BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST - 12232025-73885

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN'S SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH TEAM DIVISION, WILSON COUNTY

The behavior specialist will, under the supervision of an independently licensed mental health professional, provide support to youth in DCS custody who are in transition homes, which are short term placements where youth are housed as they await placement in a residential treatment facility or foster home. There are multiple transition homes in some regions so the position does require travel between the homes as needed. The specialist is responsible for providing support such as verbal de-escalation, active listening, safety planning and helping the youth engaging in problem solving. The primary role will be to engage the youth in milieu activities such as card games, crafts or sensory activities with the purpose of having them stay engaged and regulated. The work involves case management, tracking work on a spreadsheet, including the organization of files, and keeping case notes.

The behavior specialist will be on-location at the transition homes Monday-Friday from 1pm to 9:30 pm (including a lunch break). The behavior specialist is on-call for youth in the transition home. It does not happen often but the expectation is that the specialist be available after hours for phone consult if there is a crisis situation.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Master's Degree from an accredited university in one of the following: Social Work, Human Development, Psychology or Counseling. Other master's degrees in the social and/or behavioral sciences that provide a pathway to licensure may be acceptable after review and approval by the Director of Behavioral Health/designee.

Overview

Under general supervision, an employee in this class provides guidance, advice, and resources for treatment to clients. This is the working level class in the Behavioral Health Specialist series. This classification works as a clinical position within the assigned work location and may be required to travel as needed to assist with other offices in the district. This class differs from the Behavioral Health Manager in that the latter supervises incumbents of this class.

Responsibilities

1. An employee in this class may be assigned to or rotated among a number of assignments such as completion of substance use and mental health assessments, treatment plans, crisis management, facilitating groups, file organization, case management, referrals to community resources and individual counseling sessions.
2. Facilitates substance use treatment groups; provides individual counseling addressing substance use and mental health to clients; and plays an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
3. Completes substance use and mental health assessments on clients.
4. Creates and monitors individualized treatment plans for clients.
5. Completes releases of information, grant entries, client case notes, data collection and monthly reports.
6. Collaborates with other treatment agencies when additional intervention is needed.
7. Completes department training and attend required continuing education credits.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Manages Conflict
2. Decision Quality
3. Customer Focus
4. Communicates Effectively
5. Resourcefulness

Knowledges:

1. Behavioral Health Practices & Procedures
2. Customer and Personal Service

Skills:

1. Time Management
2. Complex Problem Solving
3. Critical Thinking

Abilities:

1. Written Comprehension
2. Problem Sensitivity

Tools & Equipment

1. Electronic Devices
2. Office Equipment