SENIOR TEAM LEADER - job 1 of 2

To be considered for the Senior Team Leader role at the Department of Homeless Services, candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent along with five years of experience in investigations, particularly in criminal or fraudulent activities. If you have an associate degree or relevant college credits, you can substitute some experience. A bachelor's degree can reduce your experience requirement to just two years. All candidates should have supervisory experience, making this role ideal for those with a background in team leadership and complex investigations.

As a Senior Team Leader at the Department of Homeless Services, your responsibilities include supervising a team of investigators, ensuring effective registration and evaluation of families in need, and handling critical compliance duties. You'll investigate fraudulent activities while overseeing programs and referrals to related agencies. Your role is crucial for ensuring families receive timely social services and housing assistance, making a significant impact on alleviating homelessness in New York City.

The Senior Team Leader at the Department of Homeless Services plays a pivotal role in addressing homelessness by leading investigations, supervising a dedicated team, and ensuring that families in crisis access necessary housing assistance. By effectively managing day-to-day operations and coordinating with various public agencies, you help to streamline the process that so many families rely on during difficult times. Your leadership is instrumental in providing critical social services to the most vulnerable populations.

Essential skills for a Senior Team Leader at the Department of Homeless Services include strong leadership and supervisory abilities, effective communication, and a keen eye for detail. You'll need to demonstrate proficiency in conducting investigations and managing compliance requirements. Problem-solving skills and a commitment to social justice are also crucial, as you'll be working with diverse populations facing significant challenges. All these skills come together to create a compassionate, effective service for families in need.

In the role of Senior Team Leader at the Department of Homeless Services, you'll work a schedule that runs from Friday to Tuesday, with your shifts taking place from 4 pm to midnight. This schedule allows you to engage meaningfully with your team and the families you serve while providing necessary coverage for the 24/7 services DHS offers. If flexibility and the opportunity for impactful work appeal to you, this position is definitely worth considering.

When asked about your team management experience, highlight specific instances where you led a diverse group, showcasing your leadership style and how it led to successful outcomes. Focus on challenges you faced and how your decision-making skills fostered collaboration and accountability. Align your experience with the responsibilities of the Senior Team Leader position, showcasing your ability to motivate and develop a team to achieve goals that matter.

In response to this question, outline the structured approach you take towards investigations, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with law enforcement when necessary. Discuss how you maintain compliance with regulations while ensuring accuracy and quality in your investigations. Emphasize your analytical skills and attention to detail, explaining how they contribute to the successful resolution of cases.

To address this question, discuss the importance of training, open communication, and teamwork. Explain how you will provide your team with the resources and tools they need to navigate the Temporary Housing Application process. Share your expectation for constant feedback and improvement while prioritizing a compassionate approach to every interaction. This demonstrates your commitment to both the team and the families they serve.

A thoughtful answer to this question includes recognizing the complexities of managing a team in a high-stress environment, such as encountering resistance or emotional situations while supporting families in crises. Discuss how you would approach these challenges with empathy and adaptability, focusing on developing constructive strategies that promote positive outcomes for both the team and the families they help.

When discussing task prioritization, emphasize your organizational skills and your method for assessing urgent versus important tasks. Share examples of how you've successfully implemented these strategies in previous roles. It's beneficial to highlight your ability to remain flexible while working under tight deadlines, ensuring the highest quality of service even when pressures arise.

Provide a specific example of a training program you've designed or implemented that led to measurable improvements in team performance or service delivery. Describe the training methods you used, how you tracked progress, and any feedback received. This showcases your initiative and dedication to ongoing learning and development within your team—an important quality for a Senior Team Leader.

In your response, underscore the importance of building relationships through regular communication and establishing shared goals. Discuss how leveraging each agency’s strengths can lead to more effective service delivery. Demonstrating experience in collaboration with various organizations will show your readiness to work with the network of partner agencies connected to the Department of Homeless Services.

When discussing conflict resolution, explain your approach to addressing disputes calmly and professionally. Emphasize the importance of listening to each party's perspective and facilitating a fair dialogue to reach a resolution. Highlighting past experiences where you've effectively managed conflicts will illustrate your leadership abilities and capacity to uphold a positive team dynamic.

Demonstrating awareness of pressing issues surrounding homelessness in New York City will show your genuine interest in the role. Discuss recent data or trends and how socio-economic factors contribute to these challenges. This knowledge signals to interviewers that you are prepared to advocate for effective solutions and are passionate about the mission of the Department of Homeless Services.

To answer this, touch on the importance of meticulous documentation and adherence to legal guidelines throughout the investigative process. Discuss how ongoing training on compliance issues can enhance your team's understanding and execution of related responsibilities. Highlighting your commitment to upholding standards will resonate well with those interviewing you for the Senior Team Leader position.