Mental Health Specialist

Job Summary

This position is located in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, Health Services Administration (HSA). The mission of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is to give court-involved youth the opportunity to become more productive citizens by building on the strengths of youths and their families in the least restrictive, most homelike environment consistent with public safety.

The Mental Health Specialist's primary responsibility is to provide clinical services to youth committed to secure DYRS facilities and in the community. The Mental Health Specialist will serve as a member of the clinical multi-disciplinary treatment team, which develops, implements, and supports a comprehensive treatment and supportive treatment plan for any youth and their family identified as needing behavioral health services.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Mental Health Specialist provides mental health and rehabilitative services to youth, including: Screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and counseling, conducts initial intake assessments, psychosocial summaries, to assist with treatment planning, and supportive counseling interventions. Provides crisis intervention to respond to psychiatric and mental health acute episodes. Documents, coordinates, and collaborates with clinical and nonclinical staff to provide treatment interventions and to assure that clinical services are provided in an effective manner.

The Incumbent provides substance abuse prevention and psychoeducation to youth in custody. Documents all treatment planning activities including direct clinical observations. Develops behavior management plans, in consultation with the larger multidisciplinary team, for youth exhibiting severe and challenging behavioral difficulties. Provides supportive counseling and treatment interventions to assist juveniles with resolving a broad spectrum of mental health disorders and symptoms. Develops and implements therapeutic activities at the District's secure detention and community facilities.

Qualifications and Education

Bachelors or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences appropriate to work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Specialized Experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certification

The individual selected must possess one of the following active District of Columbia licenses:
• Professional Counselor License
• Clinical Social Worker License
• Marriage and Family Therapist License
• Psychologist License
• Psychiatrist License

Work Conditions/Environment

Work is performed in a DYRS secure confinement detention facility. Some degree of hazard may be present in working with high-risk youth in custody and in the community with histories of aggressive conduct and disruptive behavioral problems. The incumbent may be required to travel to various locations throughout the District of Columbia to attend meetings, coordinate services, which will subject the incumbent to all kinds of weather, in a vehicle, and driving in heavy traffic; and to assist youth with linkage to community-based treatment and social services.

Other Significant Facts:

Tour of Duty: The position may be employed in the Youth Services Center, New Beginnings Youth Development Center, or the community Achievement Centers based on the needs and requirements of the agency's behavioral health program. As a clinical treatment team member in a 24-hour, 7 day a week secure confinement facility, the Mental Health Specialist is required to work both day and evening shifts, weekends, and ensures emergency on-call services are provided on a rotational schedule.

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0601-12

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Position Designation: The incumbent in this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel regulations, Suitability. This position has been designated as a safety-sensitive position.

Essential Designation: This position has been designated as an Essential position under the provisions of District Personnel Manual Chapter 12. As such, your services may be required in emergency situations to perform crucial duties that are vital to the continuity of medical facilities, public safety, emergency services, and/or other crucial operations. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early. Employees designated as essential shall be required to be at work regardless of the emergency situation declared.

Residency Preference : When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.