Behavioral Health Specialist - ICM

The role

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides community-based support for high-risk and high-needs clients. This role involves screening, assessing, and providing individualized interventions to support recovery and rehabilitation.

What you will do

• Screen and assess clients for co-occurring substance use and MH disorders
• Provide individualized intervention using CBT, crisis intervention, and de-escalation
• Perform persistent engagement and continued observation to assess client needs
• Assist in developing and implementing treatment plans
• Advocate and liaise for clients within the criminal legal and shelter system
• Communicate with clients, caregivers, teachers, and families
• Assist clients in securing medical care, entitlement, and community support
• Provide employment counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and life skills training
• Complete assessments and maintain accurate progress notes
• Collaborate with external stakeholders like hospitals and shelters

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and minimum of two years’ experience working with clients in mental health, substance use, trauma, violence risk, homelessness, frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, and criminal ju
• OR 5 years' experience in the specified areas plus a CASAC if no Bachelor's Degree
• OR 6 years' experience in the specified areas plus a CASAC-T if no CASAC
• Highly organized with ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Proficient in MS Office suite
• Ability to adapt to a customized case management system in Microsoft Dynamics

Nice to have

• Experience in a multidisciplinary setting and field-based clinical work
• Knowledge or established relationships with Queens based community organizations and social services
• Strong commitment to social justice and CJA’s mission and core values
• Certifications as CASAC, CASAC-T, or other SU or MH certifications
• Lived experience in recovery from a mental health condition, substance use disorder, homelessness, the NYC shelter system, or the criminal legal system
• Ability to support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures
• Fluency in Spanish

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Comprehensive mental health and wellness plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Four weeks’ vacation
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Professional learning and development opportunities

Before you apply

• Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in current good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days)

About the company

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency.