Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the appointment of Joslyn Carter as Administrator of the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), which is now part of the Department of Social Services. Utilizing her years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors, including senior-level experience at DHS, Joslyn Carter will be a key leader in implementing the Mayor’s plan for transforming the provision of shelter to a borough-based approach. She will report to Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks.
“The Department of Homeless Services is on the frontlines working every day with families and individuals who have lost their homes and the stability that provides,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Earlier this year, we announced a new borough-based approach to the shelter system designed to help homeless New Yorkers stay close to their support networks in order to get back on their feet and move out of shelter. Joslyn Carter has dedicated her life’s work to helping homeless New Yorkers, and I am confident that her leadership will further strengthen the agency.”
“Joslyn Carter has continually demonstrated her dedication and unflagging commitment to the adults, children, and families who have lost their homes,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “With her years of experience, creativity and comprehensive knowledge, Joslyn has what it takes to lead DHS’ efforts to turn the tide on homelessness.”
“Beginning during the 90-day review of homeless services last year and continuing over the past year as we have been implementing the reforms to the City’s approach to homelessness, I have worked directly with Joslyn Carter and seen her make a real difference in people’s lives. I know first-hand the management skills that she will bring to this important new role to help transform how we provide shelter and services to homeless New Yorkers,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks.
“Having dedicated the majority of my working life to the Department of Homeless Services, I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to help lead the implementation of the Mayor’s new borough-based approach at DHS, said Joslyn Carter. “I’m confident that working with my partners on DHS’ strong leadership team and with support from the Department of Social Services, we will improve quality of life for New Yorkers experiencing the challenge of homelessness, including improving how we provide shelter and how we help them transition into permanent housing.”
As part of the 90-day review of homeless services, the Mayor determined that to both prevent homelessness and more effectively coordinate services for families and individuals experiencing homelessness, the Human Resources Administration and the Department of Homeless Services should both report to a single Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, with an Administrator appointed to directly manage each agency. Grace Bonilla was previously selected to fill the Administrator position at HRA. Joslyn Carter will now fill that position at DHS.
About Joslyn Carter
Joslyn Carter, LCSW, was most recently the Associate Commissioner of Family Intake within the New York City Department of Homeless Services. In that position, she oversaw the operation of the PATH, the intake site where families apply for shelter, and was responsible for the application process for all families seeking shelter in New York City. With more than 35,000 applications yearly and a staff of 300, she was charged with ensuring that Family Intake operates twenty-four hours per day, 365 days per year, and that the application process complies with all regulatory guidelines. In this role, Carter increased homelessness prevention efforts, streamlined the placement process, and maximized the collaborative efforts with onsite agencies, including HRA.
Carter has worked at the Department of Homeless Services for 13 years, with increasing responsibilities within the Division of Family Services. She began her employment as a Program Analyst, managing 10 Family Shelters, and was promoted to a Program Administrator in 2008, where her responsibilities grew to managing more than 25 Family Shelters. In 2013, Carter was appointed to the Associate Commissioner of Transitional Services, and was responsible for the management of all Family Shelters.
Prior to joining DHS, Joslyn worked both for public and private entities, including Kings County Hospital as a Social Worker in both the Emergency Room and the Obstetrics Department; the American Red Cross as the Director of Social Services; and Talbot Services Children Services as the Director of Preventive Services. She has also worked as a Therapist, providing treatment for individuals, including children. Joslyn’s interest has been in child development and empowering women. She has developed and run support groups for women, girls and families. She is certified as a Student Field Instructor for Hunter College, and has provided clinical supervision for MSW students.
Joslyn brings more than 23 years of professional experience and knowledge to her position. She received her Master of Social Work Degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work in 1993, and completed a post graduate Clinical Social Work Fellowship from Yale University in 1996, receiving clinical training in working with children and families.
