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, offering hands-on clinical experience, professional development, and potential for advancement in a progressive Fairfax County agency. The role primarily serves at 6901 S Van Dorn Street, Alexandria, VA 22315.

About the Role

This position administers medication as ordered by a physician in accordance with department regulations. It requires overnight coverage, weekend availability, and flexibility with holidays. Duties include milieu management, drug and alcohol screens, admissions, crisis management, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout employment;
• Valid motor vehicle driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment;
• Medication Administration Assistance (VA) certification required within 30 days of hire;
• Completion of 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 designated as emergency/essential services personnel (required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies).

Skills

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Co-Occurring (COD) residential program;
• Experience providing behavioral health services to individuals receiving treatment with mental health disorders, substance use disorders (SUD), and/or co-occurring disorders (COD);
• Experience 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).

Benefits

• Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, and bilingual candidates (English and another language) are encouraged to apply. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1600/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bilingual employees;
• Clinical supervision for employees registered as licensed eligible mental health professionals 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 for job-related licenses and/or certifications once per year.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to transport clients to activities;
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.