Human Services Specialist II

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Human Services Specialist II position.

An Overview

Under the supervision of the Mental Health Supervisor, the Human Services Specialist II delivers crisis intervention services for adult inmates who are experiencing psychiatric, behavioral, substance abuse related problems at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center (ADC). Under the supervision of the Clinical Team Leader, duties include triage, psycho social and diagnostic evaluation, risk assessment, crisis intervention, brief counseling, specialized case management and disposition of inmates with severe impairments who may be unresponsive to services. Clinical work is provided in face-to-face interventions. This position includes providing individual and group counseling. The Human Services Specialist II possesses excellent knowledge of diagnostic assessments and treatments modalities of the severely mentally ill consumers, as well as substance use disorders. Position requirements include development and maintenance of excellent rapport with other professional staff of the ADC and related community agencies. The Human Services Specialist II is responsible for continuity of information flow and consumer care from shift to shift. To that end, this clinician must communicate thoroughly, relevantly, and in an organized fashion both orally and in writing. Work is performed independently but is under the direct supervision of the Clinical Team Leader.

The Opportunity

• Develops and implements treatment plans and case management services for incarcerated individuals in the ADC;
  
• Provides CSB intake evaluations to inmates;
  
• Conducts individual, group and individual counseling or psychotherapy for problems related to psychiatric/emotional and substance use for incarcerated adults;
  
• Provides crisis intervention / emergency services to incarcerated adults;
  
• Coordinates services with associated agencies, including Court Services Unit, Probation & Parole (local, state & federal), Public Defender Office and Commonwealth Attorney, State Psychiatric Hospitals, shelter and housing providers, other departments within the DCHS, relevant programs in the community and other agencies as appropriate;
  
• Provides consultations to ADC staff and with other agencies;
  
• Maintains consumer records consistent with all applicable State and Departmental standards;
  
• Coordinates services with other agencies and the criminal justice system and maintains
  
  communication with community resources regarding consumer treatment, progress, and discharge planning;
  
• Prepares a variety of written reports;
  
• Attends periodic staff meetings to discuss procedural and administrative developments as well as difficult or unusual cases;
  
• Attends applicable training sessions, conferences, and workshops provided by the department, other agencies, and organizations;
  
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Psychology or related field with interest in obtaining clinical licensure. Bilingual (English and Spanish) skills. At least one year of experience working with confined populations; Experience performing individual/group therapy and targeted case management with Mental Health/Substance Abuse populations.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM