Coordinator of START Program

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas; Wichita, Northern (KS, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas seeks a START Coordinator to provide service delivery, care coordination, and crisis engagement in community settings, including home visits and day programs.

Qualified applicants have a bachelor's degree in social work or related field, at least two years' experience with individuals with disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs, and must obtain START certification within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field required or preferred.
• Two years of experience with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
• Ability to collaborate with individuals, families, providers, and complex service systems.
• START certification to be completed within 12 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Complete START screenings, intake assessments, Comprehensive Service Evaluations, and required documentation.
• Maintain an active caseload and coordinate care through stabilization and varying service intensity.
• Provide outreach in homes, day programs, vocational settings, and community locations.
• Coordinate meetings and collaborate with families, providers, and cross-system partners.
• Develop crisis prevention/intervention plans and linkages with healthcare partners and emergency services.
• Use START tools to assess needs, plan interventions, and monitor progress.
• Provide rotational on-call crisis support as part of the START program.
• Engage individuals and families, offering education and practical support.
• Document accurately using required MHA systems and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Independent judgment

Interpersonal communication

Professional writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Description

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Service Delivery

• Complete START screenings, intake assessments, Comprehensive Service Evaluations, admission and discharge summaries, and other required service documentation.
• Maintain an active caseload and provide ongoing coordination and support through stabilization, adjusting service intensity based on individual need.
• Provide outreach in individuals' homes, day programs, vocational settings, and other community locations.

Care Coordination & Collaboration

• Coordinate support meetings and collaborate with individuals, families, providers, and cross-system partners to develop and implement crisis prevention and intervention plans.
• Build effective linkages among families, service providers, healthcare partners, and local emergency services.
• Participate in the Center for START Services National Network, including online resources, conference calls, study groups, and the annual conference as assigned.

Monitoring Progress & Responding to Client Needs

• Use the START Action Plan, ecomaps, systemic analysis, and other START tools to assess needs, plan interventions, and provide consultation to systems and teams.
• Monitor each individual's progress, risk factors, and level of stabilization and adjust coordination strategies in response to changing needs.
• Provide rotational on-call crisis support as part of the 24-hour START program.

Client Engagement & Support

• Engage individuals and families respectfully and consistently, supporting their participation in assessment, crisis planning, and stabilization efforts.
• Provide clear education, consultation, and practical support to strengthen individual and family capacity.
• Develop materials and present at Clinical Education Team meetings as assigned by the START Clinical Director or designee.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely, and secure documentation and data entry using required MHA systems and devices.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with agency policy, START standards, funding requirements, and applicable legal and ethical requirements.
• Successfully complete START Coordinator training and demonstrate required competencies within 12 months of employment, or within 18 months for a part-time Coordinator.

ORGANIZATION STANDARDS:

Professionalism and Communication

Demonstrates cle Demonstratesar, respectful, and professional communication in both verbal and written interactions, with a focus on collaboration and solution-oriented dialogue. Shares information responsibly and addresses concerns constructively while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor - even in challenging situations.

Time & Priority Management

Effectively manages workload by prioritizing tasks, planning proactively, and addressing challenges to meet deadlines and responsibilities. Maintains a solution-focused approach and professional composure while balancing competing priorities.

Reliability & Accountability & Ownership

Demonstrates dependability by consistently meeting commitments, deadlines, and responsibilities while taking ownership of work and outcomes. Acts with integrity, follows through on obligations, and addresses mistakes proactively to support a culture of accountability and trust.

Adaptability and Change Agility

Demonstrates adaptability by embracing new processes, priorities, and organizational changes with resilience and a willingness to learn. Adjusts work approaches as needed and supports others through change with a constructive, solution-focused mindset.

Organizational Alignment and Mission Focus

Demonstrates behaviors aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and professional standards while supporting goals and initiatives through actions and attitude. Consistently follows policies and ethical guidelines, maintains confidentiality, and contributes to a culture of professionalism, respect, and service.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or other human services field required; master's degree preferred.
• At least two years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
• Experience working collaboratively with individuals, families, providers, and complex service systems.
• Strong independent judgment, organization, interpersonal communication, and professional writing skills.
• Ability to complete START Coordinator certification within 12 months of employment.

Driver Level: Level 2 - Routine driving for work, errands, or transporting others; may be infrequent or on an irregular basis. Personal insurance and valid driver's license required.

Position Flexibility: Primarily Onsite with Defined Remote Flexibility - This position is primarily onsite, with limited, pre-approved remote work permitted. Remote work arrangements must be formally documented in writing, maintained in the employee's file, approved by HR, and any changes or exceptions must be communicated to HR.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
• Lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds.
• Ability to travel to and work in home, day, vocational, and community-based settings.

All the above duties and responsibilities are considered essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as a detailed statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related instructions as requested by their supervisors, subject to reasonable accommodation.

EEOrace, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.