What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Supervisor position at Ascension Recovery Services?
The
Program Supervisor
is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing a team of Recovery
Support staff within a residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facility. This individual
ensures safe, compassionate, trauma-informed support services for clients by coordinating daily
operations, providing direct supervision, and modeling excellence in client care. The Supervisor will
also perform the duties of an RSS as needed, promoting continuity of care and staff accountability.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership Responsibilities
Supervise, coach, and evaluate Recovery Support Specialists; ensure compliance with monthly
supervision and annual performance review requirements.
Collaborate with nursing, clinical, and administrative teams to ensure integrated, client-
centered care.
Develop and maintain the RSS staffing schedule; ensure appropriate coverage and alignment
with team strengths and competencies.
Lead orientation and onboarding for all new RSS staff, ensuring completion of training within
the first 60 days.
Develop and facilitate training materials, in-service education, and ongoing skill development
for the RSS team.
Monitor team adherence to facility policies, safety protocols, and therapeutic best practices.
Client Support and Direct Care
Conduct comprehensive client orientations within 48 hours of admission, covering program
rules, expectations, and support services.
Facilitate psychoeducational and life skills groups to support recovery and reintegration.
Support clinical processes including intake, UA administration, transportation, and recreational
programming.
Monitor and de-escalate behavioral issues, applying trauma-informed and ethical response
strategies.
Maintain detailed documentation of incidents, client progress, and shift activities per
organizational policy.
Ensure safe oversight of daily routines including housekeeping, meals, and medication lines.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Knowledge
Required:
Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding new staff.
Must obtain First Aid/CPR within 30 days of hire.
Valid driver’s license required; must meet all state-specific licensing requirements and be
eligible to transport patients in accordance with state regulations and company policy. Must
maintain an acceptable driving record.
Preferred:
Certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS).
Medication Technician/Medication Aide state certification preferred
Education and experience
Required
Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, psychology, or related field OR at least
2 years’ experience in behavioral health/SUD support services.
Minimum 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of 12-Step programming and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
Key Competencies
Trauma-Informed Practice:
Demonstrates sensitivity to the effects of trauma and integrates
principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment into interactions with
clients and staff.
Client-Centered Communication:
Uses active listening, clear language, and affirming tone to
support clients’ recovery and emotional regulation.
Crisis De-escalation and Behavioral Observation:
Recognizes early warning signs of agitation or
risk, applies de-escalation techniques, and communicates effectively with clinical staff.
Ethical Decision Making:
Consistently applies facility policies and professional standards to resolve
complex or sensitive situations while preserving client dignity.
Cultural Humility and Inclusivity:
Maintains awareness of one’s own biases; respects diverse
identities and adapts support strategies to meet client needs.
Work Conditions/Physical and Mental Requirements
Work Environment:
Indoor, climate-controlled clinical setting.Qualifications and Knowledge
Required:
Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding new staff.
Must obtain First Aid/CPR within 30 days of hire.
Valid driver’s license required; must meet all state-specific licensing requirements and be
eligible to transport patients in accordance with state regulations and company policy. Must
maintain an acceptable driving record.
Preferred:
Certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS).
Medication Technician/Medication Aide state certification preferred
Education and experience
Required
Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, psychology, or related field OR at least
2 years’ experience in behavioral health/SUD support services.
Minimum 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of 12-Step programming and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
Key Competencies
Trauma-Informed Practice:
Demonstrates sensitivity to the effects of trauma and integrates
principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment into interactions with
clients and staff.
Client-Centered Communication:
Uses active listening, clear language, and affirming tone to
support clients’ recovery and emotional regulation.
Crisis De-escalation and Behavioral Observation:
Recognizes early warning signs of agitation or
risk, applies de-escalation techniques, and communicates effectively with clinical staff.
Ethical Decision Making:
Consistently applies facility policies and professional standards to resolve
complex or sensitive situations while preserving client dignity.
Cultural Humility and Inclusivity:
Maintains awareness of one’s own biases; respects diverse
identities and adapts support strategies to meet client needs.
Work Conditions/Physical and Mental Requirements
Work Environment:
Indoor, climate-controlled clinical setting.
Physical Demands:
Regular sitting, walking, standing, and use of hands. May involve lifting
(<25 lbs.) and operating standard office and medical equipment.
Cognitive/Emotional Requirements:
Requires high-level critical thinking, emotional resilience, and ethical judgment in complex clinical
situations.
Must balance clinical demands, documentation accuracy, and interdisciplinary communication.
Performance Expectations
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Demonstrates reliable attendance and punctuality.
Recognized as a “go-to” staff member and trusted shift leader.
Effectively trains and supports new team members.
Maintains calm, professional presence during crises or incidents.
Models’ adherence to program expectations, boundaries, and client engagement best practices.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or
any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to creating an inclusive
environment for all employees.
