Behavioral Health Specialist II - Diversion Engagement

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Hh12), VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist II works on the Diversion Engagement Team, supporting individuals identified as high utilizers of the Adult Detention Center, CSB Emergency Services, and Fairfax County Court Services. The role provides engagement and monitoring to encourage and support connection to ongoing mental health and substance use treatment, with the goal of avoiding repetitive hospitalization and/or incarceration. The team supports Diversion First and collaborates with the Sheriff’s Department, court services, emergency services, hospital discharge planners, other CSB teams, clients, and their natural support systems.

Clinical services include outreach and engagement, case coordination, and risk assessment. This is a community-based program; work may occur at the Fairfax County Judicial Complex, hospitals, crisis stabilization programs, CSB Emergency Services, and other community settings. Service delivery is based on client and program needs. Some positions provide telehealth for non-acute services, and other positions may have limited telework opportunities, which vary by position.

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 and valid QMHP or 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.
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license with fewer than six demerit points, or equivalent in another state, maintained throughout employment.
• Obtain Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification within 30 days of hire.
• Obtain Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) certification within 30 days of hire.
• Obtain CPR certification within 90 days 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.
• 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, 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 and modalities.
• Ability to manage a caseload, establish rapport with clients, and maintain effective relationships with clients, coworkers, organizations, community groups, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, maintain records, and prepare reports.
• Ability to walk significant distances within multiple buildings, climb stairs, and meet physical requirements needed to comply with security and safety regulations.
• Ability to attend offsite meetings and trainings, drive, and travel to numerous locations, including within Virginia.
• Ability to communicate with others, make clinical observations, use keyboard-driven equipment, access, input, and retrieve computer data, and observe, process, and document clinical information.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience providing behavioral health services in community settings.
• Experience providing behavioral health services to individuals receiving treatment for mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Experience interpreting and following work processes and procedures, working with other service agencies, and working effectively in a team environment.
• Master’s degree, or enrollment in a master’s program, in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Licensed or license-eligible to practice in Virginia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, or Licensed Nurse Practitioner.
• Bilingual English and another language; qualified bilingual employees may receive a foreign-language skills stipend of up to $1,600 per year for full-time employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach, engagement, monitoring, and case coordination to support clients’ connection to ongoing mental health and substance use treatment.
• Make behavioral health diagnoses using the DSM, ICD, or other required diagnostic tools.
• Maintain a diverse caseload involving substance use, developmental disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.
• Develop client- and/or family-centered therapeutic treatment plans, taking relevant personal, family, cultural, employment, legal, historical, and physical circumstances into account.
• Implement treatment plans under clinical supervision and provide individual, group, and/or family treatment under supervision.
• Conduct behavioral health intakes and assessments, including risk assessments for danger to self and others.
• Collaborate with professionals inside and outside the Community Services Board and develop cooperative relationships with community groups and public and private agencies.
• Adapt and modify treatment interventions as indicated and use evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches.
• Provide case management, wellness and health promotion, crisis stabilization, crisis management, and entry, navigation, or referral services as needed.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and comprehensive electronic health records in accordance with federal, state, and department regulations; prepare reports as needed.
• Advocate for clients’ rights and needed services.
• Assess and monitor medication effects on client functioning and consult medical professionals as needed; administer medication as ordered by a physician and in accordance with department regulations.
• Prepare and administer behavioral health educational curricula.
• Testify in court regarding clients’ services, progress, and recommendations as required.

Benefits

• Clinical supervision for employees pursuing licensure in specified mental health professions.
• Eligible licensure supervisors may receive a $1,500 stipend paid biweekly over a 12-month period for supervising one or more Department of Health licensure candidates, subject to approval.
• Reimbursement once per year for job-related licenses and/or certifications.
• Qualified bilingual full-time employees may receive a foreign-language skills stipend of up to $1,600 per year.

What This Job Offers

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