IDD Crisis Support Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

At JEVS, we help the people we serve lead self-determined, connected, and hopeful lives that strengthen themselves, their families, and their communities. Our team is more than 1,000 strong, serving the Greater Philadelphia community tirelessly for over 80 years. Our programs are designed to help individuals have a better quality of life. We serve those with disabilities and people facing tough socio-economic conditions. We believe everyone deserves fulfilling jobs, educational opportunities, and access to vital services.

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 Coordinator 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.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a nationally recognized, evidence-informed program with clinical mentorship and training.
• Work with a passionate, trauma-informed team committed to equity and whole-person care.
• Grow your skills in cross-system navigation, crisis intervention, and dual diagnosis treatment.
• Make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals, families, and community partners.

What we offer:

• 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

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.

At JEVS, we are committed to ensuring all our employees feel included, valued, appreciated and free to be who they are at work. We cultivate a culture where differences are valued, and we are putting resources and attention towards improving employee engagement, retention, and promotion of our talented staff.

Diversity, inclusion, and equity are core principles that guide how we cultivate leaders, build our teams, and create an environment that is the right fit for JEVS Human Services’ employees, our community partners, and the individuals we serve.

For more information about what it’s like to be a part of the JEVS team, visit our careers page at

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply; reasonable accommodations will be provided. Please contact your recruiter if you are in need of an accommodation during the interview process.