Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives? RHD is seeking a Therapeutic Coach for its START program in Allegheny County. RHD offers a generous benefits package, and this position pays an annual salary of $60,000, PLUS a sign on bonus of $1,500 ($750 upon successful completion of 90 days, $750 upon successful completion of 180 days).

Position Summary

START stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment. Our goal is to provide stability and prevent disruptive crises in participants' lives. Services are provided 24/7 on-site or remote for crisis response and consultation.

The START Therapeutic Coach provides planned and emergency strengths-based, clinical coaching to primary caregivers and persons in their home setting to rethink presenting challenges. This service is part of the START crisis continuum and is only provided with participation of the START clinical team. The START program includes Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD), Behavioral Health and Housing (BHH), and Autism initiatives. The START program aims to improve the lives of persons with IDD and mental health needs and their families through fidelity to the START model with exemplary services and supports that emphasize local, person-centered, positive, multidisciplinary, cost-effective, and evidence-informed practices.

Essential Duties and Functions

Clinical Support

Provides coaching, support, and guidance to the parent/guardian/caregiver in implementing treatment plans. Monitors, documents, and collects data applicable to daily progress.

• Implement all STC services as outlined in the START Therapeutic Coaching Manual
• Collaborate with START clinical team to identify positive, strengths-based and culturally competent therapeutic strategies.
• Communicate with START team about biopsychosocial factors influencing current functioning, effects of interventions, and coaching outcomes.
• Provide modeling and education with entire family/support system to create a safe, nurturing, and meaningful home environment.
• Maintains timely documentation, session/visit notes, and other data, including SIRS entry.
• Assists individuals with daily activities, personal care, behavioral health needs, health, wellness, and leisure activities.
• Responds to individual safety needs, including reporting significant changes in behavior and health.
• Maintain professional boundaries with individuals and families receiving services and follow ethical and licensing guidelines.
• Serves as a positive representative for the START Program with other professionals, families, and the community.
• 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.

START Values

START includes the following values in daily practice through decision-making, work contributions, and interpersonal interactions:

• Service recipients and their families are our most valued partners.
• Capacity building begins with positive engagement - whether it is an individual or a large system. We emphasize building upon abilities in each individual and in their system of support.
• Help begins with providing oxygen - helping to resolve an immediate destabilizing situation allows for hope and change going forward.
• Networking - increases depth of knowledge and capacity to provide services for all.
• We must all be open to learning and teaching - through continuous assessment of outcomes along with educational opportunities with easily accessible local, regional, statewide, national forums, study groups and training materials.
• The three A's of service effectiveness - Access, Appropriateness and Accountability.
• Tertiary crisis intervention approach to supporting vulnerable populations - building capacity through primary interventions, including secondary interventions with expertise for specialized approaches, and including a safety net for emergency interventions are all part of the solution focused approach.
• Team effort - we work as a team to create opportunities. This includes mutual respect that allows for team input to help the program continue to improve and change over time.
• Community - develop and maintain fellowship with others that share common attitudes, values, interests, and goals.
• Fidelity - provide training and consultation to support the integrity of activities that make the START Model effective and directly impact the success of desired outcomes.
• Humanity - conduct all activities with compassion, understanding, and kindness.

Program Description

PA START Allegheny is a specialized mental health support service for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and behavioral health needs. START stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment. Our goal is to provide stability and prevent disruptive crises in participants' lives. With trained experts in IDD and mental health, we adopt a strengths-based perspective. Participants typically engage with START for 12-18 months. START is a little different than other services (respite, intensive in-home). What sets us apart is our collaboration with various providers (schools, healthcare providers, psychiatrists, etc.) to align goals and support systems. We do not replace existing providers. Our aim is to enhance the system of care and help providers understand how to support individuals with complex needs, even after their involvement with START ends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work or other human service-related field
• 2 years' experience working with people with IDD and behavioral health needs.
• The ability to work with complex systems and an interest in the population is essential.
• Independent and organized with strong communication and writing skills are necessary.
• Experience working with families and individuals.
• Ability to complete START Therapeutic Coach certification within 12 months following employment (May be 18 months for part-time coaches)

Resources for Human Development is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran, or disability status.