Job Description

Title: Group Supervisor

Barber National Institute

Service Line / Department: Children & Youth / Happy Hearts

Reports To: Director, Child Care

Status: Non-Exempt

Overview (What is this role? What are we looking for?):

The Group Supervisor leads the daily operations of a classroom within the Happy Hearts program, creating a safe, nurturing, and structured learning environment where children can grow, learn, and reach their potential. This role provides high-quality early childhood education and care aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, Keystone STARS requirements, and Department of Human Services regulations. You will supervise Assistant Group Supervisors, implement curriculum, support individualized learning needs, and collaborate with families, therapists, and interdisciplinary teams to support each child’s development. We are looking for a compassionate, organized classroom leader with early childhood experience, strong supervision skills, and a commitment to inclusion, safety, and regulatory compliance.

What you’ll bring (Competencies or Behaviors):

• Result Driver, Insightful Decision Maker, and Problem Solver: Sets SMART goals, monitors progress, interprets data, evaluates risks, breaks down issues, identifies root causes, and engages staff in structured solutions and accountability.
• Compassionate Influencer and Talent Cultivator: Builds trust, responds with empathy, addresses conflict fairly, creates an inclusive team culture, and develops team strengths through coaching, learning, and performance support.
• Change Navigator and Transparent Communicator: Explains the “why” behind change, supports staff through transitions, provides clear expectations and timely feedback, and maintains open, consistent communication.
• Business Strategizer and Mission-Centered Professional: Manages resources responsibly, uses data to inform decisions, balances service quality with operational efficiency, and models collaboration, adaptability, confidentiality, and ethical judgment.

What you’ll have (Qualifications):

• Education: Meets Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) qualifications for Group Supervisor, including one of the following: (1) bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or a related human services field; (2) bachelor’s degree with 30 credit hours in a related field and one year of experience working with children; (3) associate’s degree in a related field and two years of experience working with children; or (4) associate’s degree with 30 credit hours in a related field and three years of experience working with children. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered in alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Experience: Prior experience working with young children in an early childhood or child care setting required; experience supervising or coaching staff preferred.
• Licensures/Certifications: Must meet Department of Human Services (DHS) and Keystone STARS requirements for Group Supervisor qualifications. Valid driver’s license and ongoing compliance with all agency and insurer driving eligibility requirements are required for role-related travel. Successful completion of all regulatory and agency-mandated clearances, including criminal background checks, child abuse clearances, and fingerprinting, is required, along with ongoing compliance with required clearances, professional development, and certification requirements.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, child development principles, Keystone STARS requirements, and DHS regulations; ability to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning activities; strong leadership, communication, collaboration, organizational, documentation, and compliance skills; ability to manage classroom behavior and maintain a safe, structured, supportive environment; and a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Physical and Environmental Requirements: Standard office environment with frequent use of computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment; ability to sit or stand for extended periods; speak clearly; hear and understand verbal communication; engage effectively in in-person and virtual meetings; frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and operating office equipment; occasional standing, walking, movement between offices or program areas, lifting and carrying materials up to 20 lbs., pushing or pulling light objects, travel between BNI locations, program sites, or community-based settings, and flexibility to support operational needs outside standard business hours, including evenings or weekends as needed. Barber National Institute provides reasonable accommodation to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

A typical day-to-day may include (Responsibilities):

• Lead daily classroom operations by planning and developing lesson plans aligned with curriculum and Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, assessing developmental needs, collaborating with special education staff and therapists, and contributing to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).*
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate Assistant Group Supervisors and classroom staff; provide direction, guidance, and performance feedback; support scheduling, workflow oversight, and continuity of operations; and ensure consistent implementation of curriculum, classroom management strategies, and program policies.*
• Monitor classroom safety and ensure children are supervised at all times; oversee incident reporting and communication with families, nursing, and leadership as required; and model and reinforce safety practices while escalating risks promptly.*
• Maintain compliance with Department of Human Services (DHS) and Keystone STARS requirements through accurate documentation, training completion, adherence to program standards, and awareness of operational trends and regulatory updates.*
• Support program operations by assisting the Early Education Coordinator and Director of Child Care in activities that ensure a safe, high-quality learning environment for children; manage resources effectively and support innovation and continuous improvement at the program level.*
• Build collaborative relationships with families, internal departments, community partners, and core administrative teams—including Governance, Risk, and Compliance; Human Resources; Information Technology; Finance; and Strategic Communications—to support coordinated services, uphold policies, support recruitment and staff development, follow technology and data security practices, align to budget processes, and strengthen mission-centered communication.*
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, continuous learning, and accountability by encouraging open dialogue, shared problem-solving, and professional growth; invest in personal leadership development and reinforce mission-centered communication, confidentiality, and professional conduct.*
• Model BNI’s Core Commitments, collaboration, transparent communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and ethical judgment; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information in accordance with policy and applicable laws; and perform other related duties as assigned that support the mission and purpose of Barber National Institute.*

*Essential function of the job as designated by Barber National Institute for ADA purposes (used to support ADA compliance and the interactive process).

All staff must maintain confidentiality and uphold Barber National Institute’s mission, values, and ethical standards.

Perks with a Purpose

Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare

• Highmark Medical and Mental Health
• Delta Dental and Davis Vision Coverage
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Teladoc Virtual Health

Financial Well-being

• 401K Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• On-Demand Pay
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts
• Employee Discounts

Life & Family Support

• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare
• Employee discounts for select BNI events and services
• Generous Paid Time Off

Who is Barber National Institute?

The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential and behavioral health programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE

Any consideration of the background check will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.