Position Summary

The Qualified Mental Health (QMHP) provides essential support services in a licensed Residential Crisis Stabilization Unit (RCSU), serving individuals experiencing acute behavioral health crises. Under the supervision of licensed clinical staff, the QMHP, as per the Virginia Board of Counseling § 54.1-3520 Scope of practice, delivers supportive and collaborative care that is trauma-informed, person-centered, and recovery-oriented support to ensure safety, structure, and stabilization during a short-term residential stay. Duties include monitoring client behavior, assisting with daily living needs, and psychosocial skill-development, de-escalating crises under supervision, training on prevention of mental health and substance use disorders, mental health literacy, supportive functions of screening, intake, orientation, care coordination, referral activities, implementing interventions as identified in the Treatment Plan, client education, recordkeeping, gathering histories of mental health, substance, and criminal history, and supporting engagement in therapeutic programming. This position ensures services are provided in alignment with Medicaid requirements, DBHDS regulations, and Tandem Behavioral Health policies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide monitoring and supervision of individuals in crisis to ensure safety and a supportive treatment environment.
• Observe and report changes in client behavior, mood, or functioning to clinical staff promptly.
• Assist clients with daily living activities, including hygiene, meals, and structured activities.
• Support clients in attending scheduled groups, therapy, or recreational activities.
• Implement interventions as identified in the Treatment Plan
• Assist in the implementation of safety and crisis intervention protocols, including use of approved de-escalation strategies.
• Monitor the environment for safety and complete regular checks per policy (e.g., 30-minute rounds, headcounts).
• Document all observations, services provided, and significant events in accordance with DBHDS and Medicaid documentation standards.
• Provide training on prevention of mental health and substance use disorders,
• Provide mental health literacy,
• Provide supportive functions of screening, intake, and orientation
• Provide supportive functions of obtaining mental health, criminal, and substance use histories.
• Assist with care coordination, referral, and discharge planning
• Provide client education on mental health
• Participate in shift hand-offs, interdisciplinary team meetings, and required staff training.
• Promote a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented care environment.
• Uphold all confidentiality and ethical standards per HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Assist with facility upkeep and maintaining a clean, safe, and therapeutic setting.

Documentation & Compliance

• Submit all clinical documentation (progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, quarterly reports) within 24 business hours in accordance with Virginia Medicaid guidelines.
• Maintain compliance with DBHDS, Office of Human Rights, and OSHA standards.
• Report any incidents of low engagement, behavioral concerns, or suspected abuse/neglect to appropriate personnel.

Case Management

• Link and coordinate individuals with community-based services and resources as needed.
• Implement behavior modification strategies where appropriate.
• Support clients in achieving treatment goals and milestones.

Additional Duties

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and coverage as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Counselor or related field as approved by the Virginia Board of Counseling with at least 80 hours of Didactic Education in 6 core areas of Ethics, Boundaries and Dual Relationships, Documentation and Recordkeeping, Confidentiality, Cultural Competence, and Human Services, per Virginia Board of Counseling regulations.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license with current DMV driving record.
• Certifications required: CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Modification.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with ability to multitask.
• Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, and documentation skills.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and fax/email systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clinical, administrative, and leadership staff.
• Able to de-escalate stressful situations.
• Knowledge of behavior management principles and substance abuse treatment modalities.
• Ability to engage with clients experiencing mental illness, addiction, and/or developmental disabilities.
• Ability to implement clinical interventions and behavior modification techniques.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively in a therapeutic group setting.
• Ability to ensure client safety while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.