Lead Support Specialist

## Lead Support Specialist

**Position Summary**

Lead Support Specialist position is a flexible leadership and direct-support role responsible for providing coverage, operational support, and on-call assistance across the organization. This position serves as a dependable resource for programs and teams by stepping in where needed to maintain continuity of services, support staff, and ensure quality care for members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).

This role works collaboratively across youth and adult residential homes, Job Development & Training (JDT) programs, community-based activities, transportation needs, and member events. The position requires flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to respond effectively to staffing gaps, crisis situations, and changing program needs while upholding person-centered supports and organizational expectations.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**

**Floater Coverage & Operational Support**

• Provide coverage in youth and adult residential homes, day services, community settings, transportation, and special events as assigned or needed.
• Float between programs and locations to support continuity of operations and quality service delivery.
• Fill in for program needs during staff shortages, absences, call-outs, vacations, emergencies, or peak service periods.
• Adapt quickly to different environments, schedules, teams, and member support needs.
• Assist with staffing coordination and communication to help maintain safe and effective program coverage.

**Leadership & Staff Support**

• Serve as a role model for professionalism, flexibility, teamwork, and person-centered supports.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentoring to direct support staff when working across programs and shifts.
• Support program teams with problem-solving, shift transitions, and daily operational needs.
• Assist supervisors and leadership with special assignments, incident follow-up, and immediate program support as directed.
• Promote consistency with agency expectations, policies, and strategic goals.

**On-Call Responsibilities**

• Participate in the agency on-call rotation as assigned.
• Respond to after-hours calls, urgent staffing needs, incidents, and crisis situations in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide guidance to staff during emergencies and communicate necessary updates to leadership.
• Report on-call actions, concerns, and resolutions according to agency procedures.

**Direct Support & Member Care**

• Provide direct support to members in accordance with individual plans, agency procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure member health, safety, dignity, inclusion, and well-being are prioritized in all settings.
• Model high-quality support practices, including behavior support, supervision, transportation, and community participation.
• Assist with activities of daily living, recreational programming, appointments, and other member needs as required by assignment.
• Support positive engagement and meaningful participation in programs, events, and community activities.

**Collaboration & Communication**

• Work collaboratively with agency leadership, program teams, members, families, and community partners.
• Maintain professional, respectful, and timely communication across all settings and shifts.
• Document services, incidents, and program updates accurately and within required timelines.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, leadership discussions, and organizational initiatives as needed.

**Compliance & Quality Assurance**

• Ensure services align with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Support documentation standards, program quality, and accountability across assigned areas.
• Identify concerns, service gaps, or opportunities for improvement and communicate them to appropriate leadership.
• Complete reports on duties performed, member engagement, incidents, and follow-up actions as assigned.

**Work Environment**

• Work occurs in youth and adult residential homes, Job Development & Training (JDT) settings, community locations, transportation routes, and organizational event spaces.
• Manage Crisis situations and report per policy.
• Requires flexibility to work varying shifts, weekends, holidays, evenings, overnight coverage, and emergency assignments based on program need.
• May involve standing, walking, lifting, driving, and active participation in events and direct support activities.
• Changes or deviations in core responsibilities require approval of the Executive Director.

**Key Competencies**

• Flexibility and adaptability
• Leadership without formal authority
• Person-centered philosophy
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Problem-solving and initiative
• Professional boundaries and ethics
• Crisis response and sound judgment
• Dependability and accountability

## Qualifications
**QUALIFICATIONS:**
**Required Skills and Abilities**

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to complete detailed and accurate documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret service plans, case notes, schedules, and reports.
• Ability to observe, assess, and respond to member needs, behaviors, and environmental concerns.
• Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in high-stress and physically active environments.
• Ability to respond to changing assignments, priorities, and locations with professionalism and efficiency.

**Minimum Requirements**

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; additional education in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with youth, individuals with developmental disabilities, or individuals requiring behavioral or mental health support, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Supervisory, lead, or management experience in a related field preferred.
• Training in Crisis De-escalation and Physical Management, or ability to obtain and maintain required certification.
• Experience working in residential youth services, adult/senior services, foster care, behavioral health, or related human services settings preferred.
• Experience working with diverse or historically underrepresented populations.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass DFS, criminal background, and sex offender registry checks.
• Negative TB test.