START Therapeutic Coach Team Leader

Summary

The START Therapeutic Coaching Team Lead is a professional position within the Office of Developmental Supports (ODS), Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS). The START Therapeutic Coach (STC) Team Leader is a leadership position within the START team working to enhance the work of START Coordinators and provide supervisory support to the START Therapeutic Coach positions. This role requires the ability to triage referrals for Coaching, excellent time management, positive role modeling and team building skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure and implement all STC services are provided as outlined in the START Therapeutic Coaching Manual.
• Collaborate with START clinical team and coaches to identify positive, strengths-based and culturally competent therapeutic strategies.
• Ensure training requirements are current for STCs.
• Maintain knowledge of various intervention practices through attending training and in-service opportunities presented or discovered.
• Work with the coordinators and clinical director in all aspects of planning and scheduling related to STC utilization; includes assuring availability of emergency STC services when deemed necessary by the team.
• Facilitate admission and discharge planning meetings to support successful implementation of therapeutic coaching services.
• Provide direct care to persons receiving therapeutic coaching when needed.
• Assist coaches with identifying strategies to meet the goals of the service and provide triage of issues as needed.
• Ensure that all coaching activities are entered into SIRS in a timely manner.
• Participate in daily Triage with START team and system partners.
• Communicate with the person’s caregiver and support system regarding the person’s care and any significant issues.
• Communicate with the START clinical team regarding the person and caregiver’s responses to therapeutic coaching to track progress and evaluate strategies to incorporate into the Cross Systems Crisis Prevention and Intervention Plan.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Therapeutic Coaching Team Leader will provide direct supervision to the START Therapeutic Coaches.

Additional Responsibilities

From time to time the employee will be required to perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities/autism (ID/A), specifically those with ID/A and behavioral health needs.
• Experience with expressive therapies (i.e., music therapy, art therapy, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, etc.).
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with people and families receiving services and follow ethical and licensing requirements.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service by resolving issues promptly and maintaining high levels of satisfaction.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative and consensus-based environment.
• Creative problem-solving skills that promote maximum effectiveness of both natural and community resources.
• Experience developing and implementing positive behavior support plans preferred.
• Ability to facilitate, plan, and organize muti-system activities.
• Ability to manage conflict by addressing issues and negotiating a solution-based outcome.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills when presenting to senior management, stakeholders and system partners.
• Knowledge of various computer systems (i.e. MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe).

Education/Experience Requirements

• A master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling or other human service-related field.
• At least 2 years of experience working with people with IDD and mental health needs.
• At least 2 years of experience supervising others in the implementation of direct service.
• Must be a certified START Coordinator or able to complete the START Coordinator certification process within 6-12 months of hire.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Act 33 and 34 clearances.

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Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.