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FC
Fairfax County
Behavioral Health Specialist I - Emergency Services & Crisis Care
Career Insights for Mental / Behavioral Health Counselor
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What they do
A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
$34,411 / year median in Virginia
+13% projected growth
Job Description
We are seeking an energetic, adaptable, and compassionate professional to serve as a hearing coordinator within our multidisciplinary Emergency Services Unit. This fast-paced team provides crisis intervention and support to individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies, including those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), and co-occurring conditions. The hearing coordinator plays a vital role in coordinating psychiatric placements for voluntary and involuntary clients requiring hospitalization or crisis stabilization services. Manages placement-related administrative processes, facilitates communication among providers, and supports the coordination of commitment hearings. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and collaborate effectively with internal and external partners in a fast-paced crisis environment. Functions as an active member of the treatment team and assists with gathering and organizing information required to present clients to potential hospitals and Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs), including Virginia pre-screenings, medical clearance information, copies of Temporary Detention Orders (TDOs), and other documentation necessary to facilitate appropriate client placement. The position is responsible for uploading relevant documentation into the statewide Virginia Crisis Connect Behavioral Health Link and assisting with the coordination of commitment hearings, including participating in hearings as the CSB's hearing representative. Accurately documents hearing outcomes and communicates those outcomes to necessary stakeholders. Participates in monthly staff and Behavioral Health Specialists I meetings and works collaboratively with members of the court system, psychiatrists, and crisis intervention specialists. Additional responsibilities include answering calls, providing care coordination and referrals, and maintaining accurate client records in accordance with state and department regulations. We are looking for a candidate who has knowledge of public and private community-based resources and the ability to enter, track, and manage data accurately and efficiently. The ideal candidate will be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and community partners and maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation and records. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, with the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including law enforcement, hospital providers and staff, the court system, and other key partners across the state. The successful candidate will have strong attention to detail, the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, excellent organizational skills, and a proactive approach to planning, coordination, and problem-solving. Here are some of additional 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 Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European , and many others. 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 CSB Careers Page .