Program Supervisor
is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing a team of Recovery
Support staff within a residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facility. This individual
ensures safe, compassionate, trauma-informed support services for clients by coordinating daily
operations, providing direct supervision, and modeling excellence in client care. The Supervisor will
also perform the duties of an RSS as needed, promoting continuity of care and staff accountability.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership Responsibilities
Supervise, coach, and evaluate Recovery Support Specialists; ensure compliance with monthly
supervision and annual performance review requirements.
Collaborate with nursing, clinical, and administrative teams to ensure integrated, client-
centered care.
Develop and maintain the RSS staffing schedule; ensure appropriate coverage and alignment
with team strengths and competencies.
Lead orientation and onboarding for all new RSS staff, ensuring completion of training within
the first 60 days.
Develop and facilitate training materials, in-service education, and ongoing skill development
for the RSS team.
Monitor team adherence to facility policies, safety protocols, and therapeutic best practices.
Client Support and Direct Care
Conduct comprehensive client orientations within 48 hours of admission, covering program
rules, expectations, and support services.
Facilitate psychoeducational and life skills groups to support recovery and reintegration.
Support clinical processes including intake, UA administration, transportation, and recreational
programming.
Monitor and de-escalate behavioral issues, applying trauma-informed and ethical response
strategies.
Maintain detailed documentation of incidents, client progress, and shift activities per
organizational policy.
Ensure safe oversight of daily routines including housekeeping, meals, and medication lines.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Knowledge
Required:
Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding new staff.
Must obtain First Aid/CPR within 30 days of hire.
Valid driver’s license required; must meet all state-specific licensing requirements and be
eligible to transport patients in accordance with state regulations and company policy. Must
maintain an acceptable driving record.
Preferred:
Certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS).
Medication Technician/Medication Aide state certification preferred
Education and experience
Required
Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, psychology, or related field OR at least
2 years’ experience in behavioral health/SUD support services.
Minimum 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of 12-Step programming and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
Key Competencies
Trauma-Informed Practice:
Demonstrates sensitivity to the effects of trauma and integrates
principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment into interactions with
clients and staff.
Client-Centered Communication:
Uses active listening, clear language, and affirming tone to
support clients’ recovery and emotional regulation.
Crisis De-escalation and Behavioral Observation:
Recognizes early warning signs of agitation or
risk, applies de-escalation techniques, and communicates effectively with clinical staff.
Ethical Decision Making:
Consistently applies facility policies and professional standards to resolve
complex or sensitive situations while preserving client dignity.
Cultural Humility and Inclusivity:
Maintains awareness of one’s own biases; respects diverse
identities and adapts support strategies to meet client needs.
Work Conditions/Physical and Mental Requirements
Work Environment:
Indoor, climate-controlled clinical setting.Qualifications and Knowledge
Required:
Experience training, mentoring, or onboarding new staff.
Must obtain First Aid/CPR within 30 days of hire.
Valid driver’s license required; must meet all state-specific licensing requirements and be
eligible to transport patients in accordance with state regulations and company policy. Must
maintain an acceptable driving record.
Preferred:
Certification as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS).
Medication Technician/Medication Aide state certification preferred
Education and experience
Required
Bachelor’s degree in human services, behavioral health, psychology, or related field OR at least
2 years’ experience in behavioral health/SUD support services.
Minimum 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of 12-Step programming and/or co-occurring disorders preferred.
Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
Key Competencies
Trauma-Informed Practice:
Demonstrates sensitivity to the effects of trauma and integrates
principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment into interactions with
clients and staff.
Client-Centered Communication:
Uses active listening, clear language, and affirming tone to
support clients’ recovery and emotional regulation.
Crisis De-escalation and Behavioral Observation:
Recognizes early warning signs of agitation or
risk, applies de-escalation techniques, and communicates effectively with clinical staff.
Ethical Decision Making:
Consistently applies facility policies and professional standards to resolve
complex or sensitive situations while preserving client dignity.
Cultural Humility and Inclusivity:
Maintains awareness of one’s own biases; respects diverse
identities and adapts support strategies to meet client needs.
Work Conditions/Physical and Mental Requirements
Work Environment:
Indoor, climate-controlled clinical setting.
Physical Demands:
Regular sitting, walking, standing, and use of hands. May involve lifting
(<25 lbs.) and operating standard office and medical equipment.
Cognitive/Emotional Requirements:
Requires high-level critical thinking, emotional resilience, and ethical judgment in complex clinical
situations.
Must balance clinical demands, documentation accuracy, and interdisciplinary communication.
Performance Expectations
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Demonstrates reliable attendance and punctuality.
Recognized as a “go-to” staff member and trusted shift leader.
Effectively trains and supports new team members.
Maintains calm, professional presence during crises or incidents.
Models’ adherence to program expectations, boundaries, and client engagement best practices.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or
any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to creating an inclusive
environment for all employees.