Behavioral Health Specialist I - Residential Treatment & Detox Services

Job Overview The Fairfax‑Falls Church Community Services Board is seeking a dedicated and compassionate professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment to join our 24/7 Detoxification Program. Our facility serves individuals experiencing substance use disorders and has a capacity of up to 30 beds, with admissions occurring at any time of day or night. Responsibilities Conduct phone screenings to assess program appropriateness. Complete client admissions and discharges. Monitor clients and maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu. Provide exceptional customer service to clients and stakeholders. Work flexible shifts, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Act as an active member of a treatment team. Co‑lead group sessions. Gather data for needs assessment. Develop individual service plans considering behavioral health, psychosocial needs, strengths, preferences, and support systems. Provide interventions as outlined in service plans. Report timely information on individual progress and evolving needs to the treatment team. Offer individual supportive counseling and skill‑building for specific concerns. Conduct admissions and orientations into the program/services. Deliver individual and group psycho‑educational sessions for clients, families, and significant others. Maintain and update community resource information for clients, families, and concerned persons. Teach clients daily‑living, recovery, and self‑advocacy skills. Observe client behavior and apply de‑escalation techniques. Maintain client records in accordance with state and department regulations. Keep all appropriate program logs and information. Provide program coverage and supervise program activities. Transport and accompany individuals to appointments. Qualifications Knowledge of psychological and social development principles, theories, and methods. Understanding of substance use disorders and their physiological, psychological, and social impacts. Familiarity with public and private community‑based resources. Knowledge of social history development, interviewing, and treatment techniques appropriate for individuals with substance use and/or mental illness or serious emotional disturbance (SED). Ability to recognize behavioral symptoms of mental illness/SED and substance use, as well as developmental disabilities. Capability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients. Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. Proficiency in maintaining records and preparing reports. Ability to assist with initial screening of the severity of individuals’ substance use/mental health symptoms, treatment, and support needs. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology, nursing, public health, or a related field from an accredited four‑year college or university. OR bachelor’s degree plus a valid Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certification. Certificates and Licenses Required CPR certification within 3 months of hire and maintained throughout employment. Valid motor vehicle driver’s license with fewer than six demerit points (or equivalent in another state) maintained throughout employment. Necessary Special Requirements Completion of criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, driving record check, and sanction screening. TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter. Shift schedule must include some days, evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays. Position is emergency/essential services personnel and may require reporting for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies. Licensed providers are required to be Medicare providers and may not opt out. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a residential treatment program. Experience with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or co‑occurring conditions. Experience effectively communicating with diverse bilingual or multi‑lingual populations; use of language access tools in a behavioral health setting. Physical Requirements Ability to transport clients to activities, lift up to 20 lbs., and maintain building security when alone on shift. Must be able to perform CPR and administer first aid. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Selection Procedure Panel interview and may include a practical exercise. Equal Opportunity Employment Statement 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io. EEO/AA/TTY. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fairfax County