Deputy Commissioner, and Refugee Services

Duties Description

Reporting to the Commissioner for the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the incumbent will direct all matters of policy and management of the Bureau of Housing and Support Services and the Bureau of Refugee Services. The incumbent will serve as the principal advisor regarding programs and initiatives related to housing and services for people experiencing homelessness and services for refugees, among other duties.

The Division has a staff of approximately 70 and oversees over 950 contracts.

• Provide organizational leadership to ensure successful implementation of OTDA’s oversight role regarding homeless and refugee services by districts and OTDA contractors, as well as OTDA’s related direct services functions. Responsible for ensuring the Division’s work products are of high quality and completed in a timely manner.
• Establish goals and objectives for each Bureau, regularly assessing programs, and making course corrections as needed.
• Keep the Commissioner’s Office informed of critical deadlines, work of the Division and emerging issues.
• Develop and implement recommendations for policies and program initiatives to increase access to housing and assist formerly homeless persons in achieving and maintaining housing stability.
• Develop and implement recommendations to assist refugees and those of a similar immigration status in acquiring the resources and skills needed to become fully integrated into local communities within New York State.
• Develop and implement procedures and services to identify and support victims of human trafficking.
• Implement, and develop as needed, procedures for staff training, program review and evaluations, program audits, and correspondence and assignment tracking.
• Support and assist program managers with program oversight, staff supervision and staff development.
• Assist in establishing internal controls and regularly evaluate compliance.
• Provide oversight for program management to develop procurements, make funding decisions, develop contracts with not‑for‑profit agencies and local social services districts, and provide contract monitoring and management.
• Provide guidance to the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) in its procurement, funding determinations, and reporting functions as required by the Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation Board of Directors and authorizing legislation.
• Work with the Division of Shelter Oversight and Compliance (DSOC) and the Division of Employment and Income Supports (EISP) to develop a coherent and coordinated agency strategy for addressing homelessness.
• Work collaboratively with other agency divisions and bureaus to ensure that the needs of people experiencing homelessness, as well as refugees, are taken into consideration in the development of agency policies and procedures. Ensure that actions taken by staff are consistent with these policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with local social services districts to ensure compliance with State requirements to support the effective provision of services statewide. Identify when correction action is needed and secure program compliance.
• Develop strategies for obtaining input from local social services districts, not‑for‑profit providers, and people with lived experience to facilitate relevant program development that is equitable and inclusive.
• Coordinate activities with those of other state agencies to facilitate integration of policy and program development.
• Ensure that state and federally funded programs meet contractual obligations and program goals. Oversee submission of required applications for programs and funding as well as required outcome reports.
• Keep informed on relevant best practices and evidence‑based policies and practices utilized by other states and contribute to national dialogues about homelessness and housing, as well as services for refugees.
• Serve on interagency taskforces and other collaborative endeavors as appointed by the Commissioner.
• Represent the Commissioner in meetings with members of the legislature, federal, state, and local district leaders relative to programs and initiatives.