Aging and elderly adults receive health care and other services in their homes, in nursing homes and in hospice centers. The clinical service supervisor oversees the people providing this health care, such as a home health aide or nursing home staff. To make sure a client receives high-quality care, the supervisor may also work closely with a client’s physicians and family.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical service supervisors are primarily responsible for overseeing and directing the care an aged patient receives, and are likely to have little to no direct contact with the patient. Instead, they train staff, which includes nurses and other people who provide direct services to clients. For example, they may educate and coach nurses and staff on treating and providing care to clients who have acute or chronic medical of behavioral health conditions. They may also have initial contact with a prospective client or patient, such as someone considering moving into the nursing home where the supervisor works.

Other Responsibilities

Many employers task clinical service supervisors with overseeing a budget for their staff or for one or more departments. Depending on where the supervisor works, she may also be responsible for ensuring that her nurses, staff and department meet departmental goals. She may also oversee staff assignments, as well as ensure that her staff follows all state or site-based rules and regulations when performing their jobs, and that they have and keep any necessary certification. It may also be a supervisor's job to make sure that nurses and staff stay current on any policies and procedures, as these may change over time, as well as be involved in hiring and evaluating members of their nursing teams.

Education and Experience

How much education a clinical supervisor needs depends on where he wants to work. Some employers expect a bachelor’s degree in nursing, psychology, social work or counseling, while others, such as Aetna, will consider hiring a supervisor with an associate's degree and several years of relevant experience. Experience requirements also vary by employer. For example, to work as a clinical supervisor for the Tampa-based Senior Home Care, a supervisor needs to have at least two years of related experience, while CVS Caremark expects its clinical services supervisors to have at least six years of relevant experience and a minimum of three years of prior clinical and supervisory experience.

Licensure and Certification

Most employers want a clinical services supervisor to be licensed as a registered nurse in the state where she works. Some employers may also require additional certifications. For example, CVS Caremark prefers its clinical services supervisors be certified pharmacy technicians as well, while Aetna expects its clinical supervisors to be certified case managers and have certificates in gerontology.

Skills and Other Requirements

People skills and leadership ability are key traits for this job. Supervisors should know how to work well on their own and with others, and also know how to develop and lead training programs. They should be familiar with computer software such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and may also need to understand and know how to apply Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance regulations and guidelines. An employer may also want a supervisor to have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Finally, some employers may require a supervisor to be CPR-certified.