A program supervisor oversees staff, schedules, and participant complaints to ensure goals are met in government, private, or commercial programs. They may recruit and train staff and require a relevant bachelor’s degree and problem-solving skills.
A program supervisor typically directs and often participates in the progression of activities in many areas other than administering a set of classes, courses, or activities. The program may be a government-sponsored career skills class, a structured living situation for patients with mental illness, or many other government, private, or commercial programs. A program supervisor has the responsibility of overseeing staff to ensure that goals set by top management are achieved.
Program supervisors usually report to a manager who provides them with a clear list of tasks. A program supervisor does not generally create or write programs in most cases, but supervises their implementation and execution. Typical program oversight tasks involve briefing staff, creating schedules, conducting performance reviews, and handling participant complaints.
Some program supervisors recruit and hire staff. Supervisors often train staff so specific program details are implemented correctly. For example, in a government-sponsored career skills class, mandatory tools, such as certain aptitude tests, may have to be provided to program participants. The career program supervisor may need to train staff in administering the tests to participants. In this way, program details can be emphasized by the supervisor.
Specific program supervisors must constantly supervise the work of their staff and conduct regular performance reviews. Performance reviews can motivate staff to improve their work and keep the program running efficiently. Especially in the case of not-for-profit programs, funding can be cut if the program is not being run effectively or if there are many complaints from participants. A program supervisor should always deal with complaints promptly. Supervisors must be problem solvers and strong communicators.
A bachelor’s degree relevant to the field may be required to be a program supervisor. Managers can hire supervisors with a combination of education and experience in the subject of the program. For example, a parks and recreation program supervisor may be required to have a degree in physical education or some courses in the subject, in addition to work experience as an assistant physical education teacher. Other requirements may also be needed, such as a rescue or first aid certificate.
Program supervisors may need to work with supervisors or staff from other departments. They may have to record statistics related to their program participants and communicate with payroll regarding their staff pay. Supervisors are generally required to attend meetings as well as industry events related to the program.
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