Behavioral Health Specialist II - Diversion Engagement

Behavioral Health Specialist II - Diversion Engagement

Salary

$73,567.94 - $128,743.89 Annually

Location

MERRIFIELD CENTER, 8221 WILLOW OAKS CORPORATE DR., FAIRFAX (HH12), VA

Job Type

FT Salary W BN

Job Number

26-01593

Department

Community Services Board

Opening Date

10/17/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Pay Grade

S25

Posting Type

Open to General Public

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Announcement

This position works within our Diversion Engagement Team, and supports individuals designated as high utilizers of the Adult Detention Center, CSB Emergency Services, and Fairfax County Court Services by providing them engagement and monitoring services to both encourage and support people to connect to ongoing mental health and substance use treatment in order to avoid repetitive hospitalization and/or incarceration. This team supports the efforts of Diversion First and works collaboratively with the Sherriffs department, court services, emergency services, hospital discharge planners, other CSB teams, and clients natural support systems. Clinical services provided include outreach and engagement, case coordination, and risk assessment.

It is a community-based program and work will take place in the Fairfax County Judicial Complex, hospitals, crisis stabilization programs, CSB Emergency Services, and other community-based settings.

Service provisions are based on client and program need. Some positions offer services via telehealth for non-acute services. Other positions offer limited opportunities for telework. Teleworking options may vary by position.

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

Here are some of the benefits CSB employees enjoy:

• Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home - including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others. We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity. A foreign language skills stipend of up to $1600/year (full-time) may be given for qualified bi-lingual employees.
• The CSB provides clinical supervision for employees who are registered as licensed eligible mental health in one of the following areas: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner or Licensed Nurse Practitioner.
• 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.
• License/Certification Reimbursement - Reimbursement for job related licenses and/or certifications once per year.
• 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.)

• Makes behavioral health diagnoses using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, International Classification of Diseases or other diagnostic tools as required;
• Maintains a diverse caseload of clients with a variety of substance use, developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses;
• Develops client and/or family centered therapeutic treatment plans, with consideration given to the nature and severity of the behavioral health problem, family, cultural and employment related circumstances, legal involvement, individual and family histories, physical condition, and other pertinent factors;
• Implements therapeutic treatment plan under clinical supervision;
• Conducts independent behavioral health intakes and assessments;
• Provides individual, group, and/or family treatment under supervision;
• Collaborates with service professionals inside and outside of the Community Services Board;
• Adapts and modifies treatment interventions as indicated;
• Provides case management, outreach and engagement services as needed;
• Conducts wellness and health promotion services;
• Maintains all electronic health records according to federal, state and department regulations, ensuring that records of clients on their caseload are complete, accurate and comprehensive;
• Advocates on behalf of clients regarding rights and needed services;
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with representatives of community groups and public and private agencies;
• Assesses and monitors the impact of medication on clients functioning and consults with medical professionals as needed;
• Administers medication as ordered by a physician in accordance with department regulations;
• Provides crisis stabilization and crisis management with support and supervision as needed;
• Provides ongoing risk assessments for dangerousness to self and others with support and supervision as needed;
• Provides entry, navigation and/or referral services for individuals, families and other concerned persons;
• Prepares and administers behavioral health educational curricula;
• Testifies in court to regarding clients services, progress and recommendations as required.

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 behavioral health services and social development of the individual;
• Knowledge of evidence based behavioral health treatment methods;
• Knowledge of psychological, physiological and psychiatric terminology, theories and practices;
• Knowledge of assessment processes, methods of gathering social history and interviewing techniques;
• Knowledge of existing public and private agencies and community resources;
• Ability to formulate diagnoses and appropriate treatment plan;
• Ability to perform behavioral health and risk assessments and apply evidence based/informed treatment approaches/modalities;
• Ability to manage a caseload;
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public and private organizations, community groups, and the general public;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, or a related field, plus 1,500 hours of clinical experience;

OR a bachelor's degree and a valid Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certification plus 1,500 hours of clinical experience;

OR a master's degree in psychology, social work, nursing, counseling, or a related field plus 500 hours of clinical experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Valid motor vehicle drivers license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment with CSB
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) (within 30 days of hire)
• Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) (within 30 days of hire)
• CPR certification (within 90 days of hire)

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 records 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).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience providing behavioral health services in community settings.
• Experience with providing behavioral health services to individuals receiving treatment with Mental Health Disorders, Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and/or Co-occurring disorders (COD).
• Experience with and ability to interpret and follow work processes and procedures; work well with other service agencies; and work well in a team environment.
• Masters degree, or enrollment in a master's program, in psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields.
• Licensed or license-eligible to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia in one of the following:
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
• Licensed Professional Counselor,
• Clinical Psychologist,
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist,
• Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, or
• Licensed Nurse Practitioner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Adult Detention Center (ADC) is not barrier free. Ability 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. Ability to drive and travel to numerous locations, including some travel within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ability to communicate with others and make clinical observations. Ability to use keyboard driven equipment. Communicate effectively orally and in writing and observe, process, and document clinical information.Must be able to 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. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

#LI-NW1

Merit Positions

Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• LiveWell Program
• Flexible Spending Programs
• Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
• Paid Holidays
• Contributory Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees Child Care Center
• Continuous Learning Opportunities

Please click here for a summary of our benefits.

NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program: Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid

For additional details please visit the Countys benefits webpage.

Non-Merit Positions

• Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.

• Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage

• Flexible Spending Program

• Deferred Compensation

• Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.

• No benefits

01

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than 12th grade
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Doctorate degree

02

If you answered that you have a degree in the previous question, please indicate your major below. If you do not have a degree, please select "not applicable."

• Psychology
• Social work
• Counseling
• Nursing
• Human services
• Behavioral sciences
• Other (related field)
• Other (non-related field)
• Not applicable

03

If you selected "Other (related field or non-related)" for the previous question, what is the major of your completed degree. If not applicable to you, type N/A.

04

Are you certified in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)? Please list certifications on your application also. Details regarding QMHP can be found on https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling/counseling_QMHP.htm. Details regarding CSAC certification can be found on https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling/ApplicantResources/CSACapplicationinfo/.

• Yes, QMHP
• Yes, CSAC
• No
• No, but eligible

05

How many hours of clinical experience do you have? (Clinical experience means providing direct clinical services, such as individual or group clinical therapy/counseling, milieu management, or mental health skill building. Additional education may not substitute for clinical experience.)

• None
• Less than 500 hours
• 500 to less than 1500 hours
• 1500 or more hours

06

Do you currently possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

07

Please indicate which of the following license(s) you possess in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you are not licensed but eligible for licensure (includes reciprocity) please check that response.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LNP)
• Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner
• Eligible to register as a licensed eligible mental health professional in one of the above areas (A registered licensed eligible mental health professional has been approved by the applicable Virginia health regulatory board as a supervisee in clinical social work or a resident in clinical psychology, professional counseling, substance abuse treatment practice, or marriage and family therapy.)
• None of the above

08

How many full-time equivalent years of clinical experience do you have working with adults with a serious mental illness?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

09

How many full-time equivalent years of clinical experience do you have working with adults with substance use disorder?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

10

How many full-time equivalent years of experience do you have working within the criminal justice system (Courts, Jails, Law Enforcement, Probation)?

• None
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five or more years

11

This position requires you to commute to various locations within and outside the county for training and meetings. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Fairfax County

Address 12000 Government Center Pkwy. Suite 270

Fairfax, Virginia, 22035

Phone 703-324-3311

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/fairfaxcounty/default.cfm