Behavioral Health Specialist at City of Atlanta

Salary: Up to $78,092.30

This classification is a single-class professional psychological services position. The fundamental features of this classification are to provide professional mental health, substance abuse crisis care and other wellness resources to employees and organizational units through a comprehensive Psychological Services and Employee Assistance Program (PS/EAP).

Work involves the application of professional knowledge and personal judgment to a variety of administrative and technical mental health issues, including delivering psychological assessments and evaluations, administering individual, couples/family, and group therapy and/or referral and crisis intervention, providing organizational consultation and intervention, and employees and supervisory training.

An employee in this classification works independently, with general supervision given on special assignments and cases. Work is occasionally reviewed for results achieved. Major initiatives and problems that require advanced decisions and determination are subject to review and approval of the Behavioral Health Specialist Sr./Mgr., Psychologist Sr. or the Director of PSEAP/Chief Psychologist.

Knowledge of:

-Principles and practices of psychological services, and diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and substance use disorders.

-Applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities, including federal and state confidentiality regulations, drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures for local government employees, and public safety policy and procedures.

-Philosophy, methods and techniques of hostage/crisis negotiation.

-Principles and practices of HR management and administration, public administration and governmental organization.

Ability to:

-Interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.

-Effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, peers, elected officials, management, members of the medical profession and the general public.

-Assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. Maintain ongoing log of clinical work and information relevant for utilization data and reports.

-Apply psychological concepts and methods in crisis situations and critical incident debriefings.

-Use independent judgment and discretion in managing emergency and crisis situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.

-Comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and integrate change.

-Interpret data obtained from psychological test results, social histories, and interviews.

-Actively engage in research projects (i.e., administering measures) and assist Psychologist Sr. and Director in research efforts.

-Prepare, produce, and conduct program presentations.

-Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate programs.

-Function independently under stressful situations.

-Able to work rotating on call schedule