About Claratel Behavioral Health

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization offering a full range of mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder services to underserved individuals. As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel Behavioral Health operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff.

If you are passionate about driving change in behavioral health and developmental services and are eager to work in an environment that values innovation and inclusivity, Claratel Behavioral Health is the place for you. Here, your work is impactful, your growth is prioritized, and your well-being is supported. Together, we can forge pathways to a healthier future for all.

CSU Lead Case Manager

About Claratel Behavioral Health

Claratel Behavioral Health is an innovative, community-based behavioral health and developmental disabilities services organization located in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. We offer a full range of mental health services, developmental disabilities programs, and substance use treatment to more than 11,000 citizens annually who are uninsured and underinsured.

As a public, not-for-profit organization, Claratel BH operates more than 20 locations in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of over 500 direct-care and support staff. Our staff of physicians, nurses, clinicians, case managers, and support personnel is dedicated to helping clients and their families recover from debilitating conditions and resume meaningful, productive lives. Claratel BH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Program Overview: DeKalb Regional Crisis Center (DRCC)

As an alternative to/diversion from hospitalization, DRCC provides crisis intervention and stabilization services for adults across three levels of care:

• Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES): Walk-ins, law enforcement drop-offs, emergency room transfers, and involuntary referrals for immediate psychiatric evaluation.
• Temporary Observation (Temp Obs): up to 23-hour monitoring for individuals needing extended assessment or stabilization.
• Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU): up to 7 days admissions for psychiatric stabilization or substance withdrawal management, including crisis counseling, medication management, and discharge planning.

Position Summary

The CSU Lead Case Manager reports to the CSU Manager.  The CSU Lead Case Manager manages an individual caseload while supporting the CSU Manager in optimizing case management operations across the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). This position enhances interdisciplinary collaboration, streamlines discharge planning, and targets key performance indicators such as Average Daily Census (ADC) and readmission rates. The Lead Case Manager will also contribute to staff development, community engagement, and quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Coordination & Support

• Assist CSU Manager in maintaining standard operating procedures for case management functions.
• Participate in onboarding and orientation of new CSU case managers.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure seamless coordination of care and discharge planning.
• Track and report data related to discharge outcomes, readmission rates, and service utilization to support performance improvement initiatives.
• Organizes and coordinates CSU group schedule
• Coordinates client assignments to CSU case managers

2. Treatment Team Facilitation

• Lead and coordinate daily interdisciplinary treatment team meetings involving clinical, and support staff (MD/APRN, Case Manager, RN, Pharmacist, Peer Specialist, etc.).
• Coordinate with BHT/CST Lead to ensure clients are escorted to and from meetings.
• Ensure Individual Treatment Plans are completed in compliance with regulatory and organizational policies.
• Helps the team to identify appropriate services in the least restrictive environment and other community resources to reduce readmissions.

3. Case Management Duties

• Maintain a caseload, providing direct case management services including assessment, planning, coordination, monitoring, and advocacy.
• Conducting assessments and develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and treatment teams.
• Facilitate warm hand-off and other referrals to community-based services, housing, outpatient treatment, and other support systems.
• Ensure timely completion of treatment authorizations and documentation required for insurance and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct post-discharge follow-up calls to assess client stability and reinforce continuity of care.
• Serve as a client advocate, ensuring that individual needs are met during treatment and transition phases.
• Monitor client progress and adjust care plans as needed to support recovery and reduce risk of readmission.

4. Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement

• Support CSU Manager in monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:
• Average Daily Census (ADC)
• Assessment completion
• Readmission rates
• Timeliness of treatment planning and discharge documentation
• Follow-up Calls
• Warm handoff to referral sources
• Identify gaps in service delivery and propose solutions to enhance client outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Participate in audits, chart reviews, and other quality assurance activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in behavioral health case management or similar service
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Familiarity with community resources, discharge planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

•  Master's degree in counseling, Social Work, or Psychology
• Associate Licensure or Unrestricted Licensure (LMSW, LCSW, LAPC, LPC)

Claratel Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer regarding disability under VERRA and AD.