Crisis Intake Case Manager - Days

Claratel Behavioral Health (formerly known as DeKalb Community Service Board) is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, offering a full range of mental health services, developmental disabilities programs and substance abuse treatment to more than 11,000 citizens annually who are uninsured and underinsured.

As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel BH operates in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of more than 500 direct-care and support staff and more than 20 locations across the county. Our staff of physicians, nurses, clinicians and support personnel are dedicated to helping our clients and their families recover from these debilitating disabilities and resume productive lives. We strive to provide the highest quality, evidence-based services in the least restrictive settings, and we envision a community in which disabilities no longer limit potential. Claratel BH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults. The Center offers three levels of care starting with the Crisis Services Center unit that receives walk-ins, transfers from emergency rooms, and involuntary referrals for evaluation.

If further observation is needed, individuals are monitored in the Temporary Observation Unit for 12-24 hours. Individuals needing a longer period of stabilization or substance withdrawal management (usually 5-7 days) are admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit where ongoing care includes crisis counseling, medication, and assistance with discharge planning.

Program Overview

The DeKalb Regional Crisis Center (DRCC) provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults across three levels of care:

Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES): Rapid intake, triage, and evaluation of walk-ins, law enforcement drop-offs, ER transfers, and involuntary referrals.

Temporary Observation (Temp Observations): 12–24 hours of monitoring and evaluation for clients needing extended stabilization.

Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU): 5–7-day admissions for psychiatric stabilization and/or withdrawal management, with crisis counseling, medication, and discharge planning.

Position Summary

The Case Manager (Paraprofessional) provides direct client support across both PES and CSU. This role includes intake/triage responsibilities in PES and treatment, support, and discharge coordination in CSU, ensuring continuity of care from admission through transition. Case Managers work closely with multidisciplinary teams to assess psychosocial needs, coordinate services, facilitate groups, and link clients to appropriate community resources. All responsibilities are carried out using trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and client-centered approaches, and coordinated with staff in both PES and CSU.

Key Responsibilities

Intake & Triage (PES)

Greet and engage clients presenting to PES, including walk-ins, law enforcement drop-offs, and emergency referrals.

Collect demographic, psychosocial, and insurance information at intake.

Obtain and record vital signs; screen for immediate safety risks and medical/psychiatric needs.

Support clinicians and nurses in determining acuity and appropriate level of care.

Ensure personal belongings are secured and conduct safety checks in accordance with PES policy.

Assist with completion of involuntary admission paperwork (1013/1014/1021) as directed.

Ongoing Support & Monitoring (CSU & PES)

Conduct daily assessments of client needs, barriers, and psychosocial stressors.

Review and update Individual Treatment Plans to reflect client progress and treatment team goals.

Provide 1:1 support, behavioral coaching, and crisis de-escalation as needed.

Observe, document, and report changes in client status to clinical staff.

Treatment & Group Facilitation (CSU)

Facilitate psychoeducational, skills-based, and recovery-oriented groups.

Document attendance, participation, and therapeutic response in accordance with policy.

Support clients in developing WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plans) and SNAP (Safety Needs and Action Plans).

Provide education on coping strategies, self-care, and available community resources.

Discharge Planning & Care Coordination (CSU)

Assist clients in securing short- and long-term placements (e.g., shelters, group homes, inpatient facilities).

Coordinate follow-up appointments with psychiatric, medical, or substance use providers.

Arrange transportation for clients who cannot arrange their own.

Conduct family meetings to support discharge planning when appropriate.

Complete discharge documentation and ensure all authorizations and referrals are submitted timely.

Administration & Compliance

Enter accurate service authorizations, reauthorizations, and concurrent requests into the EHR.

Maintain timely, accurate, and detailed documentation of all client interactions.

Attend daily treatment team meetings and shift reports, contributing case management updates.

Complete incident reports as necessary, ensuring accurate and timely submission.

Maintain certifications in CPR, First Aid, CPI Training, and MindSet Training.

Qualifications

Skills, Competencies, and Licensure Requirements

Proficiency in electronic documentation and computer systems.

Ability to take and record vital signs.

Must maintain a valid 3-year Motor Vehicle Report for agency vehicle use.

Strong de-escalation and behavioral management skills.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.

Working Conditions

Work occurs in a high-acuity, crisis stabilization environment (PES and CSU).

Flexible scheduling required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended hours.

Physical and psychological capacity to participate in crisis response when necessary.

Personal Attributes

Highly organized, adaptable, and client-focused.

Compassionate and effective in fast-paced, high-stress environments.

Strong writing, documentation, and advocacy skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) year of experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, or crisis stabilization preferred.

Prior experience in triage, intake, or case management in a psychiatric setting is strongly preferred.

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or Counseling

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Claratel Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer regarding disability under VEVRRA and ADA