Behavioral Health Specialist II - Emergency Services & Crisis Care

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Hh12), VA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist II works within the Merrifield Crisis Response Center and community mobile response teams, including co-responder teams with Fairfax County Police and Fire and Rescue. The role is part of a multidisciplinary team serving people in acute crisis, including individuals with serious mental illness who are at high risk and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions. The specialist assesses and diagnoses clients, provides crisis intervention, and, in consultation with a Crisis Intervention Specialist and/or on-duty supervisor, determines when hospitalization may be necessary. The role may also provide coverage on the Community Response Team or Co-Responder Unit, responding to 911 calls in the field with law enforcement.

The specialist responds to a broad range of behavioral health needs, applies civil psychiatric detention and commitment laws when appropriate, and connects people in crisis with ongoing clinical treatment and community resources. Duties include responding to calls at the Emergency Services call center; screening, assessment, intervention, and referral; supporting Co-Responder Units by phone and telehealth; and, when needed, serving as a Behavioral Health Liaison with the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Dispatch Center. The position may represent the CSB at civil commitment hearings and provide expert testimony as required by Virginia law.

The role also includes duties typical of the Behavioral Health Specialist class, such as developing and implementing treatment plans under clinical supervision, conducting intakes and assessments, providing individual, group, or family treatment under supervision, case management, outreach, crisis stabilization, risk assessment, client advocacy, documentation, and coordination with community providers. The position is located at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health in Fairfax, Virginia. Shift work may include overnights, weekends, and holidays, and the position is designated emergency/essential services personnel, requiring duty during inclement weather or other emergencies.

Requirements

• 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 plus valid QMHP or CSAC certification and 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.
• Obtain MANDT certifications within six months of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of appointment and maintain certification throughout CSB employment.
• Maintain a valid motor vehicle driver’s license with fewer than six demerit points, or equivalent in another state, throughout CSB employment.
• Obtain Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) status within three months of hire.
• Complete criminal background, Child Protective Services Registry, driving record, and sanction screening checks to the employer’s satisfaction.
• Complete TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies as emergency/essential services personnel.
• Licensed providers may not opt out of being a Medicare provider.
• Knowledge of behavioral health service principles, theories, methods, and individual social development.
• Knowledge of evidence-based behavioral health treatment methods and psychological, physiological, and psychiatric terminology, theories, and practices.
• Knowledge of assessment processes, social-history gathering, interviewing techniques, public and private agencies, and community resources.
• Ability to formulate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans, perform behavioral health and risk assessments, and apply evidence-based or evidence-informed treatment approaches.
• Ability to manage a caseload, establish rapport with clients, and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, organizations, community groups, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain records, and prepare reports.
• Ability to transport clients in agency vehicles; observe, monitor, and document client behavior; perform CPR/First Aid; climb stairs; lift up to 20 pounds; participate in recreational activities; prepare meals; review and write clinical notes; and use a keyboard-driven computer. Duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work.
• At least one year of clinical experience providing crisis intervention and working with individuals with co-occurring disorders, including serious mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and substance use.
• Current certification by the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• Licensed eligible or currently licensed to practice in Virginia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Nurse Practitioner.
• Bilingual in English and another language; qualified bilingual employees may receive a foreign-language skills stipend of up to $1,600 per year for full-time work.

Responsibilities

• Assess and diagnose individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, including people with serious mental illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
• Provide crisis intervention and, in consultation with a Crisis Intervention Specialist and/or supervisor, determine whether hospitalization is necessary for high-risk individuals.
• Provide coverage on the Community Response Team and Co-Responder Unit, including field responses with law enforcement to 911 calls.
• Apply civil psychiatric detention and commitment law to initiate involuntary hospitalization when appropriate for high-risk individuals who refuse or cannot commit to voluntary care.
• Connect people in crisis with ongoing clinical treatment, community resources, and agencies addressing needs such as hunger, homelessness, and medical illness.
• Answer Emergency Services call-center phones and provide screening, assessment, crisis intervention, and referral.
• When needed, serve as a Behavioral Health Liaison with the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Dispatch Center to identify behavioral health calls and connect people with resources.
• Provide Co-Responder Units with field support by phone and telehealth.
• Represent the CSB at civil commitment hearings and provide expert testimony when required.
• Make behavioral health diagnoses using the DSM, ICD, or other required diagnostic tools.
• Maintain a diverse caseload and develop client- and family-centered therapeutic treatment plans.
• Implement treatment plans under clinical supervision and provide individual, group, and/or family treatment under supervision.
• Conduct independent behavioral health intakes and assessments, including ongoing risk assessments for danger to self or others.
• Collaborate with service professionals within and outside the Community Services Board and adapt treatment interventions as needed.
• Provide case management, outreach, engagement, crisis stabilization, and crisis management services as needed.
• Conduct wellness and health promotion services and provide entry, navigation, and referral services.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and comprehensive electronic health records in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Advocate for clients’ rights and needed services and maintain cooperative relationships with community groups and public and private agencies.
• Assess and monitor medication impacts on client functioning, consult medical professionals as needed, and administer medication as ordered by a physician in accordance with department regulations.
• Prepare and administer behavioral health education curricula.
• Testify in court regarding client services, progress, and recommendations as required.

Benefits

• Foreign-language skills stipend of up to $1,600 per year for qualified bilingual full-time employees.
• Clinical supervision for employees registered as licensed eligible in specified mental health professions.
• Annual reimbursement for job-related licenses and/or certifications.

What This Job Offers

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