with information and recommendations for programmatic and policy decisions.

- Assume executive responsibility for Agency functions, programs, projects, and initiatives in the absence of the DHS Administrator.

- Serve as primary liaison for the agency oversight partners, advocate and represent the Agency in external meetings.

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


Hours/Schedule: Mon-Friday 9:00 am – 5pm Based on 24/7 coverage.

Work Location: 33 Beaver Street, 17th, New York, NY 10004

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and five years of progressively
responsible experience, including two years at the administrative or
managerial level in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization
operating in the area of social services; or
2. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must have a
baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and the one year of
experience at the administrative or management level as described in "1" above

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.