Behavioral Health Specialist I - Behavioral Health Outpatient Services

Job Announcement

This position provides office and community based behavioral health services in our Behavioral Health Outpatient Program (BHOP). Under supervision of the team leader/supervisor, provides a broad range of services to adults with substance use disorders (SUD), serious mental illness (SMI), and co-occurring disorders (COD), who may also have developmental disabilities (DD), and/or physical illnesses. These services may include: linkage to evidence based therapy in individual, family, and group modalities to address mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders for adults; advocating for individual's changing needs, service planning, linking individuals to community supports, service coordination with other agencies, monitoring treatment compliance, monitoring effectiveness of medication, helping develop a de-escalation/crisis plan for the individual at risk, and helping plan for transition to services either within the CSB or into the community.
This position can be a collateral service provider in groups, help individuals connect to the community providers, conduct outreach, conduct drug screening, and facilitate home visits and other needed visits to providers. Maintains accurate and detailed clinical database records and other documentation according to all local, state and federal standards. Performs utilization management activities relating to requirements of insurance companies, Medicaid, and other CSB policies and procedures.

Must be computer literate and familiar with electronic health care recording. Timely, electronic documentation that meets local, state, and federal performance contract expectations is essential. Duties also include working a minimum of one evening per week. Bi-lingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

We encourage candidate’s bilingual in English and Spanish or another foreign language to apply. The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and CSB recognizes that staff competence speaking a variety of languages is necessary to meet client needs. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1,300/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees. 

To find out more about the benefits of working with Fairfax County Government, please visit the CSB Careers Page.

Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video "CSB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Providing Care."

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

• Functions as an active member of a treatment team;
• Functions as a co-leader in groups;
• Assists with data gathering for needs assessment;
• Contributes to the development of individual service plans, with consideration given to the nature and severity of the behavioral health and psychosocial needs, individual strengths and preferences, and support systems;
• Makes interventions as outlined in the service plan;
• Brings forward timely information on individuals' progress and evolving needs to the treatment team;
• Provides individual supportive counseling and skill-building involving specific concerns;
• Conducts admission and orientation into the program/services;
• Provides individual and group psycho-educational sessions for clients, family members, and significant others;
• Maintains and updates information on community resources for individuals, families, and other concerned persons;
• Provides skill building to  clients in developing and practicing daily living, recovery, and self-advocacy  skills;
• Observes client behavior and provides de-escalation techniques;
• Maintains client records in accordance with state and department regulations;
• Maintains all appropriate program logs and information;
• Provides program coverage and supervises program activities;
• Transports and accompanies individuals to various appointments.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of the psychological and social development of individuals;
• Knowledge of substance use disorders and the physiological, psychological and social impacts;
• Knowledge of public and private community based resources;
• Knowledge of social history development and  interviewing and treatment techniques appropriate for individuals with substance use and/or mental illness/ serious emotional disturbance (SED);
• Ability to recognize behavioral symptoms of mental illness/ serious emotional disturbance (SED) and substance use, and developmental disabilities;
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports;
• Ability to assist with initial screening of the severity of individuals' substance use/mental health symptoms, treatment, and support needs.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, sociology, nursing, public health or a related field;
OR a bachelor’s degree and a valid Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• First Aid and CPR certification, within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout CSB employment;
• Valid motor vehicle driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment with CSB;
• Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) (Required within 3 months)
• Qualified Mental Health Professional/Trainee (Required within 3 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry check, a driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.

This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)    

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with SMI, SUD, COD and DD populations.
• Experience delivering services in the community.
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Demonstrated proficient experience in Microsoft Office

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to drive a car, conduct community outreach activities and work in an office-based setting. Ability to observe, process, and document information and participate in interventions. Ability to read data on computer monitor, operate keyboard driven equipment including inputting and retrieving computer data, lift up to 15 pounds, communicate verbally and in writing, travel to attend off-site meetings, and drive the county vehicle, when required. Ability to communicate effectively with community stakeholders, clients, clients’ supports, and coworkers in a professional and courteous manner. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: 
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.
 
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.