Behavioral Health Specialist II - Diversion Engagement

Salary : $73,567.94 - $128,743.89 Annually
Location : MERRIFIELD CENTER, 8221 WILLOW OAKS CORPORATE DR., FAIRFAX (HH12), VA
Job Type: FT Salary W BN
Job Number: 26-01593
Department: Community Services Board
Opening Date: 10/17/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S25
Posting Type: Open to General Public

Job Announcement

This position works within our Diversion Engagement Team, and supports individuals designated as high utilizers of the Adult Detention Center, CSB Emergency Services, and Fairfax County Court Services by providing them engagement and monitoring services to both encourage and support people to connect to ongoing mental health and substance use treatment in order to avoid repetitive hospitalization and/or incarceration. This team supports the efforts of Diversion First and works collaboratively with the Sherriff's department, court services, emergency services, hospital discharge planners, other CSB teams, and clients natural support systems. Clinical services provided include outreach and engagement, case coordination, and risk assessment.

It is a community-based program and work will take place in the Fairfax County Judicial Complex, hospitals, crisis stabilization programs, CSB Emergency Services, and other community-based settings.

Service provisions are based on client and program need. Some positions offer services via telehealth for non-acute services. Other positions offer limited opportunities for telework. Teleworking options may vary by position.

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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
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) (within 30 days of hire)
• Qualified Mental Health Case Manager (QMHCM) (within 30 days of hire)
• CPR certification (within 90 days 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, a driving records check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A TB screening upon hire and annually thereafter.

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 in community settings.
• 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, or enrollment in a master's program, in psychology, social work, counseling, or related fields.
• 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 walk 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. Ability to drive and travel to numerous locations, including some travel within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ability to communicate with others and make clinical observations. Ability to use keyboard driven equipment. Communicate effectively orally and in writing and observe, process, and document clinical information.Must be able 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.

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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
• Human services
• Behavioral sciences
• 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

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 https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling/counseling_QMHP.htm.Details regarding CSAC certification can be found on https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Counseling/ApplicantResources/CSACapplicationinfo/.

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

05

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

06

Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07

Please indicate which of the following license(s) you possess in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If you are not licensed but eligible for licensure (includes reciprocity) please check that response.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• Clinical Psychologist
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LNP)
• Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner
• Eligible to register as a licensed eligible mental health professional in one of the above areas (A registered licensed eligible mental health professional has been approved by the applicable Virginia health regulatory board as a super