JOB TITLE: Behavioral Health Specialist

STATUS: Full Time; Exempt

REPORTS TO: Behavioral Health Manager

PAY RATE: $60,000 annual, DOE

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

· Conducts veteran-focused behavioral health assessments for clients referred by other departments.

· Completes evidence-based surveys and assessments of clients including but not limited to Violence Risk Appraisal Guide- Revised (VRAG-R), Quality-of-Life Scale (QOLS), Substance Use Disorder Diagnostic Schedule-5 (SUDDS-5), etc.

· First responder to mental / physical health incidents and collective disturbances at agency; advises agency senior leaders on crisis-related risks affecting clients and staff.

· Modeling and training staff on trauma-informed principles and practices.

· Liaison & advocate between community mental health and law enforcement / federal, state, county veteran agencies in matters related to behavioral health and threatening behavior.

· Coordinates staff / client training related to behavioral health and crisis response skills.

· Enhance VOC’s ability to meet behavioral health needs of veterans’ community. Represent/promote VOC at events.

· Be the Subject Matter Expert about trends in suicide and suicide prevention, obtaining /maintaining certification in the following: ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), QPRT (Question, Persuade, Refer, Treat) and /or MHFA (Mental Health First Aid Training).

· Utilize internal/external resources to provide crisis event response coordination. Train staff to recognize crisis events, utilize de-escalation techniques, and enact appropriate crisis response procedures.

· Oversee preparation and implementation of Comprehensive Service Plans, documentation of interventions, meetings, progress notes, and all other required client paperwork. Ensure documentation meets best practices and weekly clinical case review.

· Support the mission of VOC and collaboration inside and outside the organization; conduct outreach as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Master’s Degree with NY state professional license (LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LCAT) required.

· A veteran preferred; or a person with demonstrated knowledge and experience with veterans’ concerns.

· Excellent verbal and written communications skills with a nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of the individuals served.

· Certification(s) in suicide prevention & awareness, crisis intervention, threat assessment, and mental health first aid, or willingness to obtain upon hire.

· Proficient in use of web portal and Microsoft Office applications.

· Able to engage and maintain positive relationships with veterans and their family members as well as develop collaborative relationships with VOC personnel and community stakeholders.

· Ability to recognize and relate effectively to people with diverse psychiatric, alcohol and substance abuse problems, both individually and in groups, as well as people with diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.

· Ability to adapt to a flexible work schedule, participates in on call duty as needed.

· Valid NY State driver’s license, clean driving record.

· Strong ethical character with ability to abide by VOC values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.

Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• LMHC or LMSW (Required)

Work Location: In person