Community Living Shift Supervisor

Shift Supervisor

The Shift Supervisor (SS) is the lead staff member on shift within a Community Living home and serves as the Program Manager's on-site extension. While the Shift Supervisor does not hold formal supervisory authority for employment decisions, they provide daily oversight, training, coaching, and direction to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ensure safe, consistent, and high-quality services.

Shift Supervisors play a critical role in maintaining daily structure, accountability, and continuity of care. They model expectations, ensure required tasks are completed, support client engagement, and escalate concerns to the Program Manager. This role is essential to the smooth operation of the home. This is a safety-sensitive position. Shift Supervisors must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained.

Shift Supervisors implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Minimum of six (6) months experience in a residential or direct support role required, one (1) year of experience preferred

Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or challenging behaviors

Prior lead, mentor, or informal leadership experience strongly preferred

Skills & Competencies

Valid driver's license meeting transportation requirements (Missouri Class E, out-of-state equivalent, or CDL with Passenger/School Bus endorsement).

Strong ability to model expectations and lead peers by example

Working knowledge of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Individual Support Plans (ISPs)

Ability to coach peers respectfully and professionally

Strong organizational and follow-through skills

Ability to identify issues and escalate concerns appropriately

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and professionalism

Working knowledge of DMH, Medicaid, and Community Living standards

High accountability and follow-through

Ability to lead calmly and decisively in high-pressure situations

Excellent verbal and written communication abilities

Knowledge of crisis management, safety, and compliance standards

Key Responsibilities

Dignity First

Models respectful, trauma-informed interactions with individuals served

Ensures DSPs maintain professional conduct and respectful language

Addresses concerns immediately when dignity, safety, or respect is compromised

Ensures individuals feel safe, supported, and valued throughout the shift

Person-Centered Outcomes

Ensures BSPs, ISPs, and daily routines are followed as written

Models and reinforces person-centered language, choice, and autonomy

Supports DSPs in implementing individualized supports consistently

Ensures client needs, preferences, and goals are reflected in daily activities

Implements behavior support and skill-building interventions using ABA principles and evidence-based practices

Maintains fidelity to clinical programming and seeks clarification when plans are unclear or barriers arise

Connected Community

Models and encourages meaningful client engagement and relationship-building

Supports participation in community outings and activities when scheduled

Reinforces inclusive practices and positive social interactions

Communicates relevant observations to the Program Manager

Whole Person Support

Supports daily living activities, health needs, and behavioral supports as required

Observes staff implementation of supports and provides real-time coaching

Assists with monitoring client well-being and reports concerns promptly

Supports medication routines and health-related tasks per training and policy

Transports individuals served to appointments, outings, and community activities as required

Administers medications and completes MAR documentation in accordance with training, physician orders, and BHA policy

Empowerment Through Daily Life

Encourages client independence through daily routines and activities

Assists DSPs in using everyday moments as skill-building opportunities

Reinforces positive progress and effort for individuals served

Helps maintain structured, predictable routines within the home

Integrity In Action

Ensures required documentation is completed accurately and on time for all employees on shift

Audits shift reviews, event reports and Medication Administration Records (MAR) daily and follows up with DSPs on missing or incomplete entries

Ensures daily checklists are completed, including cleaning, documentation, and safety tasks

Reports concerns, incidents, or compliance issues to the Program Manager

Upholds BHA policies, procedures, and ethical standards

Works closely with Behavioral Clinicians (BCBAs/Behavior Specialists) to implement BSPs, skill-acquisition programs, and environmental strategies

Participates in coaching, modeling, and feedback to improve ABA implementation and outcomes

Collaborative Teamwork

Provides on-shift training, coaching, guidance, and support to DSPs

Assists with on-the-job training for new or developing staff

Communicates clearly with the Program Manager regarding shift issues, staffing, or performance concerns

Completes delegated tasks assigned by the Program Manager

Supports a positive, respectful, and team-oriented shift culture

Collaborates with nursing and clinical team to ensure proper and effective person centered supports

Consistency and Compassion

Ensures staffing assignments are followed and attendance is verified at the start of each shift

Reports staffing gaps immediately and assists in identifying coverage

Assists with filling shifts when needed by contacting available staff

Maintains calm, steady leadership during high-stress or crisis situations

Supports crisis response using approved PCM techniques

Daily & Weekly Operational Responsibilities

Audit and follow up on daily shift reviews, MAR's and event reports

Audit and follow up on client expenses, ensuring all receipts are uploaded and documented as outlined to BHA standards

Ensure daily cleaning, documentation, and safety checklists are completed

Support staff training and skill reinforcement during shifts

Assist with grocery planning and ensuring adequate food and household supplies

Support weekly meal planning and client involvement in meal choices

Conduct basic safety and environmental checks of the home

Ensure required forms and logs are completed and escalated as needed

Implements reinforcement strategies, prompting procedures, and behavior-reduction strategies as outlined in BSPs and clinical programming

Collects required behavioral and skill-acquisition data accurately and in real time, per clinical direction

Staffing & Shift Coverage Support

Verifies staff attendance and role assignments at shift start

Reports call-offs or no-shows immediately to the Program Manager

Assists with securing coverage for open shifts

May adjust on-shift task assignments to ensure ratios and safety are maintained

Accountability & Impact

Shift Supervisors are directly accountable for the condition, safety, and daily functioning of the home during their assigned shifts. This role carries ownership, not observation.

Shift Supervisors are accountable for ensuring:

Required documentation (shift reviews, checklists, logs, MARs, incident reporting) is completed accurately, thoroughly, and on time

Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and daily routines are followed as written

The home environment is clean, safe, sanitary, and well-organized throughout the shift

Safety hazards, cleanliness issues, or environmental concerns are addressed immediatelynot simply reported

Individuals served receive appropriate engagement, supervision, meals, and supports during the shift

DSPs complete assigned tasks and follow expectations for care,