Crisis Intervention Specialist
Works as part of multidisciplinary team serving high risk, seriously mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, intellectually deficient, and dually diagnosed individuals in acute crisis. Provides specialized services such as assessment for temporary detention, evaluation for hospitalization, and critical stress management. Unique opportunity to work with individuals of all ages experiencing a wide range of clinical presentations. Experience with co-occurring disorders, conducting risk assessments, making rapid differential diagnosis, and providing crisis intervention from a recovery based orientation is essential. The successful candidate will have the ability to write comprehensive clinical notes and complete pre-detention and pre-admission evaluation forms. This position requires shift work that will include some overnights, weekend, and holiday coverage.
These positions qualify for an annual bonus of $3120.00 (paid biweekly).
Note: Multiple positions may be filled from this advertisement.
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Illustrative Duties
- Review clinical records, write clinical notes and complete pre - detention and pre-admission evaluation forms
- Performs complex, code mandated evaluations to include mental status examination, and comprehensive risk assessment;
- Makes independent diagnosis and determines if the individual meets civil commitment criteria;
- As clinically indicated, recommends the issuance of an Emergency Custody Order or a Temporary Detention Order;
- Evaluates individuals seeking voluntary admission to a state psychiatric facility, a local psychiatric hospital (state funded admission) or a crisis stabilization unit;
- Provides emergency crisis intervention services to individuals who are high risk, e.g., suicidal, homicidal, psychotic, with the goal of stabilization and finding creative and safe community treatment alternatives;
- Responds on rapid call-out (24/7) to high risk hostage/barricade situations providing on scene consultation and intervention services;
- Responds on rapid call-out (24/7) to public safety personnel and other county employees who have been exposed to psychologically traumatic events in the course of their work;
- Attends civil commitment and appeal hearings providing expert testimony to General District and Circuit Courts;
- Responds to requests from individuals, friends/family, and other Fairfax County departments to evaluate and intervene with individuals in the community who are high risk and are unwilling or unable to get to the CSB Emergency Service for evaluation or treatment;
- Assesses the need for referral to a psychiatrist, or to a primary care physician or hospital emergency department;
- Provides expert consultation to Human Services and Public Safety agencies and the private sector regarding individuals who are clinically complex and/or high risk;
- Provides liaison to community agencies to facilitate communication and service provision for clients requiring multiple services and/or who are clinically complex and/high risk;
- Provides clinical supervision to license eligible Crisis Intervention Specialists and clinical supervision and training to newly hired Crisis Intervention Specialists.
Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Code of Virginia pertaining to Emergency Custody Orders, Temporary Detention Orders, Civil Commitment, Mandatory Outpatient Treatment, Duty to Warn, etc.;
- Comprehensive knowledge of community resources and referral agencies to be able to connect individuals in crisis with appropriate ongoing clinical treatment and with agencies that may alleviate exacerbating issues such as hunger, homelessness, medical illness and other factors;
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of the psychological and social development of the individual;
- Thorough knowledge of intake procedures, social history development, and interviewing techniques;
- Thorough knowledge of major schools of treatment of emotionally and socially disturbed individuals;
- Knowledge of Critical Incident Stress Management techniques including informal debriefing and formal critical incident stress debriefings;
- Knowledge in hostage/barricade negotiation techniques and incident command management (ICM);
- Knowledge of psychiatric, psychological, and/or sociological terminology and concepts;
- Knowledge of clinical supervisory methods and techniques;
- Ability to complete a mental status examination and comprehensive risk assessment;
- Ability to conduct mental health assessments and apply treatment approaches/modalities;
- Ability to formulate diagnoses;
- Ability to work effectively with individuals in life and death situations as a routine and daily part of the job;
- Ability to diagnostically interpret data obtained from psychological test results, social histories, and interviews;
- Ability to prepare, produce, and conduct program presentations;
- Ability to function independently in high-stress situations;
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, co-workers, public and private sector organizations, community groups, and the general public;
- Ability to successfully perform as a team leader/member;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduation from an accredited college with a master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or nursing plus three years of clinical experience or a doctoral degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or nursing plus one year of clinical experience.
- Must be eligible to be licensed 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, or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
- MANDT Certification within three (3) months of appointment;
- Certified Pre-screener as required by the Department of Behavioral Health and Disability within six (6) months of appointment;
- Hostage/Barricade and Incident Command Certification within twelve (12) months of appointment.
- A valid driver's license with fewer than six (6) demerit points (or equivalent in another state) must be maintained throughout employment with CSB.
Some positions within this classification will require additional certifications and licenses, as defined by the position description and posted in job announcements.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, a driving record check, and a sanctions screening to the satisfaction of the employer. TB and Hepatitis C screenings at time of appointment and annually thereafter. National Provider Identifier (NPI). Must be eligible to provide services that are reimbursable by Medicaid in accordance with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services' requirements.
Position requires shift work that includes some overnights, weekends and holidays. This position is emergency/essential services personnel. (Required to report for duty during inclement weather and/or other emergencies).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW),
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC),
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or
- MD/OD
- Current Pre-screener Certification as defined by the code of Virginia
- At least 3 years post masters clinical experience providing crisis Intervention and working with individuals having Co-occurring disorders (SMI, ID, and Substance Abuse).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to communicate clearly with others; make clinical observations; run/climb several flights of stairs; lift objects up to 20 lbs.; use keyboard driven equipment; and drive a county vehicle. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.