DSP - Shift Leader

Beyond Support Network; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Beyond Support Network in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Shift Leader for the 2pm–10pm shift. This full-time position oversees Direct Support Professionals in a residential setting, coordinates daily activities, and promotes person-centered care and safety.

The role requires leadership to ensure quality supports and adherence to ethics and program goals. Responsibilities include supervising DSP staff, coordinating staffing, aiding training, and supporting behavior plans and community participation

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED required.
• Valid clean New York State driver’s license required.
• One year of experience in health and human services related field with individuals with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) during shifts.
• Assist with staffing and staff assignments; participate in training sessions for new DSPs.
• Oversee implementation of residential habilitation plans and behavior support plans.
• Ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to agency policies.

Job description

Starting Rate: $25-$27.50 / hour
Full Time: 37.5 Hours Per Week
Shift: 2pm - 10pm, 5 days per week (actual scheduled days may be flexible based on program need and candidate availability)

Lead with Purpose!

Join our team and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As a Shift Leader, you’ll guide and support Residential Counselors (DSPs), coordinate daily activities, promote safety, and help ensure person-centered care. Coach and mentor staff while empowering individuals to build independence, make choices, develop skills, and participate in their communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The shift leader provides leadership and supervision to the direct care staff in the residential facility. The shift leader ensures that residential habilitation plans are implemented, progress is monitored, and direct support professionals provide proper support to the individuals at their site in accordance with the DSP Code of Ethics. They also play a key role in overseeing the implementation of behavior support plans, the HCBS Waiver initiative, and community activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct supervision to DSP staff during shifts, ensuring they follow established protocols, procedures and implement program goals.
• Offer ongoing support and guidance to DSPs, addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
• Assists with staffing needs and staff assignments.
• Assisting training sessions for new DSPs.
• May assist with on-call duties in the event the house manager is unavailable (vacation, sick, etc)
• Collaborate with supervisors and management to address systemic issues or recurring challenges within the program.
• Participates in monthly/quarterly residential and Agency meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors and/or senior management.
• Supports a person’s unique capacities and personality and potential.
• Demonstrates respect for all individuals being supported.
• Demonstrates support for individual choice making in order to enhance confidence and assertiveness.
• Gets to know the person through assessment/discovery.
• Uses a holistic approach to participate in the individual’s life planning activities and assists in their implementation.
• Encourages and supports problem-solving and coping skills.
• Supports the self-direction of services and promotes advocacy with the individual.
• Provides opportunities for the individual to be a self-advocate.
• Describes and supports individuals’ rights and takes action when rights may have been breached.
• Facilitates personal growth and development.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively teach skills to people supported.
• Assists in the development, implementation and on-going evaluation of service plans that are based on the individual’s preferences, needs, and interests.
• Continuously shares observations, insights, and recommendations with the individual and his/her support team.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships and supports individuals to overcome barriers and challenges to establishing and maintaining a network of relationships and valued social roles.
• Uses effective communication strategies and skills to establish collaborative relationships with the person.
• Demonstrates professionalism, respect, ethical behavior, reliability, flexibility, punctuality, and a professional demeanor.
• Maintains accurate records by collecting, compiling, evaluating data and submitting it in a timely manner to the appropriate sources.
• Adheres to and promotes the mission, culture and practices of the organization.
• Knows, understands, and follows the NADSP Code of Ethics.
• Supports health and wellness, including nutritious meal planning, medical care needs, illness prevention, and timely response to signs and symptoms of illness/injury and medical emergencies.
• Supports individuals in managing their personal finances by promoting informed decision-making, safeguarding funds, assisting with budgeting and purchases, maintaining accurate financial documentation, and ensuring compliance with agency policies, funding source requirements, and individual service plans
• Provides a safe and clean environment and addresses immediate health, safety, and cleanliness concerns upon discovery.
• Recognizes, prevents, and reports abuse according to mandated reporting procedures.
• Supports crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution using OPWDD PROMOTE competencies and individual-specific Behavior Support Plans.
• Supports safety in everyday situations, transportation situations, and environmental emergencies.
• Supports active participation in the community and community contribution.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The DSP Shift Leader is expected to consistently demonstrate the following core competencies in the delivery and oversight of residential services:

Leadership

Provides day-to-day leadership by setting clear expectations, modeling professional behavior, supporting staff, and promoting person-centered services.

Team Leadership

Coordinates shift activities, delegates responsibilities appropriately, promotes teamwork, and ensures continuity of quality supports throughout the shift.

Accountability & Dependability

Accepts responsibility for shift operations, staff performance, documentation, and timely completion of assigned responsibilities while consistently following through on commitments.

Communication

Communicates clearly and respectfully with individuals receiving services, coworkers, supervisors, families, and interdisciplinary team members to promote consistent service delivery.

Coaching & Mentoring

Provides guidance, training, and constructive feedback to Direct Support Professionals while reinforcing agency expectations and best practices.

Decision Making & Judgment

Uses sound judgment when responding to behavioral, medical, staffing, and operational situations while maintaining individual safety and regulatory compliance.

Planning & Organizing

Coordinates staffing assignments, daily schedules, appointments, community activities, and documentation to ensure smooth shift operations.

Safety Focus

Maintains a safe environment by ensuring compliance with behavior support plans, emergency procedures, medication protocols, transportation requirements, and agency safety standards.

Customer Focus

Promotes person-centered supports by respecting individual choice, dignity, rights, and personal outcomes while encouraging community participation and independence.

Attention to Detail

Ensures documentation, medication records, incident reports, and program records are accurate, complete, and submitted within required timeframes.

Initiative

Anticipates operational needs, addresses concerns promptly, assists coworkers proactively, and seeks opportunities to improve service quality and team effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: High school diploma/GED and a valid clean New York State driver’s license.

Desired: One year experience in health and human services related field with experience with individuals with disabilities.

Flexible to work overtime, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays when necessary.

Must have or achieve certification within 3 months of hire in the following:

• First Aid Certification
• Medication Administration
• CPR Certification
• Defensive Driving

Applicants must be comfortable using computers and technology in a professional setting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required, along with the ability and willingness to learn and use organizational software systems and electronic documentation platforms.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.