Therapeutic Coach (Closes 5/29/2025)

Summary

START is an evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention service model for individuals aged 6 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The START Therapeutic Coach (STC) is a professional position within the Office of Developmental Supports (ODS), Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS). The Therapeutic Coach works to enhance the work of the START Coordinators through collaboration to identify what resources and strengths are already present, develop interventions to maximize them, and build on areas where growth is needed using the approach of ‘building on what’s strong’ to supplement ‘fixing what’s wrong’ approach. These tasks are accomplished in the person’s home setting or other environment where challenges may occur.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·         Provide a supporting and encouraging environment for caregivers and persons receiving therapeutic coaching.

·         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.

·         Communication 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 home environment.

·         Maintains timely documentation, session/visit notes, and other data, including START Information Reporting System (SIRS) entry.

·         Responds to individual safety needs, including reporting significant changes in a person’s presentation and health.

·         Maintain professional boundaries with persons 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.

·         Attend and participate in daily Triage with START team and system partners.

·         Maintain knowledge of various intervention practices through training and in-service opportunities presented or discovered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·         Ability to develop positive professional working relationships with system partners, families and/or caregivers.

·         Working understanding of PERMA , strength spotting and various evidence-based assessments provided by the START team.

·         Knowledge of applicable regulations for the systems involved in STC.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills when presenting to senior management, stakeholders and system partners.

·         Knowledge of general computer programs (i.e. MS Word, Outlook, Adobe). 

·         Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills that promote maximum effectiveness of both natural and community resources. 

·         Demonstrated excellence in customer service by resolving issues promptly and maintaining high levels of satisfaction.

·         Demonstrate an ability to facilitate, plan, and organize muti-system activities and handle multiple priorities simultaneously. 

·         Demonstrate an ability to manage conflict by addressing issues and negotiate a solution-based outcome.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Additional Responsibilities

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

Education/Experience Requirements

·         Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or other human service-related field.

·         Minimum of 2-years of experience working with persons with ID/A and mental health needs.

·         Position requires travel within the community to meet participants where they need the most support.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Act 33 and 34 clearances.

-AND-

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

Why DHS?

You can make a big impact here. We stand out as one of the best human services organizations in the country. But we need problem-solvers, innovators, and terrific leaders to make sure we are smart in how we use our funding so that we reach the people who most need our help to make their lives better.

Salary : $60,000