START Coordinator

YAI•Berkeley, CA

About The Position

The START Coordinator provides START Services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and/or behavioral health needs. The role maintains an active caseload of up to 20–25 individuals, conducts assessments and outreach, consults with support systems, coordinates crisis planning, and connects individuals with appropriate clinical and community resources. Outreach may take place in homes, day or vocational settings, in person or through telehealth, based on the individual’s support needs and project scope. The coordinator develops and maintains service evaluations, crisis prevention and intervention plans, assessments, therapeutic coaching plans, and other required documentation. The position works closely with START leadership and clinical staff, community partners, and the Center for START Services National Network. It also includes regularly scheduled rotational on-call coverage for crisis services, travel across assigned regions, and completion of START Coordinator certification within 12 months of appointment. The role must comply with YAI policies, applicable state requirements, and relevant regulations, including HIPAA.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Mental Health, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or another Human Service field; alternatively, a satisfactory combination of education, experience, and/or training authorized by START/NCSS or the applicable state regulatory agency. All START Coordinators must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a human services discipline.
At least two years of experience working with the I/DD population and/or behavioral health needs, unless an approved satisfactory combination of education, experience, and/or training applies.
Complete START Coordinator Certification training within 12 months of appointment and demonstrate competencies in all associated areas.
Ability to provide regularly recurring on-call coverage for crisis services beyond regular work hours, including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and/or overnight on a 24/7 basis as required.
Ability to travel regularly across assigned regions for in-person assessments, evaluations, and visits, and occasionally across other regions or states for NCSS meetings or events.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including handling objects, tools, or controls; walking, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, and reaching; lifting, carrying, and transporting items weighing up to 25 pounds; and implementing crisis intervention plans, which may include running.
Ability to work with complex systems and interest in the population served.
Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Independent and organized, with strong communication and writing skills.
Highly flexible personality and willingness to take initiative.
For assignments in California: valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with I/DD who have co-occurring diagnoses and complex behavioral needs.
Experience working with people and their families and/or social service providers.
Verbal and/or written fluency in Spanish; fluency in other languages may be preferred based on assigned region and caseload.

Responsibilities

Maintain an active caseload of up to 20–25 individuals referred for START Services and provide systemic consultation based on assessment and outreach findings.
Conduct regular outreach visits and evaluations in individuals’ homes, day or vocational settings, in person and/or through telehealth as appropriate.
Assist with consultation and treatment referrals, screen individuals for START enrollment, complete intake assessments, and refer to clinical or medical leadership or the Resource Center as appropriate.
Coordinate support meetings and crisis plan development using the START Action Plan, share findings, coordinate responses, and escalate concerns as needed.
Develop Comprehensive Service Evaluations, Cross-Systems Crisis Prevention and Intervention Plans, intake and assessment documents, Therapeutic Coaching Program plans, Resource Center admission and discharge documents, and other service records.
Participate in recurring consultation, staff, and other meetings with START leadership, the clinical team, and the START Therapeutic Coaching program.
Provide regularly scheduled rotational on-call support as part of the START team, including crisis coverage beyond regular work hours as required.
Complete and maintain documentation, paperwork, and records promptly, including resolution of concerns and incident reporting.
Enter required data into the START Information Reporting System and other applicable systems accurately and on time.
Conduct regular outreach with community partners to maintain relationships and linkages.
Develop materials and present at Clinical Education Team Meetings as assigned.
Participate in the Center for START Services National Network, including its online resource center, calls, study groups, annual conference meeting, and other START events as recommended.
Complete and maintain required trainings and obtain and maintain START Coordinator certification.
Comply with Federal, State, Local, and other relevant regulatory requirements, including HIPAA.
Perform other duties as assigned.