Program Manager - ACT (LMFT/LPC/LCSW)

Position Summary:

This position manages the Assertive Community Team (ACT). The ACT team provides treatment to adults with Severe and Persist Mental illness-who may also have co-occurring substance-related disorders in their homes and other community settings. ACT is a 24/7 service to individuals who need frequent contact often daily in order to manage their symptoms sufficiently to remain out of the hospital.

ACTs overall goals include:

• To assist individuals to remain safety in the community and limit hospitalization and/or law enforcement involvement through reduction of risks, enhancement of protective factors and the extension of community tenure.
• To maintain our census so that services can be provided to those that need them.
• To ensure that individuals with co-occurring SUD and MH diagnoses receive treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health concerns.
• To provide additional supports to individuals transitioning from an inpatient psychiatric facility.

The ACT Program Manager is the clinical consultant for the team and is the primary resource for crisis management. The Team Lead carries a .5 FTE caseload of direct service, including behavioral health assessments, diagnostic assessments, therapy services, and groups. The Team Lead facilitates staff meetings, completes expenditure reports, collaborates with other programs, DBHDD, and community partners.

Administrative/Leadership Responsibilities:

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the ACT Program
• Provides assistance in addressing issues related to access, triage, scheduling, referral, and staff coverage within the ACT program
• At the direction of the Director of Clinical Operations or the Director of Outpatient Clinics will collect data on access to services, treatment outcomes, and client experience
• Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with referral sources and partners within and outside the agency.
• Stays knowledgeable about guidelines and requirements that regulate provision of outpatient services, including but not limited to: CCBHC requirements, DBHDD Utilization Guidelines, CARF, ASO requirements, DBHDD contractual obligations, DATEP/HFR regulations, Advantage policies and procedures, etc
• Defines job expectations for each position/each employee and communicates those expectations clearly
• Meets regularly with direct reports and documents meetings on Professional Development logs or Team Meeting Minutes document.
• Evaluates direct reports at least annually.
• Follows Advantages policies and procedures regarding disciplinary actions.
• Identifies training needs and coordinates trainings/education for subordinate staff.
• Manages payroll bi-weekly for all direct reports.

• Recommends to administrative and team staff methods for improving treatment programs based on available data, professional judgement and in accordance with established guidelines.
• Effectively supports interdepartmental and unit cooperation in implementing new programs and procedures to increase the quality of services.
• Attends agency and external meetings and trainings, as assigned.

Direct Service Responsibilities:

• Utilize the My Avatar electronic health record to complete documentation of assessments, outreach attempts, diagnoses, etc.
• Ensure all initial and concurrent authorizations are completed by accurately filling out the required OTR and ASO Request forms in a timely manner
• Determine eligibility for a higher level of care (such as hospitalization)
• Determine appropriate referrals to other programs/services offered within the agency and out in the community
• Maintain communication with client or clients parents/guardians in order to discuss missed follow up behavioral health appointments in the clinic
• Create, complete, and/or update treatment plans according to significant changes in preference, desires, goals, and abilities of the client
• Complete discharge paperwork and safety plans for clients released from MH services
• Assist clients in obtaining information about essential resources when applicable
• Attend required supervision and departmental staff meetings
• Provide on-going monitoring of clients identified as High Risk until they can be transitioned to another provider for follow up services
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Licensure or associate licensure in the state of Georgia as a LAPC, LPC, LAMFT, LMFT, LMSW, LCSW, or Psychologist with a minimum of two years of experience working in outpatient services. Associate Licensed applicants must be within one year of ability to sit for the licensure exam.

Preferred Qualifications:

Full licensure as an LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or psychologist with a minimum of 2 years working in community mental health and with at least 1 year of supervisory experience.