You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Behavioral Health Specialist I - Jail & Court Based Services

Fairfax County Government
Email

Job Announcement

This position supports the efforts of Diversion First within the Jail Diversion Team. You’ll be a part of a team of diverse professionals helping individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system transform their lives and achieve recovery. We strive to create a work environment that facilitates professional growth by broadening your skill base with extensive training and development, modeling best practices in employee relations, employee recognition programs and advancement opportunities along with providing a highly competitive wage and benefits package.

Since 1969, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has served individuals of all ages who have mental illness, substance use disorders, serious emotional and/or developmental disabilities. Our vision, aligned with the goals of One Fairfax, is that everyone in our community has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life. Fairfax County is a dynamic and diverse community spanning over 400 square miles. With over 1.2 million residents, Fairfax County is the most populous jurisdiction in Virginia. Operating as part of Fairfax County government's human services system the CSB provides a wide array of services offering opportunities for career growth and advancement.

More information about CSB Services may be found at Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Community Services Board (fairfaxcounty.gov).

Jail Diversion Team:
The Behavioral Health Specialist I supports Behavioral Health Specialist II’s and Behavioral Health Senior Clinicians in providing intensive case management (ICM) services with Jail Diversion clients in the community. These services range from assisting clients with basic needs such as food, shelter, and benefits; to interventions such as helping navigate the legal system, improving independent living skills, maintaining a meaningful day activity, and psychoeducation. This position requires work in the community to include driving clients in county vehicles, attending court hearings with clients, and meeting clients at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Here are some of additional benefits CSB employees enjoy:
 

  • The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and CSB recognizes that staff competence speaking a variety of languages is necessary to meet client needs. We encourage candidate’s bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply.  A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1,300/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees.
  • In addition, to recognize and reinforce the importance of professional development and enhance future recruitment of licensed professionals, if approved, the licensure supervisors will receive a stipend of $1,500 paid out biweekly over a 12-month period whether for one or more Department of Health licensure candidates.
  • To find out more about the benefits of working with Fairfax County Government, please visit the CSB Careers Page.


Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video "CSB Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Providing Care."

 

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

MINMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, sociology, nursing, public health or a related field;
OR a bachelor’s degree and a valid Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

  • Valid motor vehicle driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment with CSB.
  • CPR (Required within 3 months)
  • Qualified Mental Health Professional Adult (QMHP-A) (Required within 1 month)


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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience working with criminal justice system partners (Example:  courts, probation)
  • Experience working with adults diagnosed with serious mental illness
  • Experience working with adults with substance use disorders
  • Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) (Required within 1 month)


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to drive and travel to numerous locations within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ability to attend off site meetings and training. Communicate effectively orally and in writing and observe, process, and document clinical information. Ability to use keyboard driven equipment to access, input, and retrieve computer data. Ability to walk significant distances within multiple buildings, climb stairs and respond to physical requirements necessary to comply with security and safety regulations. The Adult Detention Center (ADC) is not barrier free. 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. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.