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Behavioral Health Specialist I - Diversion & Jail-based Services

Employer
Fairfax County Government
Location
Fairfax, Virginia
Salary
$49,873.82 - $83,122.21 Annually
Closing date
Oct 30, 2021

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Industry
Healthcare
Function
Administrative
Hours
Full Time
Career Level
Experienced (Non-Manager)

Job Details

Job Announcement

This job opportunity is being re-announced. Applicants who previously applied for this job do not need to re-apply.

Provides clinical services to a population of adults with serious and persistent Mental Illness and co-occurring disorders who are involved in or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Works collaboratively with other team members to include Behavioral Health Specialist II and Peer Support specialists. Assists Behavioral Health Specialist II in implementing the service plan. Treatment services provided include engagement, and intensive case management services. Services are primarily provided in the community with a strong emphasis on case management, collaboration, advocacy, and recovery. Works u nder supervision of the Behavioral Health Supervisor.

Note: To learn more about careers in Diversion & Jail-Based Services, view our Realistic Job Preview for Diversion & Jail-Based Services video.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)
  • Functions as an active member of a treatment team;
  • Functions as a co-leader in groups;
  • Assists with data gathering for needs assessment;
  • Contributes to the development of individual service plans, with consideration given to the nature and severity of the behavioral health and psychosocial needs, individual strengths and preferences, and support systems;
  • Makes interventions as outlined in the service plan;
  • Brings forward timely information on individuals' progress and evolving needs to the treatment team;
  • Provides individual supportive counseling and skill-building involving specific concerns;
  • Conducts admission and orientation into the program/services;
  • Provides individual and group psycho-educational sessions for clients, family members, and significant others;
  • Maintains and updates information on community resources for individuals, families, and other concerned persons;
  • Provides skill building to clients in developing and practicing daily living, recovery, and self-advocacy skills;
  • Observes client behavior and provides de-escalation techniques;
  • Maintains client records in accordance with state and department regulations;
  • Maintains all appropriate program logs and information;
  • Provides program coverage and supervises program activities;
  • Transports and accompanies individuals to various appointments.


Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)
  • Knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of the psychological and social development of individuals;
  • Knowledge of substance use disorders and the physiological, psychological and social impacts;
  • Knowledge of public and private community based resources;
  • Knowledge of social history development and interviewing and treatment techniques appropriate for individuals with substance use and/or mental illness/ serious emotional disturbance (SED);
  • Ability to recognize behavioral symptoms of mental illness/ serious emotional disturbance (SED) and substance use, and developmental disabilities;
  • Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients;
  • 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.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Contingent upon the area of assignment, some positions within this class may require specific certification(s) prior to employment and/or the ability to acquire necessary certification(s) within a specified time period following employment. The certifications are identified in the position description and employment advertisement .

  • Valid Motor Vehicle Driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment with CSB.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
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. A 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).

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience with and knowledge of stages of change, treatment, moral reconation therapy and motivational interviewing.
  • Previous experience in substance abuse treatment or mental health settings.
  • Previous experience in a criminal justice setting.
  • Certification as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
  • Computer literacy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The Adult Detention Center (ADC) is not barrier free. Must be able to walk significant distances within multiple buildings, climb stairs and respond to physical requirements necessary to comply with security and safety regulations. Ability to attend offsite meetings and trainings and to drive and travel to numerous locations, including some travel within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ability to use keyboard driven equipment, communicate with others and make clinical observations, and access, input, and retrieve computer data. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status 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.

Company

Fairfax County, Virginia is a diverse and thriving urban county. As the most populous jurisdiction in both Virginia and the Washington metropolitan area, the County's population exceeds that of seven states. The median household income of Fairfax County is one of the highest in the nation and over half of its adult residents have four-year college degrees or more educational attainment. Fairfax County also is home to an extensive commercial office market and is a major employment center.

Fairfax County Government is a great place to work, with a variety of jobs in different fields, great benefits, and an enjoyable working environment. We serve nearly one million residents in one of the largest counties in the country. Our talented employees have established Fairfax County as a leader in nearly every facet of public service and have won national recognition as innovators in local government.The size of Fairfax County government and the diversity of services it provides to citizens allows opportunities for personal growth and development, without ever having to change employers. In addition to pay, Fairfax County Government provides an employee benefits package worth approximately 25% of your salary in additional compensation. This package of benefits consists of programs designed to protect you and your family during your employment with the county and into your retirement years.


BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Group Term Life Insurance
Contributory Retirement Plan
Deferred Compensation
Flexible Spending Account Programs
Long Term Disability Insurance
Long Term Care Plan
Tuition Assistance Program
Employees' Child Care Center
Virginia College Savings Plans

Fairfax County's Application Process: Fairfax County uses an online application process called NEOGOV at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/jobsfor nearly all positions.

Applicants who need assistance with the online application process are welcome to come to the Application Center at Fairfax County's HR Central where staff will be happy to work with you to establish an account and get your resume into the system. HR Central is located in the Government Center at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 270, Fairfax, VA, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Or call 703-222-5872 for more information.

For more information on applying, please click here - https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguide.

Company info
Website
Location
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 270
Fairfax
VA
22035-0034
US

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