Behavioral Health Specialist I - Residential Treatment & Detox Services

Responsibilities

• Conducting phone screenings to assess program appropriateness
• Completing client admissions and discharges
• Monitoring clients and maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu
• Providing exceptional customer service to clients and stakeholders

Requirements

• Flexible to work various shifts, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays

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

Skills and Abilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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 $1560/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees.
• Certificate/License Reimbursement - Reimbursement for job related licenses and/or certifications once per year.

Pay

(Not specified)

Schedule

(Not specified)

Illustrative Duties

(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

Physical Requirements

• Ability to transport clients to activities
• Lift up to 20 lbs.
• Maintain building security when alone on shift
• Must be able to perform CPR and administer First Aid

Necessary Special Requirements

• Requires 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.
• Additional work schedule requirements: shift schedule to include some days, evenings, weekends, overnights and holidays.
• This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies.)
• Licensed providers may not “opt out” of being a Medicare provider.