Seeking an energetic, flexible, and engaging Mental Health Technician to work in a large multidisciplinary Emergency Services serving individuals with mental health/co-occurring disorders in psychiatric crisis. Must have strong communications skills and ability to work collaboratively across programs, agencies, and with the community to meet the needs of at risk seriously mental ill individuals. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a program that provides specialized services such as assessment for temporary detention, evaluation for hospitalization, critical incident stress management, and short term crisis intervention treatment in a 23 hour program. Must be able to work with individuals of all ages with a recovery based orientation and able to provide support and direction regarding referrals and resources within Fairfax County and the community. Coordinates placement pre and post commitment hearing for hospitalization or admission to Crisis Stabilization Units. Manages all related administrative duties including record review, medical clearance documentation, providing report to receiving hospital, and care coordination with psychiatric placement facilities. Collaborates and coordinates with Crisis Intervention Specialists/Psychiatrists regarding clinical status and admissions. Answers phone calls and provides information, and referrals. Observes and monitors patients for high risk behaviors, performs de-escalation techniques as indicated; assist with providing food/water and access to facilities. Works closely with Crisis Intervention Specialists/Psychiatrists in maintaining a safe assessment setting. Assists with inventory and supply management for the Emergency Services.

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Illustrative Duties

• Functions as an active member of a treatment team;
• Assists with data gathering for needs assessment;
• Maintains and updates information on community resources for individuals, families, and other concerned persons;
• Maintains client records in accordance with state and department regulations;
• Maintains all appropriate program logs and information;
• Provides program coverage

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of the psychological and social development of individuals;
• Knowledge of public and private community based resources;
• Ability to recognize behavioral symptoms of mental illness/ serious emotional disturbance (SED) and substance use, and developmental disabilities;
• 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.

Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, sociology, nursing or a related field.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter. Requires shift work that includes some evenings, overnights, weekends, and holiday coverage. All staff in this program are considered emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Undergraduate degree in counseling related field. Mental Health First Aid certification/training, current CPR and First Aid certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to climb stairs, walk, stand, and bend as needed to carry out job duties. Ability to: lift and carry up to 15lbs; observe client behavior/appearance; and utilize computer programs such as Electronic Health Records (EHR) for documentation. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview; may include exercise.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.