OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) identifies and executes proactive strategies to connect New Yorkers to key City services. Relying heavily on data analytics, new technologies, and large-scale outreach tactics, the unit identifies New Yorkers in need of assistance and helps them navigate and obtain City services.

The Public Engagement Unit consists of teams of specialists who are trained to effectively engage New Yorkers and connect them with vital resources. The Unit uses data to identify demographics that likely want or need city services; and works with partner agencies, elected officials, community groups, non-profit organizations, and service providers to engage directly with communities and subject matter experts in all five boroughs. The unit is frequently involved in citywide events, special projects in conjunction with multiple city agencies, and targeted days of action.

The Operations Associate who will report to the Supervisor of PEU Technology & Operations and support the day-to-day operational, administrative, and logistical functions across PEU programs and initiatives. The selected candidate will play a key role in supporting operational coordination, inventory management, onboarding support, facilities coordination, event logistics, operational tracking, and internal communications.

The Operations Associate will work collaboratively across PEU teams and with agency partners to help coordinate operational support, maintain organizational processes, and assist with special projects and citywide initiatives. This role requires strong organizational skills, professionalism, adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

PEU is recruiting for one (1) Community Associate to function as an Operations Associate who will:

• Support the PEU Technology & Operations Team with day-to-day operational and administrative functions across PEU programs and initiatives.
• Assist with organizing, tracking, and maintaining operational inventory, outreach materials, supplies, promotional items, and deliveries received by the unit.
• Support onboarding activities for new staff by assisting with meeting preparation, material organization, and operational coordination.
• Support operational logistics for trainings, meetings, outreach events, and special projects, including room coordination, material preparation, setup support, and operational follow-up.
• Assist with maintaining and tracking operational systems, spreadsheets, reports, records, and internal documentation.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners regarding facilities requests, maintenance concerns, operational support, and administrative follow-up. Support communication efforts by preparing agendas, tracking assignments, disseminating updates, and assisting with operational correspondence.
• Assist with workforce coordination efforts and operational readiness activities across PEU teams.
• Review operational procedures and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and organization.
• Provide administrative and logistical support during emergency activations, large-scale outreach efforts, or agency-wide initiatives as needed.
• Perform additional operational and administrative duties as assigned.

Hours/Shift: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Preferred Skills

• Experience supporting operational or administrative coordination functions preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams, and Slack.
• Familiarity with systems such as Fresh service, Monday.com, and similar tracking systems preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and maintain professional working relationships.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-up and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience supporting events, trainings, onboarding activities, inventory coordination, or operational support functions preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with professionalism.
• Valid driver’s license preferred and willingness to become a certified City driver.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

In addition, the Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits: Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System). 401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs.

U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program. Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program. Training and Professional Development. Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program. Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.