Behavioral Health Specialist II - Residential Treatment & Detox Services

This position works as a compassionate, dedicated, and dependable professional within our Residential Treatment & Detox Services team.

About the role

As a Behavioral Health Specialist II, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team providing person-centered care to individuals throughout their recovery journey. We are seeking individuals for the following programs:

• Detoxification Program

  Our 30-bed Detoxification Program provides around-the-clock care for adults experiencing substance use disorders. Admissions occur 24 hours a day, requiring a flexible team dedicated to providing safe, recovery-oriented care. This position requires availability to work days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

• A New Beginning Program

  Our A New Beginning Program is an innovative residential treatment program serving adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Staff provide therapeutic support in a structured residential setting while helping individuals build the skills needed for long-term recovery. This position requires flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight coverage as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct screenings and assessments, complete admissions and discharges.
• Maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu.
• Facilitate psychoeducational groups, provide individual support, and crisis intervention.
• Assist with medication handling and complete clinical documentation.
• Transport clients to appointments and collaborate with internal and external partners.
• Deliver exceptional customer service.
• Make behavioral health diagnoses using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, International Classification of Diseases, or other diagnostic tools.
• Maintain a diverse caseload of clients with substance use, developmental disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.
• Develop client and/or family-centered therapeutic treatment plans, considering the nature and severity of behavioral health problems, family, cultural and employment-related circumstances, legal involvement, individual and family histories, physical condition, and other pertinent factors.
• Implement therapeutic treatment plans under clinical supervision.
• Conduct independent behavioral health intakes and assessments.
• Provide individual, group, and/or family treatment under supervision.
• Collaborate with service professionals inside and outside of the Community Services Board.
• Adapt and modify treatment interventions as indicated.
• Provide case management, outreach, and engagement services as needed.
• Conduct wellness and health promotion services.
• Maintain all electronic health records according to federal, state, and department regulations.
• Advocate on behalf of clients regarding rights and needed services.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community groups and public and private agencies.
• Assess and monitor the impact of medication on client's functioning and consult with medical professionals as needed.
• Administer medication as ordered by a physician in accordance with department regulations.
• Provide crisis stabilization and crisis management with support and supervision as needed.
• Provide ongoing risk assessments for dangerousness to self and others with support and supervision as needed.
• Provide entry, navigation, and/or referral services for individuals, families, and other concerned persons.
• Prepare and administer behavioral health educational curricula.
• Testify 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.
• Valid motor vehicle driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another state) maintained throughout employment.
• MANDT Certifications within six months of appointment and annually thereafter.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout employment.
• Medication Administration Assistance Certification within 90 days of appointment.

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 plans.
• 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.

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. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1600/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bilingual employees.
• The CSB provides clinical supervision for employees who are registered as licensed eligible 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 Licensed Nurse Practitioner.
• License/Certification Reimbursement: Reimbursement for job-related licenses and/or certifications once per year.

Additional Information

• 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).
• Licensed providers may not “opt out” of being a Medicare provider.
• Physical requirements include the ability to transport clients to activities, lift up to 20 lbs, and maintain building security when alone on shift. Must be able to perform CPR and administer First Aid. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a residential treatment program.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or co-occurring conditions.
• Experience effectively communicating with diverse bilingual/multi-lingual populations; experience utilizing language access tools in a behavioral health setting.