CSU Specialist

General Statement Of Duties

This crisis stabilization program is a short‑term, 7‑bed intensive residential program staffed 24 hours a day to provide crisis services to individuals with mental health and co‑occurring disorders. The CSU Specialist is responsible for providing crisis stabilization services to individuals with a mental illness or co‑occurring illness (mental health and substance use related disorder) experiencing a mental health crisis. This includes assessing service needs, developing treatment plans, and providing assistance with access to community resources.

The CSU Specialist is expected to attend team meetings, other professional meetings, and represent the program to the community as needed. The CSU Specialist receives direct regular supervision from the CSU Supervisor. The position assumes compliance with agency policy, client rights, confidentiality, licensure regulations, and Medicaid regulations as applicable. The role works with other crisis stabilization team members, family members, other caregivers, and community resources.

This position is classified non‑exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

• Assists in providing therapeutic interventions in both individual and group settings to persons who are in crisis due to their mental health status.
• Assists with admission and discharge processes for individuals being admitted to or discharged from the program.
• Provides input in the development of treatment plans that address the resident’s needs during enrollment and collaborates with the Case Coordinator regarding needed referrals and services upon discharge.
• Works to establish linkages between the resident and naturally occurring supports in the family and community, as well as with other service‑providing agencies.
• Assists residents with daily living tasks as needed, including general facility upkeep, laundry, meal preparation, and transportation.
• Accurately completes clinical documentation and other paperwork as required.
• In conjunction with other program staff, provides general supervision of the CSU and ensures that policies and procedures are followed.
• Responds to emergency situations that occur and appropriately involves other providers, including agency emergency services staff, emergency medical services, and law enforcement, as needed.
• Completes other tasks and duties as assigned by supervisor and/or other management staff.

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques involved in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with mental health and co‑occurring disorders, both individually and in a group setting.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance abuse, and co‑occurring treatment interventions, both individually and in a group setting.
• Good diagnostic, evaluative, and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of mental health recovery models of care.
• Knowledge of treatment modalities and intervention techniques, such as group therapy, behavior management, supportive counseling, family education, crisis intervention, and discharge planning.
• Skills in identifying and documenting a consumer’s needs for resources, services and other support; using information from assessments.
• Ability to problem‑solve and respond quickly to crisis situations; ability to function calmly in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and with private and public agency personnel.
• The ability to work as part of a clinical treatment team is essential.

• Bachelor’s level in Human Services plus one year of experience in the human services field.
• Must be eligible to register as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) or QMHP‑eligible with the State of Virginia.

• Mandt Training
• CPR Certification
• Trauma‑Informed Treatment
• First Aid Certification
• AED Training

Work equipment includes telephone, PC, pager, AED, and miscellaneous household appliances (e.g., washer/dryer, stove, dishwasher).

Residential setting with normal…