Behavioral Health Specialist II - Behavioral Health Outpatient Services

About the role

This position works within our Behavioral Health Outpatient Services Division in an outpatient community mental health setting providing behavioral health services to adults with serious mental illness (SMI), substances use disorders (SUD), and/or co-occurring disorders (COD). These adults may also have developmental disabilities and/or medical complications.

Responsibilities

• Completes comprehensive clinical documentation specific to the needs of the SMI/SUD and COD populations.
• Functions independently on a multidisciplinary and multicultural team, as a primary case manager/therapist providing a comprehensive array of professional treatment services to include case management, coordinating mental health services, monitoring medication management and/or coordinating services with contracted providers.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with clients for all phases of clinical care to include developing person-centered treatment plans and conducting individual, group, and family therapy.
• Maintains a diverse caseload of clients with a variety of substance use, developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses.
• Develops client and/or family centered therapeutic treatment plans, with consideration given to the nature and severity of the behavioral health problem, family, cultural and employment related circumstances, legal involvement, individual and family histories, physical condition, and other pertinent factors.
• Implements therapeutic treatment plan under clinical supervision.
• Conducts independent behavioral health intakes and assessments.
• Provides individual, group, and/or family treatment under supervision.
• Collaborates with service professionals inside and outside of the Community Services Board.
• Adapts and modifies treatment interventions as indicated.
• Provides case management, outreach and engagement services as needed.
• Conducts wellness and health promotion services.
• Maintains all electronic health records according to federal, state and department regulations, ensuring that records of clients on their caseload are complete, accurate and comprehensive.
• Advocates on behalf of clients regarding rights and needed services.
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with representatives of community groups and public and private agencies.
• Affects the impact of medication on client's functioning and consults with medical professionals as needed.
• Administers medication as ordered by a physician in accordance with department regulations.
• Provides crisis stabilization and crisis management with support and supervision as needed.
• Provides ongoing risk assessments for dangerousness to self and others with support and supervision as needed.
• Provides entry, navigation and/or referral services for individuals, families and other concerned persons.
• Prepares and administers behavioral health educational curricula.
• Tests in court regarding client's services, progress and recommendations as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a 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 a valid Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (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.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of behavioral health services and social development of the individual;
• Knowledge of evidence based behavioral health treatment methods;
• Knowledge of psychological, physiological and psychiatric terminology, theories and practices;
• Knowledge of assessment processes, methods of gathering social history and interviewing techniques;
• Knowledge of existing public and private agencies and community resources;
• Ability to formulate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plan;
• Ability to perform behavioral health and risk assessments and apply evidence based/informed treatment approaches/modalities;
• Ability to manage a caseload;
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public and private organizations, community groups, and the general public;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a 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 a valid Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (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.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience with ICD 9/ICD 10, DSM 5, diagnostic intake procedures, psychotropic medications and their effects and in-depth social history development; Experience in integrating combined therapies for individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders; Experience in Substance Abuse Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, and Stages of Change; Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC); Licensed or license-eligible to practice in the Commonwealth of 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 (LNP).