The Behavioral Health Practitioner plans, directs, and administers programs and services relating to clinical psychology, social work, and counseling. These programs and services promote all aspects of mental health, the social well-being, and resiliency of all personnel and civilian disaster victims. This officer educates; consults; and, develops policies, and educational/instructional materials on various topics to maximize the emotional and mental health of MDMILDEP personnel and civilian responders and victims of disaster events. The Behavioral Health Practitioner supports the overall direction, readiness, and operations of the 10th MEDREG in order to meet the medical and allied health functions of the Maryland Defense Force. As such, the Behavioral Health Practitioner, in collaboration with their Support Section, and 10th MEDREG leadership, plans, establishes, directs and supervises health delivery activities within the 10th MEDREG units and, as tasked, in support of the State of Maryland and the Maryland Military Department, including MDARNG, MDANG, MEMA and appropriate state agencies through mission-related tasking.

The Behavioral Health Practitioner's responsibilities include:

• Provides technical and scientific behavioral health support that includes reviewing behavioral health research, gathering and reporting on behavioral health intelligence, environmental behavioral health, and clinical and educational services in garrison and in areas of operations
• Performs behavioral health functions including providing psychological first aid, crisis intervention, critical incident support, teaching, training, supervision, consultation, and policy development in various military, governmental, and civilian settings. These functions are provided in order to enhance the resilience and social well-being of MDMILDEP members, first responders, and civilian disaster victims.
• Conducts time-sensitive problem analysis with an accurate, sound and immediate decision.
• Ability to operate under stress, apply critical thinking skills, make decisions and translate these skills to operational conditions is critical to mission success.
• Possesses expert knowledge in their area of concentration, patient management, and general support and coordination principles.
• Enhance unit readiness, emotional well-being, and resilience of MDMILDEP personnel and other partners, as designated.
• Plans and executes health promotion, stress management, resiliency-strengthening, responder self-care, and other requested programs.
• Performs special staff functions in behavioral health support for commanders at all levels.
• Supervises assigned personnel and participates in the behavioral health education and training of personnel needed to sustain a robust and readily available medical system.
• Provides timely and accurate advice to the Commander and staff, and initiates recommendations to the Commander and staff in all matters related to behavioral health.
• Ensures that programs and services are carried out to the standards set forth by the Commander, and in compliance with applicable Federal and State laws; professional practice standards and ethics.
• Conducts and/or approves annual Enlisted Personnel/NCOER’s for direct reports.
• Collaborates with appropriate force wide directorates and units to improve physical fitness, health, and nutrition throughout the MDDF.

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in behavioral health from a program accredited by the Behavioral Health Practitioner’s profession.
• Current, behavioral health professional license in the State of Maryland.
• Familiarity with both military and civilian medical interface, particularly in DSCA and disaster operations is desired.
• Must be at least MEMS Basic qualified (or obtain within 6 months of appointment).
• Computer competency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Fluent in English
• Excellent speaking and writing skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and personnel to achieve mission objectives
• Experience in civilian and military writing