Behavioral Health Specialist

Summary/Objective:

The Behavioral Health Specialist work in partnership with Child Protective Services (CPS) workers at the Jefferson County Department of Social Services (JCDSS) to integrate behavioral health within CPS by making necessary referrals and recommendations for families referred to CPS. The position will receive in person Clinical Supervision from the Community Clinic of Jefferson County (CCJC). In addition to providing direct services, this collaboration will also allow additional staff training related to secondary trauma experienced by workers, and education related to the mental health needs of service recipients.

This position/partnership aims to decrease the length of CPS involvement with families. Co-locating a Behavioral Health Specialist within the CPS unit will help triage uncertain circumstances and allow the Behavioral Health Specialist to make a professional recommendation regarding treatment needs.

Essential Functions:

1. Assist CPS workers in the field to include making initial determinations while visiting families in their home.
2. Provide consultation and recommendations to CPS workers regarding the behavioral health needs of families and children.
3. Provide the initial intake appointment and brief therapy (individual, couples, and family) at CCJC (as appropriate), to service recipients until a long-term clinical treatment plan can be developed and initiated.
4. Complete assessments and document at least 4 new intake assessments per month.
5. Identify, recommend, and provide psychoeducation to parents, caretakers, and guardians.
6. Identify, recommend, and provide educational training to workers (training will be conducted no less than quarterly).
7. Provide peer support and/or mental health referrals to CPS workers experiencing secondary trauma.
8. Identify essential behavioral health needs of children and families and complete necessary referrals for the provision of such services as appropriate (i.e., referrals for specialized clinical treatment, including Sexual Offenders Treatment, Substance Abuse Treatment, Anger Management Counseling, and Domestic Violence Prevention Support).
9. Complete assessments and documentation to CPS workers in a timely manner.
10. Provide access to current daily schedule to CCJC management.
11. Provide legal testimony as needed.
12. Act as a liaison between CPS and community services.
13. Additional responsibilities will be added as new areas of need are identified.
14. Provide periodic on call responsibilities as part of an ongoing rotation.
15. Required to have a valid NYS driver’s license and ability to drive legally.

Special Requirements:

Work Environment: Office environment will require occasional travel to recruitment events, conferences and/or meetings and moderate travel within the community to include off-site/in-home visits. May have contact with service recipients that are agitated and/or are in crisis. Some risk involved working with service recipients with mental illness. Works in an office setting with a controlled temperature environment. Occasional exposure to inclement weather conditions may occur depending upon assignments.

Equipment: This position is required to maintain a working knowledge of related office equipment including personal computers and printers, audio-visual equipment, telephone systems, copiers, fax machines, etc.

Physical Demands: Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, climb, bend, and stoop. Must be able to perform fine motor skills, read, and type. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time, traditional hours required along with occasionally some non-traditional hours. This position is required to work on-site, and offsite/in home visits.

Travel:

Travel is required throughout service area (Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and St. Lawerence County).

Preferred Education & Experience:

The Behavioral Health Specialist will have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in a related field. A New York State Masters Level Clinician Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LCSW-R), MHC-P, LMHC, MFT-P, LMFT, CAT-P or LCAT is preferred.

Prior experience working with youth at risk is preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills, excellent time management and organization skills.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

Strong organizational abilities and office skills are essential for this position. This person must also have excellent people skills and be a team player. Ability to work with diverse populations. Must demonstrate effective and excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Must be detail-oriented and possess excellent time-management skills. Requires self-direction, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to be clear, courteous, and professional. Able to react to change productively and handle other duties as assigned.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Must maintain privacy of confidential information. Successful completion of routine pre-employment requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health and Office of Children and Family Services along with ongoing clearances and exclusion checks. These requirements are to include employment health requirements, reference checks, criminal background checks/fingerprinting, State Central Registry clearance and your eligibility to work in the United States. A valid NYS driver’s license required. Corporate Compliance, HIPAA Privacy Security, and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR will be required following date of hire. Common CORE and CORE Essentials for CPS Workers.