START Care Coordinator & Crisis Support Specialist

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas; Newton (KS); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas is seeking a START Coordinator to support comprehensive screening, intake, and service planning for individuals with complex needs. You will manage a caseload, coordinate with families and cross-system partners, and provide crisis intervention as part of a 24-hour START program.

The role requires a bachelor's in a human services field, 2+ years of relevant experience, and the ability to obtain START Coordinator certification within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or other human services field required.
• At least two years of experience with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co‑occurring mental health needs.
• Experience collaborating 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Independent judgment

Organization

Interpersonal communication

Professional writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work/psychology

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas is seeking a START Coordinator to support comprehensive screening, intake, and service planning for individuals with complex needs. You will manage a caseload, coordinate with families and cross-system partners, and provide crisis intervention as part of a 24-hour START program.

The role requires a bachelor's in a human services field, 2+ years of relevant experience, and the ability to obtain START Coordinator certification within 12 months.