Clinical Coordinator - START Program

If hired for this position, you would be an employee of our partner agency, Community Family Advocates working onsite at Allegheny County DHS.

Clinical Coordinator, START Program (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment)

Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS)

Location: Allegheny County, PA

Make a Difference in Complex Behavioral Health and IDD Services

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Coordinator to join the START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources and Treatment) Program.

START is an evidence-informed crisis prevention and intervention model that works collaboratively with individuals, families, providers, and systems of care to improve outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring behavioral health needs. As a Clinical Coordinator, you will play a critical role in supporting individuals and strengthening the systems that serve them through assessment, consultation, crisis planning, and cross-system collaboration.

This position is ideal for a clinical professional who enjoys working in a dynamic environment, coordinating across multiple service systems, and helping people achieve greater stability and quality of life.

Position Summary

The Clinical Coordinator is responsible for providing supportive clinical and care coordination services to individuals enrolled in the START Program. This position works closely with individuals, families, service providers, behavioral health professionals, and community partners to develop proactive support strategies, coordinate crisis prevention efforts, and strengthen systems of care.

The Clinical Coordinator maintains an active caseload and serves as a key resource for coordinating treatment planning, assessments, training, and crisis intervention efforts while promoting person-centered, strengths-based practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Care Coordination & Clinical Support

• Maintain an active caseload of individuals referred for START services.
• Conduct screenings and assist with referrals and enrollment into the START Program.
• Coordinate support meetings and facilitate collaboration across systems of care.
• Conduct outreach visits to homes, day programs, vocational settings, and other community-based environments.
• Utilize START Action Plans to guide intervention planning and support strategies.
• Participate in daily triage calls with the START team and community partners.
• Provide rotating on-call support as part of the START team.

Assessment & Crisis Prevention

• Develop Comprehensive Service Evaluations and intake assessments.
• Create Cross-Systems Crisis Prevention and Intervention Plans.
• Prepare admission, discharge, and service summaries.
• Utilize Ecomaps as part of systemic assessment and analysis.
• Provide consultation to support teams using START best practices.
• Ensure all support systems receive ongoing training regarding START support plans and interventions.

Collaboration & Education

• Partner with families, natural supports, providers, and community stakeholders.
• Develop educational materials and present information at Clinical Education Team meetings.
• Participate in professional learning opportunities through the Center for START Services National Network.
• Maintain knowledge of PERMA+, strength-spotting, and evidence-based assessment approaches utilized by the START model.
• Remain current on regulatory requirements across systems serving enrolled individuals.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timelines.
• Maintain service records and case documentation in accordance with program standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry and reporting.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related Human Services field required.

         OR

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related Human Services field with five (5) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs may be considered in limited circumstances, consistent with START Program requirements.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs.
• Experience working with families, support systems, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience in care coordination, crisis intervention, behavioral health, or case management preferred.

Certification Requirement

• Must obtain START Coordinator Certification within twelve (12) months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs.
• Ability to coordinate services across multiple systems and providers.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Commitment to person-centered and strengths-based practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building abilities.

Required Clearances and Licenses

• Act 33 Clearance, Act 34, and FBI Clearances
• Valid driver's license, insurance and access to a reliable vehicle

Why Join DHS?

At DHS, we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative solutions to complex human service issues.

As one of the nation's leading human services organizations, DHS offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families every day. We are looking for professionals who are compassionate, collaborative, and driven to improve systems of care for some of our community's most vulnerable populations.

If you are passionate about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, collaborating across systems, and helping people achieve better outcomes, we encourage you to apply.

Join DHS and help build stronger supports, prevent crises, and improve quality of life for individuals and families throughout Allegheny County.

"DHS strives to be the kind of place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come to grow and do their best work."

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER -M/F/V/D