
Behavioral Health Specialist II - Jail & Court Based Services
Fairfax County, Fairfax, VA, United States
Adult Detention Center – Jail Based Clinician
We are hiring Behavioral Health Specialist II clinicians to support the Diversion First initiative in multiple positions. As a member of an interdisciplinary team—therapists, case managers, medical staff, peer support specialists, and criminal justice partners—you will act as the primary therapist/case manager for clients in the Adult Detention Center (ADC). You will provide behavioral health assessment, substance use and co‑occurring mental health services, case management, education, counseling, group work, crisis intervention, and stabilization to inmates with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, emotional disorders, and developmental disabilities.
Location and schedule
– Onsite at the Fairfax ADC; work hours may include weekend, evening, and holiday shifts.
Environmental bonus
– Eligible for an annual environmental bonus of $5,408 for full‑time positions.
Position may be underfilled as a Behavioral Health Specialist I
This vacancy may start at the Behavioral Health Specialist I level (S22, $62,482.37 – $104,137.49). Requirements are listed below under “Underfill Requirements.”
Benefits
Signing bonus of $2,500 for new merit county hires (full‑time).
Up to $1,560 per year stipend for full‑time bilingual employees.
Clinical supervision available for licensed mental health professionals (clinical social worker, professional counselor, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse treatment practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist).
Licensure supervisor stipend of $1,500 paid biweekly for 12 months for approved Department of Health licensure candidates.
Annual reimbursement for job‑related licenses and certifications.
Additional benefits available through Fairfax County; see the CSB Careers Page for details.
Duties
Make behavioral health diagnoses using DSM-5, ICD-10, or other required tools.
Maintain a diverse caseload of clients with substance use, developmental disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.
Develop client- and family-centered therapeutic treatment plans.
Implement treatment plans under clinical supervision.
Conduct independent intakes and assessments.
Provide individual, group, and family treatment under supervision.
Collaborate with service professionals inside and outside CSB.
Adapt and modify treatment interventions as indicated.
Provide case management, outreach, and engagement services.
Conduct wellness and health promotion services.
Maintain accurate electronic health records per regulations.
Advocate for clients regarding rights and needed services.
Forge relationships with community groups and public/private agencies.
Assess medication impact and consult with medical professionals.
Administer medication as ordered by a physician.
Provide crisis stabilization and management with supervision.
Conduct risk assessments for dangerousness to self and others.
Provide entry, navigation, and referral services to individuals and families.
Prepare and deliver behavioral health educational curriculum.
Testify in court regarding client's services and recommendations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of behavioral health principles, theories, and methods.
Knowledge of evidence‑based treatment methods.
Knowledge of psychological, physiological, and psychiatric terminology.
Knowledge of assessment processes and interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of public and private agencies and community resources.
Ability to formulate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Ability to perform behavioral health and risk assessments.
Ability to manage a caseload.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
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.
First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout employment.
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification required within 1 month.
Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) certification required within 1 month.
Underfill Requirements
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology, nursing, public health, or a related field; OR a bachelor’s degree and a valid QMHP or CSAC certification.
Necessary Special Requirements
Required criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, driving records check, sanction screening, and TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter. This is an emergency/essential services position; employees must report for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
At least one year of experience providing behavioral health services in community settings.
Experience providing services to individuals with mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring disorders.
Ability to interpret and follow work processes and procedures; work well with other service agencies; collaborate in a team environment.
Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
Licensed or license‑eligible to practice in Virginia as a licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse treatment practitioner, or nurse practitioner.
Physical Requirements
The ADC is not barrier free. Must be able to walk significant distances within multiple buildings, climb stairs, attend offsite meetings and trainings, and use a computer. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Selection Procedure
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.
EEO Statement
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, 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 interview processes under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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We are hiring Behavioral Health Specialist II clinicians to support the Diversion First initiative in multiple positions. As a member of an interdisciplinary team—therapists, case managers, medical staff, peer support specialists, and criminal justice partners—you will act as the primary therapist/case manager for clients in the Adult Detention Center (ADC). You will provide behavioral health assessment, substance use and co‑occurring mental health services, case management, education, counseling, group work, crisis intervention, and stabilization to inmates with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, emotional disorders, and developmental disabilities.
Location and schedule
– Onsite at the Fairfax ADC; work hours may include weekend, evening, and holiday shifts.
Environmental bonus
– Eligible for an annual environmental bonus of $5,408 for full‑time positions.
Position may be underfilled as a Behavioral Health Specialist I
This vacancy may start at the Behavioral Health Specialist I level (S22, $62,482.37 – $104,137.49). Requirements are listed below under “Underfill Requirements.”
Benefits
Signing bonus of $2,500 for new merit county hires (full‑time).
Up to $1,560 per year stipend for full‑time bilingual employees.
Clinical supervision available for licensed mental health professionals (clinical social worker, professional counselor, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse treatment practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist).
Licensure supervisor stipend of $1,500 paid biweekly for 12 months for approved Department of Health licensure candidates.
Annual reimbursement for job‑related licenses and certifications.
Additional benefits available through Fairfax County; see the CSB Careers Page for details.
Duties
Make behavioral health diagnoses using DSM-5, ICD-10, or other required tools.
Maintain a diverse caseload of clients with substance use, developmental disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.
Develop client- and family-centered therapeutic treatment plans.
Implement treatment plans under clinical supervision.
Conduct independent intakes and assessments.
Provide individual, group, and family treatment under supervision.
Collaborate with service professionals inside and outside CSB.
Adapt and modify treatment interventions as indicated.
Provide case management, outreach, and engagement services.
Conduct wellness and health promotion services.
Maintain accurate electronic health records per regulations.
Advocate for clients regarding rights and needed services.
Forge relationships with community groups and public/private agencies.
Assess medication impact and consult with medical professionals.
Administer medication as ordered by a physician.
Provide crisis stabilization and management with supervision.
Conduct risk assessments for dangerousness to self and others.
Provide entry, navigation, and referral services to individuals and families.
Prepare and deliver behavioral health educational curriculum.
Testify in court regarding client's services and recommendations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of behavioral health principles, theories, and methods.
Knowledge of evidence‑based treatment methods.
Knowledge of psychological, physiological, and psychiatric terminology.
Knowledge of assessment processes and interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of public and private agencies and community resources.
Ability to formulate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Ability to perform behavioral health and risk assessments.
Ability to manage a caseload.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
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.
First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout employment.
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) certification required within 1 month.
Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) certification required within 1 month.
Underfill Requirements
Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology, nursing, public health, or a related field; OR a bachelor’s degree and a valid QMHP or CSAC certification.
Necessary Special Requirements
Required criminal background check, Child Protective Services Registry check, driving records check, sanction screening, and TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter. This is an emergency/essential services position; employees must report for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications
At least one year of experience providing behavioral health services in community settings.
Experience providing services to individuals with mental health, substance use, and co‑occurring disorders.
Ability to interpret and follow work processes and procedures; work well with other service agencies; collaborate in a team environment.
Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
Licensed or license‑eligible to practice in Virginia as a licensed clinical social worker, professional counselor, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse treatment practitioner, or nurse practitioner.
Physical Requirements
The ADC is not barrier free. Must be able to walk significant distances within multiple buildings, climb stairs, attend offsite meetings and trainings, and use a computer. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Selection Procedure
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.
EEO Statement
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, 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 interview processes under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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