Community Support Team (CST) Team Lead Position /Assessments

Job Overview
The CST Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the delivery of Community Support Team services in accordance with North Carolina DHHS Policy 8A-6. This role provides clinical leadership, supervision, and coordination of care for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders. The Team Lead ensures that services are person-centered, medically necessary, and compliant with Medicaid and MCO requirements.

The Team Lead serves as the primary clinical authority on the CST team and is responsible for ensuring service integrity, team performance, and positive member outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Oversight & Service Delivery
• Provide clinical leadership and supervision to CST team members (QP, CPSS, and Substance Abuse Professional).
• Ensure all services align with NC DHHS Policy 8A-6 CST Service Definition.
• Conduct and/or review Comprehensive Clinical Assessments (CCA) and assessment addendums.
• Oversee development and implementation of Person-Centered Plans (PCPs).
• Ensure interventions address:
• Symptom reduction
• Crisis prevention
• Substance use recovery
• Housing stability
• Vocational functioning
• Monitor service intensity to meet CST fidelity (intensive, team-based, community-focused care).
• Team Leadership & Supervision
• Facilitate weekly CST team meetings to review member progress and coordinate care.
• Provide clinical supervision and guidance to team members.
• Ensure proper role utilization of:
• Qualified Professional (QP)
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)
• Substance Abuse Professional (LCAS/CADC)
• Support staff development, coaching, and performance accountability.

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure all documentation meets Medicaid, MCO, and DHHS standards.
• Review and approve:
• Service notes (within 48-hour requirement)
• PCPs and updates
• Crisis plans
• Discharge summaries
• Ensure proper use of clinical tools:
• LOCUS
• ASAM (if applicable)
• DLA-20
• Maintain compliance with:
• Authorization timelines (initial 60-day, re-auth 90-day cycles)
• NC TOPPS completion requirements
• Ensure services are billed in 15-minute increments and reflect medical necessity.

Care Coordination & Community Integration

• Coordinate care with:
• Medical providers
• Hospitals and detox facilities
• Housing agencies
• DSS and community stakeholders
• Participate in treatment team meetings (monthly at minimum).
• Ensure linkage to community resources to support recovery and independence.

Crisis Management

• Provide clinical oversight during crises and ensure appropriate intervention.
• Support team in de-escalation and crisis response strategies.
• Ensure all members have updated crisis and safety plans.

NC DHHS Policy 8A CST Service Definition (Integrated Responsibilities)

In accordance with North Carolina DHHS Policy 8A-6, the CST Team Lead ensures that:

• CST services are community-based, intensive, and team-driven.
• Services are delivered to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders who require a higher level of support than outpatient services.
• The team provides:
• Assessment and reassessment of clinical needs
• Service planning and coordination
• Symptom management and stabilization
• Crisis prevention and intervention
• Substance use treatment support
• Skill-building for daily living and recovery
• A multi-disciplinary team approach is maintained at all times.
• Services are primarily delivered in natural environments (home, community, workplace).
• The team maintains 24/7 crisis response capability (as applicable to agency structure).
• Interventions focus on rehabilitation, recovery, and independence, not just maintenance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a human services field (Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, etc.)
• Active licensure in North Carolina (LCSW, LCMHC, LCAS, LMFT, or equivalent)
• Minimum 2 years of experience with severe mental illness and/or substance use populations
• Experience with CST or ACTT services strongly preferred
• Knowledge of NC Medicaid, DHHS Policy 8A, and MCO requirements

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills
• Leadership and team management ability
• Knowledge of community resources and care coordination
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation expertise
• Excellent documentation and compliance awareness
• Ability to work in fast-paced, community-based environments

Work Environment

• Community-based settings (homes, shelters, community locations)
• Office-based responsibilities for documentation and supervision
• Local travel required

Performance Expectations

• Maintain high-quality clinical documentation and compliance
• Ensure team productivity and service delivery targets are met
• Promote positive member outcomes and engagement
• Uphold agency standards and DHHS regulations

Pay: $75.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wadesboro, NC 28170

Salary : $75