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.

CO RESPONDER LICENSED CLINICIAN

JOB SUMMARY:

The Co-responder Program is a collaborative service of the Claratel Behavioral Health and the local Police Department to respond to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis (mental health and/or substance use issues). The goals of the program are to provide crisis intervention services in the community, link individuals in crisis to community resources, reduce hospitalizations, and reduce arrests/incarceration for individuals in need of treatment.

The Clinician provides field on-site clinical assessment, crisis intervention, education and support, and coordinates follow up services and connects individuals and families to resources. The clinician evaluates individual’s safety risk to self or others, determines if involuntary admission is needed and completes 1013 or 2013 as appropriate and indicated by licensure level. The Clinician conducts homeless outreach, community engagement, and engages with community partners. Receives supervision from the program manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides screening, clinical assessment, mental status evaluation, therapeutic intervention, clinical education and disposition with individuals and their families in the community in response to a behavioral health crisis call.
• Engaged in homeless outreach, community engagement, and engagement with community/law enforcement partners
• Evaluates individual’s safety risk to self or others and initiates 1013 or 2013 as appropriate.
• Provides therapeutic de-escalation as needed.
• Ability to work autonomously and make sound decisions based on standards of care/practice.
• Thinks quickly and effectively to address an emergency and follows through with appropriate interventions.
• Assists in coordination with a receiving facility when it is determined that the individual needs crisis stabilization.
• Makes follow-up wellness calls and visits with clients in the community.
• Completes electronic documentation for each call and follow-up visit.
• Communicates effectively with clients who are high acuity or under the influence.
• Always exhibits clear and professional communication with individuals, families/significant others, staff, and public safety officers.
• Participate in rotating on-call schedule to provide telephonic support to officers in the field.
• Performs duties from a recovery oriented, client centered, and trauma informed perspective.
• Participate and contribute to departmental meetings, team huddles, rounds, supervision, and other meetings, as needed, to ensure cohesive department operations.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in specialized training.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current license as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LPC, LCSW) in the state of Georgia OR master’s level Counselor/Social Worker with commitment to obtain License (Senior) within 6 months of date of hire.
• At least two years of mental health / substance use disorder experience in assessment, crisis intervention and stabilization.
• Knowledgeable about signs and symptoms of withdrawal and acute psychosis.
• Must possess basic computer and typing skills. Must be trained in CPI and have current CPR.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Psychiatric hospital, crisis stabilization unit, ACT team or co-responder experience.

NEEDED ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent interpersonal, problem solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Must be clinically focused while ensuring best practices.
• Must be able to remain calm in emergency situations and respond appropriately.
• Always maintain confidentiality.
• Professional and effective communication with Police Officer, staff, clients, clients’ families/significant others and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works primarily in the community along with law enforcement.
• Rides in police vehicle with CIT trained police officer and responds to crisis calls.
• Must wear Agency Branded shirt and fitted bullet proof vest (where applicable) while riding in police vehicle and while in the community (where applicable).
• Potential exposure to highly stressed and emotional situations.
• Moderate walking, standing, and climbing stairs.
• Must be trained in MindSet Safety Management and have current CPR.

Pre-employment drug screening may be required. Selected applicant will be subject of an FBI Criminal History Record Check, and the applicant has the right to challenge the contents of their Criminal History Record Information, should they choose to do so. This employer participates in E-Verify.