Crisis Service Safety Technician

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 operates in more than 20 locations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with a diverse workforce of more than 500 direct-care and support staff. Claratel is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

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.

Responsibilities

• Intake & Triage (PES):
  • Greet clients, families, and law enforcement partners upon arrival, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment.
  • Provide education and emotional support to clients and their families.
  • 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):
  • Ensure 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, building 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 that 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 25–50 pounds and assist clients with mobility when needed.
• Ability to execute physical containment and manual hold maneuvers.
• Ability to rapidly respond to behavioral or medical emergencies.
• Work in a high-acuity environment with potential exposure to unpredictable or aggressive behaviors.
• Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check required.