Behavioral Health Specialist I - Community Residential Services - Housing

Fairfax County • 8119 Holland Road Alexandria (Mn25), VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position works as a compassionate and dedicated behavioral health specialist as a part of our Community Residential Services Division on the Housing Support Team. In this role, you will provide hands-on support and engagement services to adults with serious mental illness and/or co-occurring conditions, helping individuals maintain stable housing and build the skills needed to live as independently as possible in the community. As a Behavioral Health Specialist I, you will play an important role in supporting individuals in Permanent Supportive Housing and other community-based housing settings.

Requirements

• 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) or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certification.
• Valid motor vehicle driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another state) and maintained throughout employment with CSB.
• Completion of a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry check, a driving record check, and sanction screening.
• TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Ability to climb stairs, walk, stand, bend, and independently drive agency vehicles as needed to carry out job duties.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15lbs, observe client behavior/appearance, review and write progress notes in Electronic Health Record (EHR) and staff log.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Certified by the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships with individuals through consistent engagement, support, and encouragement.
• Provide counseling, direct observation, and individualized assistance to support residents' stability and well-being.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living and independent living skills that may be barriers to maintaining housing.
• Provide coaching and encouragement related to household cleanliness, organization, and appropriate reporting of maintenance or site concerns.
• Encourage residents to work directly with housing providers and landlords to address financial concerns, lease requirements, and landlord/tenant issues.
• Assist with and/or transport residents to appointments and community-based services when appropriate.
• Monitor and respond to program needs, promptly notifying the Mental Health Supervisor or designee of emergencies and major incidents involving program participants.
• Review client information and the Electronic Health Record (EHR) for updates related to clinical needs and services.
• Complete timely and accurate progress notes and documentation in the EHR in accordance with agency guidelines.
• Maintain accurate time and attendance records and other required program documentation.
• 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.

Benefits

• Foreign language skills stipend of up to $1600/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level