Behavioral Health Specialist I - Residential Treat & Detox Services

This position works within an innovative co-occurring (substance abuse and mental health) residential treatment program for adults. This role offers an exciting opportunity for hands-on clinical experience, professional development, and potential for advancement in a progressive Fairfax County agency. This position administers medication as ordered by a physician in accordance with department regulations. This position requires overnight coverage and weekend availability, and flexibility with holiday. Duties include milieu management, drug and alcohol screens, admissions, crisis management, and documentation. This position primarily serves at 6901 S Van Dorn Street Alexandria, VA 22315.

Here are some of the benefits CSB employees enjoy:

• 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 another language to apply for this opportunity. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1600/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.
• 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.

Note:  To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video "CSB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Providing Care."(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.)

• 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.

(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 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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.  

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications, within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout CSB employment;
• Valid motor vehicle driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment with CSB.
• Medication Administration Assistance (VA) required within 30 days 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, a driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. 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 in Co-Occurring (COD) residential program.
• Experience with providing behavioral health services to individuals receiving treatment with mental health disorders, substance use disorders (SUD) and/or co-occurring disorders (COD).
• Experience with effectively communicating with diverse bilingual/multi-lingual populations.
• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or 
• Eligible to be licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia in one of the following: 
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 
  • Licensed Professional Counselor, 
  • Clinical Psychologist, 
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 
  • Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner or 
  • Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LNP).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to transport clients to activities. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  
  
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. [email protected] EEO/AA/TTY.

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