Behavioral Health Specialist I - Emergency Services & Crisis Care

(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.)

• Maintains client records in accordance with state and department regulations;
• Observes client behavior and provides de-escalation techniques;
• Functions as an active member of a treatment team;
• Maintains and updates information on community resources for individuals, families, and other concerned persons;
• Brings forward timely information on individuals' progress and evolving needs to the treatment team;
• Provides individual supportive counseling and skill-building involving specific concerns;
• Makes interventions as outlined in the service plan;
• Transports and accompanies individuals to various appointments.
• Provides skill building to clients in developing and practicing daily living, recovery, and self-advocacy skills;
• Assists with data gathering for needs assessment;
• Provides individual and group psycho-educational sessions for clients, family members, and significant others;
• Conducts admission and orientation into the program/services;
• Provides program coverage and supervises program activities;
• Functions as a co-leader in groups;
• Contributes to the development of individual service plans, with consideration given to the nature and severity of the behavioral health and psychosocial needs, individual strengths and preferences, and support systems;
• Maintains all appropriate program logs and information;

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public;
• Ability to assist with initial screening of the severity of individuals' substance use/mental health symptoms, treatment, and support needs.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of the psychological and social development of individuals;
• Knowledge of public and private community based resources;
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective relationships with clients;
• Ability to recognize behavioral symptoms of mental illness/ serious emotional disturbance (SED) and substance use, and developmental disabilities;
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports;
• Knowledge of social history development and interviewing and treatment techniques appropriate for individuals with substance use and/or mental illness/ serious emotional disturbance (SED);
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Knowledge of substance use disorders and the physiological, psychological and social impacts;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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.
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
• MANDT Certifications within six (6) months of appointment and annually thereafter
• Qualified Mental Health Professional – Adult (QMHP-A) (Required within 6 months)
• First Aid and CPR certification, within 90 days of appointment and maintained throughout CSB employment
• Medication Administration Assistance Certification within 90 days of appointment

• Certified by the Commonwealth Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adult.
• Two years 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.