Behavioral Health Specialist

Job Description:

Behavioral Health Specialist

Description

Behavioral Health Specialist

Emergency Communication Center

12 Months, Full-Time

Exempt, Pay Grade 36

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary/Objective:

Performs responsible, professional, and technical administrative work relating to the development and management of the Charlottesville, UVA, Albemarle County ECC’s Behavioral Health Liaison Pilot Program. This program is an enhancement of existing services already provided by CUAECC and its partner agencies for immediate needs of individuals experiencing behavioral health or substance use disorders to divert individuals to the appropriate services and/or treatment. This position is a pilot program and is grant funded, with no guarantee of continuation beyond the grant period.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work closely with the CUAECC, Operational Medical Advisors, and regional partners to establish local protocols to assist with behavioral health and substance abuse calls handled by the ECC.
• Assist in the development of tools, training, and other aids needed for successful implementation of the program and provide technical assistance to CUAECC coworkers.
• Collaborate with CUAECC and partner agencies to develop, acquire, and utilize software for call triage and workflow optimization, ensuring behavioral health calls receive the most appropriate assistance. This approach prioritizes tailored care solutions over law enforcement response and hospitalization, increasing access to less restrictive treatment options.
• Work with CUAECC IT and partner agencies to develop/acquire/use software to track required data elements for the program.
• Monitors CAD for call types that may have a behavioral health or substance use component and attempt to make contact with any low priority calls for service, using telecommunication devices, (as defined by the OMA’s and DRC) that may not warrant a law enforcement or Fire/Rescue response in order to redirect the caller to other services. Enter updated information into CAD.
• Assist the ECC DRC in using already established protocols to identify calls that could be handled without an emergent response from Law Enforcement or Fire/Rescue assets.
• Assist in the review and development of best practices, improve pilot delivery, and inform if expansion efforts are suggested using gathered data.
• Develop a trackable process improvement plan for the project including goals, key performance indicators, measurable objectives, and milestones.
• Assist CUAECC coworkers when requested to assess an individual caller to determine the correct level of care or in questioning and speaking with the caller until help can arrive to assist.
• Serve as the ECC subject matter expert on regional committees and meetings referencing Behavioral Health and Substance Use emergencies.
• Develop a plan to ensure continued adherence to Virginia’s Marcus Alert requirements.
• Coordinates with the regions Co-Responder teams to track data regionally and support when needed.
• Provide excellent customer service during each caller interaction as well as with fellow ECC coworkers.
• Provide valuable information and referral service to the ECC and the communities we serve and maintain an up to date directory and database for agencies and businesses.
• Uphold high standards of quality to be recognized as a trusted community resource.
• Ability to multitask, including talking and typing simultaneously.
• Work closely with state agencies.
• Establish and implement the CUAECC’s strategic plan initiatives as they relate to this pilot program.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competency: KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of a 24-hour emergency communication center including familiarity with public safety functions and concerns and of the public safety communications environment, demands, and requirements.
• Knowledge of emergency medical, fire, and police dispatch protocols and ability to obtain certification in IAED protocols within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge of research and analysis methods.
• Knowledge of Virginia Marcus Alert requirements and 911 system connections.
• Strong written and oral communications skills and the ability to explain complex topics to stakeholders at various levels.
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and education equivalent to graduation from an accredited, four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or a related field and 1 year of clinical experience or a bachelor’s degree and a qualified mental health professional certification.

Qualified mental health professional (QMHP-A) certification preferred, but not required.

The Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position is $42.58 - $52.04 per hour (approx. $88,567 - $108,252 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Duties are normally performed in a public safety emergency communications center setting, under frequently stressful and emotionally challenging conditions, primarily sitting or standing for extended periods of time at a telecommunications console position utilizing radio, telephone, and computer equipment. The employee in this position is considered essential personnel as defined by Albemarle County Policy and is subject to working overtime, being held over, or called back for disasters, local emergencies, or special events. Frequent contact with the public, police, sheriff, security, fire, emergency medical service and mental health providers is necessary. Occasional contact with other federal, state and local government agencies is required. These contacts may require considerable skill in diplomacy, tact, or discretion.

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the responsibilities as outlined.

Deadline for Applications:

Position open until Monday, May 5th, 2025.

Virginia Values Veterans:

Albemarle County is a Certified V3 organization.

EOE/EEO:

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.