Challenge Unlimited Inc

Alton, IL

The nonprofit corporation was originally founded as Specialized Services, Inc., (now Challenge Unlimited) formed by concerned parents of children with disabilities. The parents wanted their adult children to participate in some form of productive activity and hopefully gain vocational experiences that would lead to employment. 

Specialized Services, Inc., opened its doors to provide services to six individuals. It was initially funded by contributions from parents, concerned citizens, and local businesses. With a growing need, Specialized Services secured a grant from the Department of Mental Health and grew rapidly to 50 participants. A new building was purchased to provide additional services to individuals with disabilities.

The agency began providing production services as a subcontracted business solution for local companies. Individuals with a disability were able to work according to each person’s abilities under a special minimum wage certificate.

Tom Moehn is hired as President and CEO with a vision for community integration. 

Specialized Services, Inc., with a renewed vision to develop human potential through work related opportunities grows to become a social enterprise with the expansion of its production services and the launch of the custodial services line of business employing individuals with disabilities. 

Residential Services of Madison County, an Affiliate Organization, was formed with a single group home. The State of Illinois requested that the agency take over a large residential facility in Troy, IL. That facility was downsized and ICF-DD and CILA homes were built to provide 12 homes for approximately 100 residents. This company is now known as Residential Options, Inc.

Through a partnership with NISH, the company expanded its social business model to provide Facility Management Services to the Federal Government. The first contract was at Scott Air Force Base. 

Specialized Services rebrands and becomes Challenge Unlimited, Inc.

Alpha Industries was formed as an affiliate organization of Challenge Unlimited. The nonprofit organization was created to broaden production service contracts while creating work related opportunities for individuals with economic, cognitive, social and educational disadvantages. 

President & CEO, Tom Moehn, retires after 46 years of service impacting thousands of lives.

Challenge Unlimited hires Charlotte Hammond as President and CEO to further expand and increase the footprint for inclusion and integration in the community for people with a disability.

Challenge Unlimited receives 2013 St. Louis Regional Chamber Arcus Award for Achievement in Economic Inclusion.

Challenge Unlimited expands its footprint to Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, and Texas.

Job Specifications

Location

Saint louis, MO

Salary

18.5 - 18.5 HOUR

Published

14 days ago

Type

Full Time

Career Level

Mid Level

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Job Coach/Production Supervisor


Join a mission-driven organization where your leadership helps create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while ensuring quality production outcomes for our customers. 

Challenge Unlimited is seeking a Production Supervisor to oversee production operations while supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a manufacturing, packaging, and assembly environment. This position combines production leadership with workforce development by training, coaching, and supporting employees to achieve vocational goals and maximize workplace independence.

The Production Supervisor is responsible for ensuring production quality, meeting customer requirements, maintaining a safe work environment, and providing hands-on guidance to employees while fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.


Shift: Full-Time 
Days: Monday-Friday 
Hours: 7:30am-4pm (no late nights or weekends!)
Pay: $20 per hour 
Location:  St. Louis, MO

Key Responsibilities

  • Supervise daily packaging, assembly, and production activities.
  • Coordinate workflow to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements are met.
  • Inspect completed work for accuracy and quality.
  • Track production output, productivity, and operational performance.
  • Move materials and finished products using carts, pallet jacks, or other approved equipment.
  • Train, coach, and support individuals with developmental disabilities in work and training activities.
  • Demonstrate job tasks, safety procedures, equipment operation, and quality expectations.
  • Monitor employee performance and provide feedback, guidance, and encouragement.
  • Assist employees in achieving vocational and person-centered goals.
  • Promote an inclusive, respectful, and supportive work environment.
  • Maintain accurate production, quality, and training records.
  • Complete required reports, incident documentation, and productivity tracking.
  • Monitor employee progress and maintain data required for program compliance.
  • Utilize company software and electronic record systems to document activities and results.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe production and training areas.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operational procedures.
  • Monitor equipment and supply needs and report maintenance concerns as needed.
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties within production areas.
  • Lead, motivate, and support team members to achieve production and organizational goals.
  • Train and mentor new employees.
  • Foster accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Support employee development through coaching, performance feedback, and problem-solving.

Requirements

Education: High School or GED required. Post High School education preferred.

Experience: Prior experience in production, job set-ups, workflow processes, documentation, recordkeeping. 1+ years of supervisory experience. Quality control experience and experience working with adults with developmental disabilities preferred.

Certifications/Licenses: CPR and First Aid, CPI (to be obtained within the first 6 months of hire).  In house Forklift Certification within 3 months.

Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. QuickBooks, Kronos and Quantum experience preferred.

Background Checks: Must pass criminal background check, various State and Federal registry checks. 

Driving: Must pass driving history check and Company policy criteria (i.e., maintain valid driver’s license, and be 21 or older to drive). Company travel using personal insured vehicle is not required. Occasionally drives personal vehicle between work sites.

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Life Insurance 
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • 401(k) + 50% Company match

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,  national origin, disability or protected veteran status.