Crisis Service Safety Technician

Claratel Behavioral Health•Decatur, GA

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
Pre-employment drug screening and successful completion of a criminal history background check is required.

Responsibilities

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.
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
Engage clients in structured and diversionary activities
Maintain a presence in treatment areas, builiding rapport with persons served and ensuring individuals feel safe
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
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
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.
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.