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Behavioral Health Specialist II

We are hiring multiple highly skilled and passionate clinicians supporting Diversion First efforts through partnerships with Court Services (Pre-trial Supervision), Fairfax County Courts, the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office and community providers. Requires knowledge of mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities, must be skilled and creative in addressing complex situations and navigating available resources to be used in responding to individual needs. Understands the criminal justice system and community case management resources and applies that knowledge to work in partnership with individuals served, their families, attorneys, judges and law enforcement partners.

Work schedule is variable between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Position requires limited evening availability. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, possess a commitment to high quality customer service, and be comfortable in community settings.

To learn more about careers in Diversion & Jail-Based Services, view our Realistic Job Preview for Diversion & Jail-Based Services video.
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.)
  • Makes behavioral health diagnoses using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, International Classification of Diseases or other diagnostic tools as required;
  • Maintains a diverse caseload of clients with a variety of substance use, developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses;
  • Develops client and/or family centered therapeutic treatment plans, with consideration given to the nature and severity of the behavioral health problem, family, cultural and employment related circumstances, legal involvement, individual and family histories, physical condition, and other pertinent factors;
  • Implements therapeutic treatment plan under clinical supervision;
  • Conducts independent behavioral health intakes and assessments;
  • Provides individual, group, and/or family treatment under supervision;
  • Collaborates with service professionals inside and outside of the Community Services Board;
  • Adapts and modifies treatment interventions as indicated;
  • Provides case management, outreach and engagement services as needed;
  • Conducts wellness and health promotion services;
  • Maintains all electronic health records according to federal, state and department regulations, ensuring that records of clients on their caseload are complete, accurate and comprehensive;
  • Advocates on behalf of clients regarding rights and needed services;
  • Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with representatives of community groups and public and private agencies;
  • Assesses and monitors the impact of medication on client's functioning and consults with medical professionals as needed;
  • Administers medication as ordered by a physician in accordance with department regulations;
  • Provides crisis stabilization and crisis management with support and supervision as needed;
  • Provides ongoing risk assessments for dangerousness to self and others with support and supervision as needed;
  • Provides entry, navigation and/or referral services for individuals, families and other concerned persons;
  • Prepares and administers behavioral health educational curricula;
  • Testifies in court to regarding client's services, progress and recommendations as required.
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 behavioral health services and social development of the individual;
  • Knowledge of evidence based behavioral health treatment methods;
  • Knowledge of psychological, physiological and psychiatric terminology, theories and practices;
  • Knowledge of assessment processes, methods of gathering social history and interviewing techniques;
  • Knowledge of existing public and private agencies and community resources;
  • Ability to formulate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plan;
  • Ability to perform behavioral health and risk assessments and apply evidence based/informed treatment approaches/modalities;
  • Ability to manage a caseload;
  • Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients;
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public and private organizations, community groups, and the general public;
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling or a related field, plus one year of clinical experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Contingent upon the area of assignment, some positions within this class may require specific certification(s) prior to employment and/or the ability to acquire necessary certification(s) within a specified time period following employment. The certifications are identified in the position description and employment advertisement.
  • Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) (Required within 30 days)
  • Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) (Required within 30 days)
  • Valid Motor Vehicle Driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment with CSB.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, 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:
  • Master's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling or a related field.
  • Licensed or License-eligible to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia in one of the following:
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
  • Licensed Professional Counselor,
  • Clinical Psychologist,
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist,
  • Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner.
  • Experience and knowledge of stages of change, treatment, moral reconation therapy and motivational interviewing.
  • Previous experience in substance abuse treatment or mental health settings.
  • Previous experience in a criminal justice setting.
  • Computer literacy.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to communicate with others and make clinical observations and use keyboard driven equipment. Ability to drive and travel to numerous locations, including some travel within the Commonwealth of Virginia. 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 status as a veteran 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. EEO/AA/TTY.