Jump to main content.

Search

DEPUTY COMMISIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH

  1. HRA/DEPT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Posted on: 03/24/2026
  1. Full-time

Location

MANHATTAN

  1. No exam required

Department

OFFICE OF MEDICAL DIR - MGR

$103,355.00 – $215,000.00

Job Description

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). DHS’s
mission statement is to prevent homelessness, when possible, address street homelessness, provide safe temporary shelter and connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to suitable housing.

The New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Cash, Food and
Rental Assistance as well as Medicaid.


The DSS Medical and Health Services Office aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals who are experiencing homelessness and living in NYC and of those receiving HRA
benefits, increase their chances of succeeding in permanent housing and independent living, decrease morbidity and mortality; and improve food safety, compliance with NYC Food Standards and the overall nutritional status and nutrition knowledge.

Under the executive direction of the Department of Social Services Chief Medical Officer, with maximum latitude for independent initiative and judgement, the Deputy Commissioner will provide
overall strategic planning and direction for mental health services and programs.


The DSS Medical and Health Services Office is recruiting one (1) CITY MEDICAL DIRECTOR M-V to function as a DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH, who will:

- Provide senior leadership and direction for mental health services, including strategic planning, leading the creation, development, improvement and implementation of mental health programs that align with DSS’s mission, including in response to immediate and critical needs; obtain or participate in grant applications for additional funding; oversee the development of program-focused policies, procedures, clinical practice support tools in order to provide guidance to mental health professionals at contracted agencies; manage and supervise directly the department mental health staff.

- Be thoroughly knowledgeable of the health and mental health care system and stay updated on current trends, research and mental health policies, regulatory changes latest research and

latest trends in mental health care and keep staff informed of program, broad state and federal policy or procedural changes; participates in leading policy development and negotiations with city and state partners, collaborating with intergovernmental affairs and city and state mental health agencies; and use and develop creative approaches to addressing mental illness in the DSS population.

- Lead mental health-related programmatic research and monitor the effectiveness of mental health programs, including all contracted mental health services; advise on data collection and analyses, working with the office’s analytic staff; and use programmatic research and data to make necessary improvements to the department’s mental health program services.

- Establish and maintain relationships with other health and social service providers at the local and state levels to develop system for and ensure coordination of care for DSS clients and improve outcomes, including linkage to care, well-coordinated care and service provision, access to primary and behavioral care and reduce acute care utilization; represents the agency and fully participate and contribute participates in relevant City and State planning groups; lead such workgroups as requested; work with mental health agencies; coordinate and collaborate with private and city, state, non-profit and related entities to develop broad public health interventions focused on mental health, develop and implement creative solutions on client-focused issues that involve multiple agencies.


Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

CITY MEDICAL DIRECTOR - 53047


Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York plus valid Board Certification issued by the appropriate American Specialty Board in an approved medical specialty; and four years of medical practice including one year of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity; or
2. A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to that listed in "1" above. However, all candidates must have a valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York, and one year of medical practice in an administrative or supervisory capacity.


Preferred Skills

- LCSW, psychiatric nurse practitioner, doctorate in clinical psychology, or MD psychiatrist with active NYS license preferred - Strong clinical mental health experience including clinical supervision of at least 5 years. - At least 10 years of work experience in a high-level managerial position in behavioral health area (mental health, addiction, adult or children mental health) with high impact responsibilities. - At least 10 years of experience developing, implementing, managing and monitoring mental health programs, including using data and evidence for decision-making and quality improvement. - Significant knowledge of NYS OMH regulations - Knowledge of budget management and grant writing experience - Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health. - At least 5 years’ experience collaborating with outside agencies at a high level and representing their agency on committees and with outside entities. - At least 5 years’ experience in a policy-making position Extensive knowledge of behavioral health issues. - Past/present mental health clinical experience. - Extensive program development, implementation and monitoring. - Experience using health and programmatic data to develop, monitor and evaluate health interventions. - Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills. - Leadership skills and experience supervising and mentoring staff of all levels.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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/.
Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position
Additional Information

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.

Job ID

774957

Posted until

2026-05-20

Title code

53047

Civil service title

CITY MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Title classification

Non-Competitive-5

Business title

DEPUTY COMMISIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH

  1. Manager

Job level

M5

Number of positions

1

Work location

4 World Trade Center

  1. Administration & Human Resources

DEPUTY COMMISIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH

Search