Behavioral Health Specialist II - Entry, Assessment, and Referral

$2,500 Sign-on Bonus*

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Behavioral Health Specialist to join its dynamic Entry and Referral Clinical Assessment Team. This exciting opportunity places you at the frontline of care, serving both adults and youth seeking services for substance use disorders, serious mental illness, and co-occurring conditions, including individuals with developmental disabilities and/or physical health needs. As the initial point of contact, the Behavioral Health Specialist conducts initial phone and in-person triage screenings, helps determine clinical and service needs (including for court-ordered individuals), and connects individuals to appropriate CSB services or community referrals. The position requires strong clinical judgment, culturally responsive engagement, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary, multicultural team while serving a diverse population, including a significant Latinx community. Responsibilities include outreach and follow-up with individuals initiating services, coordination with community partners such as probation and parole, the court system, and the Department of Family Services, and ongoing support during various phases of care coordination. The ideal candidate is computer-literate, proficient in electronic health records and databases, committed to timely and compliant documentation, and brings a solutions-oriented mindset grounded in the belief that "nothing is impossible." Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Here are some of the benefits CSB employees enjoy:

• This position includes a sign-on bonus for new merit county employees in the amount of $2500.
• Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home - including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish or another language to apply for this opportunity. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1560/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.
• In addition, to recognize and reinforce the importance of professional development and enhance future recruitment of licensed professionals, if approved, the licensure supervisors will receive a stipend of $1,500 paid out biweekly over a 12-month period whether for one or more Department of Health licensure candidates.
• License/Certification Reimbursement - Reimbursement for job related licenses and/or certifications once per year.
• To find out more about the benefits of working with Fairfax County Government, please visit the CSB Careers Page.

(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.)

• Conducts independent behavioral health intakes and assessments;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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.

(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:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, or a related field, plus 1,500 hours of clinical experience;
OR a bachelor's degree and a valid Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certification plus 1,500 hours of clinical experience;
OR a master's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, or a related field plus 500 hours of clinical experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) - within 3 months of hire

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry 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 individuals, families and community members with mental health, substance use and developmental concerns.
• Experience with effectively communicating with diverse bilingual/multi-lingual populations.