Behavioral Health Specialist II - Jail & Court Based Services

Salary : $73,567.94 - $128,743.89 Annually
Location : ADULT DETENTION CENTER, 10520 JUDICIAL DR, FAIRFAX (FJ23), VA
Job Type: FT Salary W BN
Job Number: 26-01506
Department: Community Services Board
Opening Date: 10/03/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S25
Posting Type: Open to General Public


Job Announcement


This position supports the efforts of on the Jail Based Team at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. 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 package. Since 1969, the 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 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 the CSB provides a wide array of services offering opportunities for career growth and advancement.
More information about CSB Services may be found at


Position is in the following area:

• Adult Detention Center

This position is a clinician on a multidisciplinary team, where co-workers are therapist/case managers, medical staff, peer support specialists and criminal justice system partners. Serving as a primary therapist/case manager, this position provides a wide range of professional treatment services to diagnostically, culturally, and socio-economically diverse client populations with serious mental illness, substance use, emotional and co-occurring disorders as well as developmental disabilities.

Some of the duties of the Behavioral Health Specialist II include, behavioral health assessment, direct substance abuse and/or co-occurring mental health services, case management, education, supportive counseling, groups, crisis intervention and stabilization for persons incarcerated within the Adult Detention Center.

Work hours include weekend and evening shifts, as well as some holidays. Position is a 100% onsite position at the Fairfax Adult Detention Center.

This position is eligible for an additional annual environmental bonus of $5,408 for full-time positions.

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 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 Clinical Nurse Specialist.
• 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

Note: To learn more about careers that make a difference, watch our video

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 client's 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 client's 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 driver's license with fewer than six demerit points (or the equivalent in another State) maintained throughout employment with CSB
• CPR certification, within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout CSB employment
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or Qualified Mental Health Professional Trainee - Required within 1 month of hire
• Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) - Required within 1 month 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, driving record check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Additional Work Schedule Requirements: Hours vary according to program needs and may include some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• 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.
• 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.
• Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field.
• 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 transverse 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. Communicate effectively orally and in writing and ability to observe, process, and document information. Ability to use keyboard driven equipment 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. EEO/AA/TTY.
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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
• Deferred Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees' Child Care Center
• Continuous Learning Opportunities

Please click 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:


For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions

1. 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
2. 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
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's 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
• 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


Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

05


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 regarding CSAC certification can be found on

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

06


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

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 equivalent 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


How many full-time equivalent years of clinical case management experience do you have working directly with individuals with severe and chronic mental illness and/or co-occurring disorders? (Includes supervised internships, practicums, and field experience.)

• 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 in a correctional facility or secure environment?

• 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


How many full-time equivalent years of experience do you have working with adults' diagnoses with serious mental illness (SMI)?

• 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

Required Question