Behavioral Health Specialist I

Salary range: $85,000.00

Posting expires: 4/17/2026

General Description and Classification Standards

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 employee and supervisory training.

An employee in this classification works independently, with general supervision given on special assignments and cases.

Supervision Received

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 II, Psychologist Sr., or the Director of PSEAP/Chief Psychologist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Provides 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).
• Applies professional knowledge and personal judgment to a variety of administrative and technical mental health issues, including delivering psychological assessments and evaluations.
• Administers individual, couples/family, and group therapy, and/or referral and crisis intervention.
• Provides organizational consultation and intervention.
• Performs employee and supervisory training.
• Provides on-call services to First responders in case of crisis which impact the 911 Communications, Police, or Firefighters ability to perform their job duties.
• Keeps documentation to support the need and treatment for counseling services provided.
• Maintains clinical records of interventions provided to the clients and follow up with clients to ensure they are able to return to work and perform job duties efficiently.
• Provides ongoing support to Recruits of the Police academy.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of psychological services, and diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Knowledge of philosophy, methods, and techniques of hostage/crisis negotiation.
• Knowledge of 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.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, peers, elected officials, management, members of the medical profession and the general public.
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Ability to maintain ongoing log of clinical work and information relevant for utilization data and reports.
• Ability to apply psychological concepts and methods in crisis situations and critical incident debriefings.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and integrate change.
• Ability to interpret data obtained from psychological test results, social histories, and interviews.
• Ability to actively engage in research projects (i. e., administering measures) and assist Psychologist Sr. and Director in research efforts.
• Ability to prepare, produce, and conduct program presentations.
• Ability to develop, implement, manage, and evaluate programs.
• Ability to function independently under stressful situations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience - Master's degree majoring in Social Work, Counseling or Clinical Psychology, or related field, and three (3) years of post-licensure experience providing counseling and/or psychotherapy. This job requires mandatory in office work only.

Licensures and Certifications - Georgia driver's license. Must possess current license in the State of Georgia and/or certification in professional counseling, clinical social work, or mental health/substance use; and professional liability insurance at the time of appointment.

Preferred Requirements Three (3) years of professional experience providing direct clinical services in a law enforcement agency and/or providing services to first responders and public safety; or work in an EAP setting. Preferred certifications: Certification recognized by Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), which would meet requirements of Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

Work Environment

In Office 5 days a week

Lifting Requirements

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment.

It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process.

The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship.

If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.