Community Mental Health Case Manager

Community Mental Health Case Manager

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 use disorder treatment to more than 10,000 citizens annually who are uninsured and underinsured.

As a public, not-for-profit organization, the Claratel BH operates more than 20 locations in DeKalb County with a diverse workforce of more than 400 direct-care and support staff. Our staff of physicians, nurses, clinicians, and support personnel is 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 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 Community Mental Health Case Manager works closely with City of Tucker City Hall officials and community stakeholders to provide crisis intervention response and follow-up for behavioral health calls as well provide outreach to members of community who are suspected of having mental health or substance use issues. The intent of the program is to provide a specialized response unity to respond to individuals experiencing a crisis and to engage individuals in ways that promote engagement in treatment and build partnerships between law enforcement and the community. The goals of the program are to provide crisis intervention services in the community to reduce hospitalizations, arrests, and incarceration.

Accountability: Clinical Manager

• Position Overview: The Community Mental Health Case Manager plays a vital role in providing support and assistance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. This position involves conducting community needs assessments, coordinating placements, facilitating discharge planning, and ensuring the implementation of wellness and recovery action plans (WRAP). The Case Manager must possess strong interpersonal skills, clinical expertise, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality while working collaboratively with clients, families, stakeholders, and community officials. Must have the ability to perform duties from a recovery oriented, client centered, and trauma informed perspective.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Community Needs Assessments:
• Conduct comprehensive community needs assessments as assigned and document findings according to established policies and procedures.
• Identify individuals' needs and preferences to inform the development of personalized care plans.

2. Placement Assistance:
• Assist individuals in securing short-term or long-term placements, including shelters, group homes, or inpatient hospitalization, based on their specific needs and circumstances.

3. Discharge Planning:
• Document progress or lack of progress towards discharge in progress notes, ensuring accurate and timely recording of relevant information.
• Meet with individuals and their family members as needed to facilitate discharge planning and document outcomes of meetings.

4. Implementation of Wellness Plans:
• Support individuals in implementing wellness and recovery action plans (WRAP) and ensure access to necessary services and resources.
• Provide guidance and assistance with developing and maintaining support networks (SNAPS) to enhance individuals' recovery journey.

5. Skill, Competency, and Education Requirements:
• Possess basic computer and typing skills.
• Successfully complete CPR, MindSet Safety Management training, First Aid training, and Defensive Driving.
• Provide a current three-year Motor Vehicle Report for agency vehicle use.

6. Interpersonal Relationships and Attributes:
• Interface professionally and therapeutically with clients, stakeholders, city officials, and colleagues.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Remain calm in emergency situations and respond appropriately.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional standards in all interactions.

7. Working Conditions:
• Wear Agency Branded shirt while in the community.
• Navigate potentially highly stressed and emotional situations.
• Engage in moderate walking, standing, and climbing stairs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a helping field (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, etc.) required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience working in the mental health or substance use disorder field preferred.

Pre-employment Screening:

• Pre-employment drug screening may be required.
• Applicant subject to FBI Criminal History Record Check.
• E-Verify participation.

This job description aims to convey essential information about the role but may not encompass all duties. Duties may evolve based on organizational needs.