Behavioral Health Specialist I

Job Announcement

Works as a part of our Community Residential Services - Housing Division. Works on the Housing Support Team providing engagement services to seriously mentally ill/co-occurring adult populations. Provides services which support any Permanent Supportive Housing units or appropriate housing units that need equivalent support in the community. Provides counseling and directly observes consumers. Serves as a significant provider of engagement services and assistance with some activities of daily living or assistance in other independent living skills that may be a barrier to individuals remaining housed. May provide coaching to assist individuals to maintain cleanliness and prompt reporting of maintenance/site issues. Advises Mental Health Supervisor/designee of program emergencies/major incidents involving program participants. May assist with and/or transport residents to appointments. Completes progress notes in electronic health record (EHR) within agency guidelines. Encourages individuals to work with housing provider or landlord regarding any financial issues or landlord/tenant lease issues, maintains time and attendance data, and reviews client EHR for updates on clinical information.

The CSB strives to create a work environment that facilitates professional growth by broadening your skill base with extensive training and development, modeling best practices in employee relations, employee recognition programs and advancement opportunities along with providing a highly competitive wage and benefits package.

Since 1969, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has served individuals of all ages who have mental illness, substance use disorders, serious emotional and/or developmental disabilities. Our vision, aligned with the goals of One Fairfax, is that everyone in our community has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Fairfax County is a dynamic and diverse community spanning over 400 square miles. With over 1.2 million residents, Fairfax County is the most populous jurisdiction in Virginia. Operating as part of Fairfax County government's human services system the CSB provides a wide array of services offering opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Additional benefits of working with the CSB include: 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. We encourage candidate's bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1,300/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees.The CSB provides clinical supervision for employees who are registered as licensed eligible mental health in one of the following areas: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist.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."

Effective July 13, 2024, compensation plans will be increased by 2% (market rate adjustment):

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:
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 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:One or more years of post-degree experience working with adults who suffer from serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders in an intensive treatment group home, hospital emergency department or psychiatric unit, community-based behavioral emergency services, and/or crisis stabilization setting. Ability to be certified by the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adult (QMHP-A) within 6 months of hire.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to climb stairs, walk, stand, bend, and independently drive agency vehicles as needed to carry out job duties. Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 15 lbs, observe client behavior/appearance, review and write progress notes in Electronic Health Record (EHR) and staff log. 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 for assistance. TTY EEO/AA/TTY.

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