Behavioral Health Specialist II - Entry, Assessment, & Referral

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Hh12), VA

2d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist II works on the Entry and Referral clinical assessment team, serving as an initial point of contact for adults and youth seeking Community Services Board (CSB) services for substance use disorders, serious mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and related developmental or physical health needs. The role completes phone and in-person triage screenings, identifies service needs, connects individuals with appropriate CSB and community resources, and explains registration, screening, and assessment processes. It serves culturally and socio-economically diverse clients, including a large Latinx population, and may assess individuals who are court-ordered.

The position provides triage, outreach, collateral contact with community partners, case coordination, behavioral health assessments, case management, engagement, crisis support, and referrals across phases of clinical care. It maintains timely and comprehensive electronic health records and related documentation in accordance with applicable requirements. The role also collaborates with internal and external service professionals, advocates for clients, develops community relationships, provides education, and may testify in court. This is an emergency/essential services position requiring reporting for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 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 one of those fields or a related field plus 500 hours of clinical experience.
• Knowledge of behavioral health services and social development, evidence-based treatment methods, and psychological, physiological, and psychiatric terminology, theories, and practices.
• Knowledge of assessment processes, social-history gathering, interviewing techniques, and 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 general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain records, and prepare reports.
• Computer literacy and familiarity with electronic health records, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, and sanction screening to the employer’s satisfaction.
• Complete TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Report for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies as emergency/essential services personnel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with individuals, families, and community members with mental health, substance use, and developmental concerns.
• Experience working in a community-based treatment program.
• Experience communicating effectively with diverse bilingual or multilingual populations.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or another language.

Responsibilities

• Conduct phone and in-person triage screenings and identify individuals’ service needs.
• Provide entry, navigation, and referral services to individuals, families, and other concerned persons.
• Conduct behavioral health intakes, assessments, and ongoing risk assessments, with support and supervision as needed.
• Connect clients with appropriate CSB services and community resources, and explain registration, screening, and assessment processes.
• Provide case management, outreach, engagement, and case coordination throughout clinical care.
• Collaborate with CSB professionals, community partners, and public and private agencies.
• Adapt and modify treatment interventions as indicated and provide crisis stabilization and crisis management with support and supervision as needed.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and comprehensive electronic health records and timely documentation in accordance with federal, state, and department requirements.
• Advocate for clients regarding their rights and needed services.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with community groups and public and private agencies.
• Prepare and administer behavioral health educational curricula.
• Testify in court regarding clients’ services, progress, and recommendations as required.

Benefits

• A foreign-language skills stipend of up to $1,600 per year for qualified bilingual full-time employees.
• Clinical supervision for employees registered as license-eligible in specified mental health professions.
• Reimbursement for job-related licenses and certifications once per year.

What This Job Offers

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