Department of Homeless Services311Search all NYC.gov websites

Careers

Print icon Print

Department of Homeless Services: About Us

DSS is hiring

Join the DHS Family!

Why Choose DHS?

  • Largest force in the fight against homelessness with nearly 2,000 dedicated employees.
  • Innovative solutions to help families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency through employment, public benefits, and housing resources.
  • Passionate team: Whether your background is in social work, case management, legal services, policing, outreach, operations, administration, or IT, we have a place for you!

Ready to Make a Difference? Explore our current openings, see our videos below, and apply now! Become part of something transformative. Together, we can build a better, more compassionate New York City!


Button that reads VIEW ALL JOB LISTINGS


Life at DHS Playlist


Audio Description: A playlist of four videos highlighting NYC DHS caseworkers, police officers, program directors, and Safe Haven specialists. They share their experiences working for the largest local social services agency in the country, emphasizing their commitment to serving New Yorkers with care and compassion.

Civil Service Exams

NYC fills many of its positions through the Civil Service Process, a process guided by the New York State Civil Service Law. This process is in place to help ensure that the hiring process is competitive and fair.

In most instances, taking a civil service exam is the beginning of a hiring process that may lead to employment with the city. These exams are used to measure a candidate's ability and qualifications to fulfill job requirements. Exams are administered through the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS).

How to take a civil service exam

  • View DCAS's exams schedules to find upcoming exams
  • Find the "Notice of Examination" for each exam you are interested in taking
  • Review the "How to Qualify" section for each position to make sure you meet eligibility requirements
  • Apply using the Online Application System (OASys) or by visiting a DCAS testing center

You will have to meet basic criteria and pay a fee to apply. Most exams can be taken online or at one of DCAS's testing centers.

Upon completing the exam, candidates receive a list-order number (ranking) for the job title that corresponds with the exam taken.

The exam that you take may be for a job title that is present across multiple City agencies — not just DHS. Candidates are called (based off the list in rank order) for interviews by agencies as positions become available.