Temporary 988 Crisis Counselor Jobs in Decatur, GA

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–Up to 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 Crisis Service Technician (CST) plays a critical role in both PES and CSU by providing direct client care, intake and triage supportsupport, crisis intervention, therapeutic engagement, and continuous monitoring of client safety and progress. CSTs take the primary role for ensuring facility safety and security and adherence to enviromental standards. CSTs support clinicians, nurses, and case managers in maintaining a safe, structured, and recovery-oriented environment while assisting clients in stabilizing from acute behavioral health crises. CSTs serve as active members of the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT), help facilitate treatment activities, and ensure that all interactions are carried out with professionalism, empathy, and trauma-informed care. 

Key Responsibilities 

Intake & Triage (PES) 

• Greet clients, families, and law enforcement partners upon arrival, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment. 

• Provide education & emotional support to clients & their families as they present. 

• Document arrival time, demographics, and initial observations. 

• Assist with intake documentation, safety screenings, and consent forms. 

• Secure personal belongings, conduct contraband searches, and ensure compliance with PES safety protocols. 

• Collect vital signs and behavioral observations under direction of nursing/clinical staff. 

• Verify insurance eligibility through systems such as Availity, GAMMIS, or Xferral. 

Client Care & Therapeutic Engagement (CSU & PES) 

• Greet clients, families, and law enforcement partners upon arrival, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment. 

• Ensure that all visitors and guests complete acknowledgement of confidentiality and are accounted for through sign-in/sign-out process 

• Maintain a weapons free environment through initial screening procedures 

• Secure personal belongings, conduct contraband searches, and ensure compliance with PES safety protocols. 

• Collect vital signs and behavioral observations under direction of nursing/clinical staff. 

• Verify insurance eligibility through systems such as Availity, GAMMIS, or Xferral. 

• Engage clients in structured and diversionary activities 

• Maintain a presence in treatment areas, builiding rapport with persons served and ensuring individuals feel safe 

Safety & Crisis Response 

• Conduct and document routine safety checks, environmental rounds, and room inspections for ligature risks or contraband. 

• Monitor clients for signs of escalating behavior, withdrawal symptoms, or psychiatric distress. 

• Provide proactive response and risk mitigation to conditions thay may compromise the safety of the facility and the individuals involved 

• Create an environment that is person-centered and respectful of individuals’ rights 

• Serve as a subject matter expert in crisis de-escalation and least restrictive interventions 

• Respond promptly to emergencies and participate in BERT interventions using approved de-escalation strategies. 

• Assist staff in seclusion/restraint procedures when necessary and in accordance with policy. 

• Maintain secure storage of restricted items and safeguard client property. 

• Serve as the designated safety officer when onsite 

Treatment & Discharge Support (CSU) 

• Support implementation of individualized treatment plans by reinforcing therapeutic goals and interventions. 

• Encourage client participation in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plans), SNAP (Safety Needs and Action Plans), and personal recovery goals. 

• Assist with discharge planning by reinforcing follow-up instructions and preparing clients for transition to community or residential care, as needed. 

• Ensure individuals discharge with all documented personal belongings 

Communication & Documentation 

• Accurately record shift notes, observations, and interventions in the EHR. 

• Complete critical incident reports 

• Communicate with operations team to address facility damages and critical client inventory needs 

• Document the collection and distribution of client personal belongings 

• Update census boards and systems such as Avatar and Behavioral Health Link (BHL). 

• Maintain ongoing communication with nursing, clinical, and case management staff during shift handoffs. 

• Report client status changes, incidents, or safety concerns immediately to the appropriate team members. 

• Answer phones, triage inquiries, and assist with administrative duties as assigned. 

Environment & Compliance 

• Maintain a safe, clean, and therapeutic environment within PES and CSU units. 

• Ensure supplies for groups, recreational activities, and safety protocols are stocked and ready for use. 

• Report facility or equipment maintenance needs promptly. 

• Adhere to all Claratel BH, DBHDD, HIPAA, and CARF standards, always ensuring client confidentiality. 

• Complete and maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid, MindSet, Defensive Driving) and participate in mandatory ongoing trainings. 

Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or coursework in psychology, social work, or human services preferred. 

• At least one year of experience in behavioral health, in-patient psychiatric, or crisis or correctional settings strongly preferred. 

• Proficiency with EHR systems (e.g., Avatar, BHL, Xferral) and basic computer literacy. 

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills. 

• Ability to remain calm, professional, and client-centered in high-stress situations. 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand, walk, and observe for extended periods of time. 

• Ability to lift 2550 pounds and assist clients with mobility when needed. 

• Ability to execute physical containment and manual hold maneuvers  

• Must respond rapidlyAbilty to rapidly respond to behavioral or medical emergencies. 

• Work in a high-acuity environment with potential exposure to unpredictable or aggressive behaviors.