Behavioral Health Specialist II - Emergency Services & Crisis Care

This job opportunity is being re‑announced. Applicants who wish to revise their original application are encouraged to reapply with a revised application. Otherwise, all applicants who previously applied do not need to reapply to be considered.

About the Role

The Fairfax‑Falls Church Community Services Board seeks a clinician to join a multidisciplinary team at the state‑of‑the‑art Wellness Circle Crisis Stabilization, a 16‑bed short‑term residential crisis stabilization unit serving individuals with mental illness, co‑occurring substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities experiencing psychiatric crisis. Services include crisis intervention, individual, group, and family counseling, case management, medication management, social and medical detoxification, trauma‑informed treatment, and linkage to ongoing mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring disorder services. The position involves shift work, including awake overnight and weekend coverage.

Responsibilities

• Makes behavioral health diagnoses using DSM, ICD, or other diagnostic tools as required.
• Maintains a diverse caseload of clients with a variety of substance use, developmental disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.
• Develops client‑ and family‑centered therapeutic treatment plans, considering severity of the behavioral health problem, cultural and employment circumstances, legal involvement, histories, physical condition, and other pertinent factors.
• Implements therapeutic treatment plans 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 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 completeness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
• Advocates on behalf of clients regarding rights and needed services.
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with community groups and public and private agencies.
• Assesses and monitors the impact of medication on client 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.
• Testifies in court regarding client services, progress, and recommendations as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 plans.
• Ability to perform behavioral health and risk assessments and apply evidence‑based/informed treatment approaches and 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.

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

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work.
• At least one year post‑degree experience working with adults who suffer from serious mental illness and co‑