Clinician I - Marcus Alert

Clinician I

Colonial Behavioral Health (CBH) provides opportunities for recovery and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. Serving the communities of James City County, the City of Poquoson, the City of Williamsburg, and York County, CBH is committed to helping people access the right care at the right time.

We are seeking a Clinician I to join our Marcus Alert Co-Responder Team, an innovative community-based crisis response program that partners closely with first responders and community agencies.

In this role, you will respond to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in community settings, helping to de-escalate situations, assess needs, connect individuals with appropriate resources, and support ongoing access to care. This is an opportunity for a skilled clinician who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and wants to make a meaningful difference during some of the most challenging moments in people's lives.

• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and stabilization in community settings, addressing primarily behavioral health needs that may be influenced by environmental or situational factors.
• Assist individuals in resolving immediate crises and developing practical solutions to address their behavioral health needs.
• Work collaboratively with law enforcement, Fire/EMS, healthcare providers, outpatient programs, public and private facilities, and other community partners to coordinate resources and services.
• Assess individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies, including those presenting with suicidal ideation or other acute safety concerns.
• Connect individuals to appropriate behavioral health, medical, substance use, and community-based resources and support appropriate follow-up.
• Provide crisis response both in person and by telephone, as needed.
• Complete timely, accurate clinical documentation in accordance with CBH policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Provide clinical support to other programs within the CBH Crisis Services Division.
• Participate as an active member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The program will initially operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

As the program expands, coverage is expected to transition to approximately 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days per week. Candidates must be willing and able to work varying shifts, including evenings and weekends, as program hours evolve.

Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of crisis intervention models, behavioral health resources, and community-based services for individuals with serious emotional, developmental, and substance use disorders.
• Experience or demonstrated competence in assessing and responding to individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or other behavioral health emergencies.
• Understanding of psychotropic medications, drug overdose, and common medical conditions that may present with or mimic psychiatric symptoms.
• Working knowledge of substances of abuse and the ability to assess the potential need for medical detoxification.
• Strong clinical judgment and the ability to remain calm, focused, and effective in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with emergency responders, treatment providers, community agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Knowledge of applicable human rights, ethical, and legal requirements related to behavioral health services.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Willingness and ability to respond to client emergencies in both community and telephone settings.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related human services field required;
• Master's degree preferred
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) required
• Valid Driver's License required
• DBHDS Preadmission Screening Certificate within 90 days of hire required

DMV record must be submitted with application. Our compensation package for this position includes:

• Competitive compensation
• Virginia Retirement System
• Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Colonial Behavioral Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.