REQ#: 78000003

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is a FLSA exempt position.  The incumbent is responsible for providing crisis assessment, intervention, stabilization, and referral assistance to mental health, intellectual disability, and substance abuse clients, both over the phone and face-to-face, in the office and in the community.  Schedule is flexible, with some evening, overnight, and weekend work required.  Occasional holiday work is required.

The incumbent reports to Director III for Crisis Services and performs duties by proceeding alone under standard practices, referring questionable situations to the supervisor.  In carrying out emergency services, the incumbent is expected to act professionally and knowledgeably to ensure availability, response, and continuity in delivery of mental health services to all individuals located in the Region Ten catchment area.  S/he will perform in accordance with professional ethics and established Region Ten policies.

GRADE:      Grade 9:  Clinician I

Grade 10:  Clinician II

Grade 11:  Clinician III

Depending on Qualifications, Pay Range:  $20.02 – $30.03

QUALIFICATIONS:

To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the program, a valid Virginia Driver’s License plus an acceptable driving record as issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles are required. For business use of a personal car, a certificate of valid personal automobile insurance must be provided.  Incumbent must complete DBHDS training to become a Certified Prescreener, and will maintain this credential.  QMHP required, Residency for clinical license (such as LCSW, LPC, or LSATP) or licensure preferred.  Computer knowledge required in Word and Excel.  In addition, the incumbent needs to possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of:

1. Crisis intervention theory and skills including:

a) Techniques over phone, face-to-face

b) Knowledge about the following populations and accepted treatment modalities for each:

– Serious Mental Illness, including dual diagnosis

– Substance use

–  Intellectual Disabilities

– Children, Adults, Geriatrics

c) Managing the suicidal client

d) Managing aggressive/violent/psychotic behaviors

e) Confidentiality as it relates to crisis situations

f) Use of mental status exam

g) Working knowledge of current DSM

h) Use of ASAM

2. Use of least restrictive treatment alternatives for all populations served by Region Ten CSB.

3. Recognition and evaluation of acute medical needs:

a) Inebriated individuals, seizures, DTs

b)Clients under the influence of other substances

c) Drug overdose

d) Side effects of psychotropics

4. Civil commitment procedures:

a) Pre-admission screening consultation

b) Procedure for obtaining an ECO and a TDO (including criminal TDO)

c) Commitment hearing

d) Transportation

5. Voluntary and involuntary hospitalizations, including different criteria for children, adults and geriatrics.

6. Statutes related to emergency services.

7. The public mental health system statewide, specifically the client management guidelines.

8. Resources and treatment options available for the various populations in this community.

9. General principles of record keeping plus Region Ten’s record keeping policies.

10. Principles of brief treatment and solution-oriented therapy.

Skills in:

1. Providing clinical expertise including:

a) Assessment of: physical status, mental status, mental illness symptoms, degree of danger, suicide risk and need for and side effects of medications.

b) Interventions of: securing safety for everyone involved, advising for or against an ECO or TDO, and recommending least restrictive option.

c) Evaluation of: individual crisis response and service system gaps.

2. Providing pre-admission consultation:

a) To magistrates, special justices and judges regarding issuing ECOs and TDOs.

b) Testifying at commitment hearings regarding need for commitment.

c) Testifying at juvenile commitment hearings as the sole MH professional, regarding need for commitment.

3. Providing emergency consultation in a professional manner to: clients, family members, police, sheriffs, magistrates, judges, courts, admission staff, hospitals and other community agencies.

4. Report writing.

5. Providing short-term crisis counseling.

Abilities to:

1. Under pressure, make quick, sound decisions regarding safety and treatment.

2. Make appropriate interventions in resolving crisis situations.

3. Function independently, yet work flexibly and effectively with other persons, agencies and systems.

4. Facilitate referrals for the least restrictive form of treatment.

5. Maintain paper flow.

POSITION LOCATION:        Region Ten Community Services Board

                                              500 Old Lynchburg Road

                                                Charlottesville, VA 22903-4402

SCHEDULE: 40 hours weekly. Flexible, with evening, overnight, holiday and/or weekend work required.