Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Provides comprehensive case management, crisis support, coordination of care, advocacy, community linkage, and development of intervention plans using the START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) service model. Supports individuals at-risk for acute crisis, loss of residential placement, and/or individuals who are currently experiencing crisis. Supports the system of care, ensures high-quality services for participants and that all treatments provided follows protocols established and approved by ESSC and the National Center for START Services (NCSS). Oversees the implementation of therapeutic coaching activities provided by therapeutic coaches. Collaborates with the START leadership team to monitor the quality and delivery of crisis support services using the START service model.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

• Provides specific trainings on recommended strategies included in Cross-Systems Crisis Prevention and Intervention Plan (CSCPIP) to START team members and systems of support.
• Trains and supervises to Therapeutic Coaches with identifying activities to utilize in order to meet the goals of the service and provide triage of issues as needed and to provide support to individuals with daily activities, personal care, behavioral health needs, and health, wellness, and leisure activities.
• Trains and supervises Therapeutic Coaches, providers, and caregivers on de-escalation and intervention strategies for individuals displaying emergency behavioral health concerns. Provides crisis plans and assessment outcomes to START Therapeutic Coaching Lead (STCL) and START coaches to enhance coaching activities.
• Establishes collaborative relationships with all relevant systems of support and facilitates team meetings.
• Provides support and feedback for emergency coaching visits. , leads community Clinical Education Training with Clinical Director, leads START team daily triage to review potential crisis and provide support, leads and facilitates internal ESSC START team and community trainings.
• Maintain an active caseload of individuals referred for START Services (variability occurs depending on activity level of cases and the project scope).
• Must successfully participate in and complete the START Coordinator certification training within 12 months of employment. This includes the demonstration of competencies in all areas associated with START Coordination.
• Understand how to use ecomaps as part of systemic analysis and provide consultation to systems/teams as needed using best practices.
• Assist with referrals for START services as needed including screening for enrollment in START.
• Ensure coordination of support meetings and crisis plan development for individuals enrolled in START.
• Provide outreach visits to the individuals’ home, day, and vocational settings regularly.
• Use the START Action Plan for case planning and strategizing.
• Develop Comprehensive Service Evaluations, Cross-Systems Crisis Prevention and Intervention Plans, intake/assessments, admission/discharge summaries for resource center admissions or inpatient hospital admissions and any other applicable documentation of services provided.
• Develop materials and present cases at Clinical Education Team Meetings as assigned by the director or designee.
• Complete all required data entry expectations.
• Provide on-call support on a rotational basis as part of a START team.
• Participate in the Center for START Services National network, which brings together projects from across North America through an online resource center, conference calls, select study groups, and a meeting at an annual conference as recommended.

EDUCATION:

• Master’s Degree in social work, psychology, counseling or human service field.
• Must have and maintain current CPR certification card.
• Must complete START Coordinator certification within 12 months following employment.

EXPERIENCE:

• 2 years of professional experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, in a multi-disciplinary team setting. Typically, experience in managing severe behavior problems such as frequent property destruction, aggression towards others, SIB, PICA, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of evidence-based practices, scientifically validated methodologies and approaches found to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs, familiar with current research findings.
• Strong clinical, administrative, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Able to interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain customer service orientation and professionalism in all interactions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to participants and their families and maintain positive affect.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentations.
• Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test.
• Ability to provide proof of required vaccinations or positive titer showing immunity. A signed declination may be acceptable for certain vaccinations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals of Southern California and/or program requirements.
• Ability to travel locally; maintain a driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; maintain auto insurance and vehicle registration.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-30 lbs.
Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.
Sitting: Constant / Up to 8 hours per day.
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.
Travel: May require up to 50% of time.
Environmental Exposure: Regular exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions (noise, heat, dust, bodily fluids, etc.)