Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist

About the role

START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) employs a positive approach to build upon an individual’s strengths to fortify experiences, ambition, character, and abilities. These services promote person-centered approaches and training for persons, families, and caregivers using positive approaches and other therapeutic tools. The START Specialist serves as a key clinical team member—providing community-based assessment, crisis prevention, planning, and therapeutic coordination. You’ll help stabilize individuals in crisis and strengthen natural systems of support, reducing the need for emergency interventions or out-of-home placements.

This role offers the opportunity to lead person-centered planning, build cross-system collaboration, and apply trauma-informed care principles within an integrated service delivery model. You will make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families while continuing to grow professionally within a supportive clinical team environment.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Coordination & Support
  • Manage a caseload of 20–30 individuals with dual diagnoses (IDD and behavioral/mental health needs).
  • Develop individualized Cross-Systems Crisis Prevention and Intervention Plans (CSCPIPs) using strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches.
  • Conduct assessments and interventions in collaboration with the clinical team and natural support systems.
  • Determine and coordinate additional therapeutic supports such as coaching and respite services.
• Systems Integration & Community Collaboration
  • Serve as a clinical liaison across systems (behavioral health, developmental services, medical, educational, and emergency services).
  • Maintain strong relationships with families, caregivers, and external providers to promote integrated care planning.
  • Facilitate interdisciplinary support meetings to ensure consistent and coordinated service delivery.
• Crisis Response & On-Call Support
  • Share in the 24/7 on-call rotation, providing timely telephonic (within 1 hour) and face-to-face (within 2 hours) crisis response.
  • Offer real-time support and post-crisis debriefing to individuals, families, and system partners.
  • Collaborate with leadership during emergency situations, ensuring adherence to trauma-informed practices and START protocols.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Ensure timely and accurate documentation in the START Information Reporting System (SIRS) and agency EMR systems.
  • Track service outcomes and contribute to ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
  • Support admissions, discharges, and transitions within START Resource Centers or community settings.
• Professional Growth & Training
  • Participate in internal trainings, CEUs, and clinical conferences related to IDD, mental health, trauma, and crisis intervention.
  • Contribute to team-based learning, reflective supervision, and fidelity to the START model.
  • Obtain and maintain required certifications (START Coordinator, CPR, First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, etc.).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related Human Services field.
• Preferred: At least 3 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral/mental health needs.
• Must become a certified START Coordinator within 12 months (training provided).
• Strong clinical judgment, organizational skills, and collaborative communication style.
• Valid PA driver’s license and ability to travel within the community.
• Must pass all required background checks.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Tuition Assistance
• Health & Dental
• Paid Vacation/Sick Time
• 10–12 Holidays per year
• Reimbursement of mileage and travel expenses
• Excellent supportive business and information tools

Pay

The base salary for this position ranges from $65,000 – $68,000 annually. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation that JEVS Human Services provides to recognize employees for their work. JEVS provides competitive Benefits; we believe that benefits should support you at work and at home. Please visit the benefits page of our careers site for more details.