Central Access Phone Counselor

JOB SUMMARY As an important member of our Central Access team, triages routine and crisis calls from individuals and third-party callers seeking services with the DeKalb CSB. Demonstrates strong clinical judgment and sound triage decisions.  Applies knowledge of psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses to determine appropriate level of care, including individuals that are homicidal, suicidal, or exhibit life-threatening behaviors. Identifies and triages clients with substance use disorders to appropriate ASAM level of care.   DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Demonstrates strong clinical judgment and sound triage decisions.  Triages clients who are homicidal, suicidal, or exhibit life-threatening behaviors to determine appropriate level of care. Identifies and triages clients with substance use disorders to appropriate ASAM level of care.  Provides linkage to DeKalb CSB’s Mobile Crisis Unit for DeKalb Regional Crisis Center (DRCC). Manages and updates the intake calendar of DeKalb CSB’s Central Intake unit.  Triages requests for urgent and emergent response from the Georgia Crisis Access Line (GCAL). Demonstrates strong telephone skills including engagement skills that are vital to an effective triage.  Actively contributes to the Central Access/Central Intake Unit and organization through on-going collaborative efforts. Utilizes “Pre-Admit” report to identify clients triaged by Central Access who have not come in for intake and need to be closed out of the system; close appropriate cases. Utilizes “Central Access: DRCC Discharge” list to identify clients who have been discharged from DCSB CSU that need to be contacted and a “Structured Follow-up” completed; ensure appropriate clients are contacted.   SKILL, COMPETENCY AND EDUCATION AND/OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS Master’s Degree in Social Work or Professional Counseling  Current licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Professional Counselor by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists is preferred Two years’ work experience in social service delivery (case management, outreach, prevention/education, client assessment, counseling, or call center). Incumbent must be computer-proficient and have the ability to multi-task. Incumbent must have experience working with adult mental health and substance use disorders and a working knowledge of child and adolescent disorders. Prior behavioral health call center experience is preferred.  Must have strong computer and typing skills. INTER-RELATIONSHIPS Able to communicate effectively with co-workers, internal and external customers and the public. Ability to interact and communicate with clients and their families effectively.   WORKING CONDITIONS Office for this position is located at Winn Way Mental Health Center.  Hours for this position include weekly alternating shifts between the hours of 7:15am-4:00pm and 9:15am-6:00pm, Monday through Friday.   NEEDED ATTRIBUTES Ability to handle self well under stressful situations. Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and professionalism. Ability to communicate well with others. Ability to multi-task. Ability to work within frameworks of a medical model and recovery model. Ability to work with co-occurring disorders. Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations   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.