PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR - job 1 of 2

As a Program Administrator at the Department of Homeless Services, your key responsibilities include overseeing the administration of shelter facilities, ensuring compliance with service mandates, conducting site visits, responding to critical incidents, analyzing program performance, managing the shelter contracting process, and coordinating with local Community Boards to maintain positive relationships. This role is crucial for delivering essential services to some of New York City's most vulnerable populations.

To qualify for the Program Administrator role at the Department of Homeless Services, candidates need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and four years of progressively responsible experience in social services, including at least one year in an administrative or managerial capacity. Graduate education or a relevant license can substitute for some experience, but candidates must meet the core educational and managerial requirements.

The Program Administrator plays a crucial role in preventing homelessness by ensuring that shelter conditions meet the necessary standards, overseeing program efficiency, and collaborating with other agencies and not-for-profit organizations. By enhancing communication between the agency and service providers, the Program Administrator helps facilitate re-housing initiatives and delivers effective social services to clients, ultimately aiming to reduce homelessness across New York City.

An ideal candidate for the Program Administrator role at the Department of Homeless Services should possess strong leadership skills, effective communication abilities, and a deep understanding of social service systems. Additionally, they should be detail-oriented, able to analyze program performance, and respond to critical incidents promptly. A passion for community service and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders are also essential for success in this position.

The work schedule for the Program Administrator position at the Department of Homeless Services is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, given the nature of the role, which involves overseeing services provided 24/7, flexibility is required to address special initiatives or incidents that may arise outside of regular hours.

In answering this question, highlight your relevant experience in the field of social services, emphasizing any roles you’ve held that directly involved working with homeless individuals or families. Discuss specific programs you’ve managed or contributed to, showcasing your understanding of the challenges faced by these populations and the strategies you employed to address them.

To effectively respond to a critical incident, describe your approach to assessing the situation swiftly while ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. Highlight the importance of communication with team members and external agencies, and explain how you'd follow organizational protocols. Provide an example from your past where you successfully managed a similar situation.

In your response, outline your experience in ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations in previous positions. Discuss your familiarity with mandates governing shelter conditions and your methods for maintaining high standards. Use specific examples to demonstrate your attention to detail and proactive approach to compliance.

When asked about improving shelter programming, propose a thorough assessment of current service delivery practices. Discuss strategies such as community feedback, data analysis on program outcomes, and collaboration with service providers. Share any past successes where your initiative led to noticeable improvements in service delivery or client satisfaction.

To prioritize effectively in a 24/7 operational environment, explain your method for assessing immediate needs versus long-term goals. Highlight tools you use for time management and delegation, and stress the importance of teamwork. Providing examples from your experience can help illustrate your organizational skills.

For this question, share a specific situation where you engaged with community members or organizations. Discuss how you built relationships and collaborated on objectives, illustrating your ability to navigate diverse perspectives and foster a cooperative environment.

In your response, discuss your experience managing budgets and resources in social services. Highlight your understanding of funding sources, cost control methods, and financial reporting requirements. Share a specific example where your financial management skills contributed to a program's success.

To convey effective communication strategies, discuss tools and practices you use to foster transparent dialogue with team members and partners. Emphasize the importance of regular meetings, written communications, and feedback mechanisms to enhance collaboration and ensure everyone is aligned with program goals.

When reflecting on your motivation for working in social services, share personal experiences or values that inspire your passion for helping others. Connect this to your understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and articulate how this passion drives you to create positive change.

In answering this question, outline the key performance indicators you would use to measure program success, such as client satisfaction, re-housing rates, and compliance with service standards. Discuss the importance of data collection, analysis, and feedback from stakeholders in assessing overall effectiveness.