Behavioral Health Specialist II - Emergency Services & Crisis Care

Behavioral Health Specialist II - Emergency Services & Crisis Care

Salary

$72,125.46 - $120,208.82 Annually

Location

JUVENILE & DOMESTIC CRT, 4410 SHIRLEY GATE RD, FAIRFAX (EJ01), VA

Job Type

FT Salary W BN

Job Number

26-00852

Department

Community Services Board

Opening Date

05/30/2026

Closing Date

6/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Pay Grade

S25

Posting Type

Open to General Public

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Announcement

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has an exciting opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team at our state-of-the-art Wellness Circle Crisis Stabilization, a 16-bed short-term residential crisis stabilization unit serving individuals with mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities who are experiencing psychiatric crisis. Services include crisis intervention, individual, group, and family counseling, case management, medication management, social and medical detoxification, trauma-informed treatment, and linkage to ongoing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorder services.

Conducts intakes and assessments, develops treatment plans, facilitates individual, group, and family treatment services, and provides crisis intervention and stabilization services under clinical supervision. This position involves shift work, including awake overnight and weekend coverage.

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 $1560/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 Clinical Nurse Specialist.
• 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.

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.
• MANDT Certifications within six months of appointment and annually thereafter.
• First Aid and CPR certification, within 3 months of appointment and maintained throughout CSB employment.
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) (within 6 months 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 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.)
• Licensed providers may not "opt out" of being a Medicare provider.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters degree in counseling, psychology, or social work
• At least one-year post-degree experience working with adults who suffer from serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders in an intensive treatment group home, hospital emergency department or psychiatric unit, community-based behavioral emergency services, and/or crisis stabilization setting.
• Currently certified by the Commonwealth Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional.
• License-eligible or current license to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia in one of the following:
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
• Licensed Professional Counselor,
• Clinical Psychologist, or
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to transport clients in agency vehicle(s), observe/monitor/document client behavior, perform CPR/First aid, climb stairs, lift up to 20 lbs., participate in recreational activities, prepare meals, work 12.5 - 16-hour shifts to include awake overnights. Ability to proficiently use cell phone, for communicating both by text and voice. Ability to review/write clinical notes in records and use keyboard driven computer. 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-AP1

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 area of study below. If you do not have a degree, please select "not applicable."

• Psychology
• Social work
• Counseling
• Nursing
• Other (related field)
• Other (non-related field)
• Not applicable

03

If you answered "Other (related field)" or "Other (non-related field)" for the previous question, please list the discipline of your degree. If this question does not pertain to you or you do not possess a degree, enter "N/A".

04

How many hours of clinical experience do you have? (Clinical experience means providing direct clinical services. Additional education may not substitute for clinical experience.)

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

05

Do you currently possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No
• No, but can obtain within 1 month of hire

06

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

07

Are you licensed or license eligible in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, or Licensed Nurse Practitioner?

• Yes
• No

08

How many full-time years of experience do you have working in a Behavioral Health setting?

• 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

Have you worked with adults who suffer from any of the following conditions? Check all that apply.

• Serious mental illness
• Co-occurring disorders
• Substance use or abuse
• Intellectual disability
• None of the above

10

Have you worked with adults in any of the following settings? Check all that apply.

• Intensive treatment group home
• Hospital emergency department
• Psychiatric unit
• Community-based behavioral emergency services
• Crisis stabilization unit
• Detoxification facility
• None of the above

11

Are you able to walk upstairs and carry at least twenty pounds, with or without reasonable accommodations?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing to work an alternative schedule and overnight shifts?

• 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