JOSEPHINE HARPER
Brooklyn
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Criminal Justice professional with over 20 years of leadership in homeless services and social service operations. Seeking a leadership role within law enforcement, shelter administration, or juvenile justice programs. Demonstrated success in crisis management, team supervision, DHS compliance, and service delivery. Adept at navigating high-pressure environments while ensuring client safety, regulatory compliance, and program integrity.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director
Highland Park Community Development – Felipe Family Residence
Brooklyn
12.2024 - Current
- Lead and manage all shelter operations for families with children in alignment with DHS and ACS guidelines.
- Supervise an interdisciplinary team of case managers, housing specialists, child specialists, and support staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.
- Conduct ongoing compliance audits of case files, psychosocial assessments, and service plans to ensure 100% DHS audit readiness.
- Serve as the primary contact for crisis situations, incident reporting, and emergency coordination, ensuring timely intervention and safety protocols.
- Prepare and submit critical reports including SOTA, 5/6 Reports, and Quarterly Performance Reviews, meeting all deadlines with accuracy.
- Foster partnerships with external agencies including DHS, ACS, NYPD, DOE, and housing providers to expedite client support services.
- Facilitate staff training on trauma-informed care, client confidentiality, and program policies to enhance service quality.
- Oversee program budgeting, staffing allocations, and strategic planning with senior leadership to enhance service delivery and meet contractual obligations.
Program Director
Highland Park Community Development – Redbury Hotel
Manhattan
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Directed a transitional housing program for single adults under the DHS system, ensuring all operations complied with NYC guidelines.
- Supervised and evaluated performance of all program staff, including service coordinators and residential aides.
- Oversaw the development of individualized service plans (ISPs), monitored progress, and ensured alignment with DHS benchmarks.
- Acted as crisis manager and 24/7 point of contact for escalated incidents, mental health emergencies, and shelter safety issues.
- Collaborated with the Executive Director on financial planning, operational changes, and expansion initiatives.
- Improved overall program performance by 15% through the introduction of new documentation and audit tools.
Director of Social Services
Highland Park Community Development – Holiday Inn
Brooklyn
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Managed a multidisciplinary team serving over 100 homeless clients in a congregate setting.
- Reviewed and approved all casework documentation, psychosocial reports, and client progress updates.
- Conducted weekly team meetings and supervised crisis response efforts including psychiatric de-escalations and housing emergencies.
- Partnered with DHS and local housing providers to transition clients into permanent housing.
- Led performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and team-building activities to improve morale and service outcomes.
Case Manager Supervisor
Highland Park Community Development – Dona Elsie
Bronx
12.2021 - 03.2023
- Supervised a team of case managers, ensuring accurate documentation and service delivery per DHS standards.
- Oversaw client intake, assessment, and service plan development for a family shelter site.
- Conducted weekly audits and submitted compliance reports directly to the Program Director.
- Supported vulnerable families by coordinating transportation, housing viewings, and external appointments.
- Led training sessions for new hires and facilitated conflict resolution between staff and clients.
Case Manager
Project Renewal
Manhattan
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducted intake assessments and developed tailored ILPs addressing housing, mental health, and recovery goals.
- Maintained detailed documentation and case notes in compliance with HIPAA and agency guidelines.
- Advocated for entitlements and collaborated with psychiatrists, social workers, and housing reps.
- Provided on-site support during crises and followed through with external referrals and service linkages.
Shift Supervisor
Care for the Homeless
Bronx
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Supervised facility operations and security across all shifts in a congregate men’s shelter.
- Ensured accurate documentation of incidents, facility logs, and client complaints.
- Trained new staff on shelter safety, emergency protocol, and conflict management.
Senior Shift Supervisor
HELP USA
Manhattan
02.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed a large-scale emergency shelter, including staff scheduling, supervision, and daily operations.
- Conducted fire drills, ensured cleanliness, and maintained facility safety in collaboration with DHS standards.
- Partnered with NYPD and FDNY to manage incidents and improve emergency preparedness.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Berkeley College
Brooklyn, NY08.2017
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
ASA College of Excellence
Brooklyn, NY05.2011
Skills
- Criminal Justice Systems
- Law Enforcement Principles
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Child Welfare Advocacy
- Crisis Intervention
- Emergency Response Management
- DHS Compliance
- Case File Audits
- Internal Reviews
- Program Development
- Budgeting
- Performance Improvement
- Team Leadership
- Staff Training
- Workforce Scheduling
- Forensic Science
- Homeland Security
- Cybercrime Awareness
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Typing
- Case Management Software
- Interagency Collaboration
- Community Outreach
- Conflict Resolution
- Ethical Practice
- Cultural Competency
References
Available upon request.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Program Director
Highland Park Community Development – Felipe Family Residence
12.2024 - Current
Program Director
Highland Park Community Development – Redbury Hotel
01.2024 - 12.2024
Director of Social Services
Highland Park Community Development – Holiday Inn
03.2023 - 01.2024
Case Manager Supervisor
Highland Park Community Development – Dona Elsie
12.2021 - 03.2023
Case Manager
Project Renewal
10.2021 - 12.2021
Shift Supervisor
Care for the Homeless
09.2020 - 01.2021
Senior Shift Supervisor
HELP USA
02.2019 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Berkeley College
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
ASA College of Excellence
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