The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta, GA.

Job Description

Job Title:  Team Leader – Community Integration Home (CIH) (Savannah, GA)

Pay Grade:  K

Job Summary:

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Office of Forensic Services provides forensic evaluation, treatment, and supervision for individuals with mental illness, who are under the jurisdiction of the Superior, State, and Juvenile courts of Georgia. In the community, this includes the provision of 24/7 residential care for adults on conditional release (NGRI acquittees) and outpatient civil commitment (IST non-restorable) in Community Integration Homes (CIHs).  Savannah Area CIHs are currently located in and around Chatham County.

The DBHDD Office of Forensic Services is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Integration Home (CIH) Team Lead.

This CIH Team Lead position is for supervision of CIHs in the Savannah area. This is an administrative job with work hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and on-call for emergencies.  Minimal (local) travel is required.

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.

Essential Responsibilities:

The Team Lead is responsible for supervising CIH Employees (House Leads, Client Support Workers, Behavior Health Counselors), to include guiding and instructing the work assignments of staff who provide direct care of the residents, with the assistance of a House Lead and overseeing of scheduling and time keeping of all staff.

As direct supervisor of the Behavior Health Counselor, the Team Lead will coordinate with hospital and community forensic directors and community mental health professionals to ensure residents receive all needed outpatient/inpatient mental health services.

Works to assist staff and Behavioral Health Counselor to identify barriers to residents’ progress through interviews and audits of resident records.

As direct supervisor of both the House Counselors and Behavior Health Counselor, the Team Lead will ensure their duties are executed and responsibilities are covered, in time of staff absence.

As administrator, the Team Lead is responsible for ensuring that all regulatory and reviewing agency standards and DBHDD Policies and procedures are followed by CIH employees and residents; ensuring the collection and timely submission of data, reports, forms and other pertinent information as required; coordinating monthly environment of care and safety inspections/drills; ensuring a safe, clean living environment with supporting documentation; and assisting residents in attaining medical care as needed.

Entry Qualifications:

Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a social science field (Psychology, Counseling, Social Work) AND active Georgia license to practice (i.e. LCSW, LPC). At least two (2) years supervisory experience, preferably in the residential care setting. Preference given to applicants with residential care experience.

Master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Three years of experience performing work related to area of assignment, One year of which in a supervisory role OR Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university AND Five years of experience performing work related to area of assignment, Two years of which in a supervisory role OR One year of experience at the lower level Healthcare Prgm Consultant 3 (HCP092) or position equivalent.  Note: Some positions may require licensure.

Preferred Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess exemplary managerial and clinical skills, to adequately supervise both numerous staff and residents who have serious mental illness. Solid interpersonal skills are necessary, as the Team Lead will be expected to communicate with a variety of parties, including regional and state office personnel, court personnel, and clinicians and family of the residents. 

·       Licensed mental health counselor, Licensed Social Worker, or a similar field. I don’t believe a license is required.

·       Knowledgeable about providing residential and treatment services to the mentally ill and about forensic populations.

·       Knowledgeable about following policies and procedures as well as supervising employees in a residential setting.

·       Able to respond responsibly to crisis situations as well as work efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of court-controlled mental health population.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

·                  Drug Screening

·                  TB Evaluation

·                  Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.  

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.