Job Announcement

Seeking an energetic, flexible, and engaging Mental Health Technician to work in a large multidisciplinary Emergency Services unit serving individuals with mental health/co-occurring disorders in psychiatric crisis. 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. 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. 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. Position is for overnights (12am-8am) shift only.

Position responsibilities include:

• 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 referrals;
• Observes and monitors patients for high risk behaviors and assists 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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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 QUALIFCATIONS:
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 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:

• Undergraduate degree in counseling - related field.
• Current certification in Mental Health First Aid, CPR and First Aid.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift and carry up to 15 lbs; climb stairs, walk and stand and bend as needed to carry out job duties . Ability to observe client behavior/appearance, review and write progress notes in Electronic Health Record (EHR) and staff log. 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.