Senior Therapist - Child Advocacy Center

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Senior Therapistposition.

An Overview

The Child and Family Behavioral Health Services (CFBHS) Senior Therapist partners with high needs youth and their families in an array of behavioral health services that are designed to help children live and thrive in their homes and communities. As part of Alexandria’s System of Care, coordinates closely with youth, families, their natural supports and colleagues in child advocacy, child welfare, juvenile justice, and education to ensure that integrated services are trauma informed and prioritize family and youth voice and choice, cultural influences and equity, outcome-based work, and collaboration. The Senior Therapist is committed to racial equity and strive to ensure services are responsive to the impact of structural and generational trauma. Services provided in various settings: community mental health center, child advocacy center, schools, homes, other community locations, and virtually. Training and support for certification in evidence-based treatment modalities is provided, including modalities for children zero to five and their families. Tasks are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have excellent knowledge of diagnosis, assessment and evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents who experience trauma, mental health and substance abuse challenges. Excellent knowledge of family treatment strategies. Ability to conduct behavioral health assessments, treatment planning, individual, group and family therapy. Ability to work successfully with youth and their families, assisting in development of their strengths and abiding by their goals and preferences. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, in a clear concise manner, with other professionals and with the general public. Ability to collaborate with host partners and treatment team members.

The Opportunity

• Engage children, youth, and families in evidence-based youth-led and family driven clinical screening, assessment, individual, group and family therapy, care coordination and crisis intervention; with focus on children and youth receiving services through the Center for Alexandria’s Children’s Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and DCHS Child Welfare Services;
• Develop and monitor treatment plans with youth and their families based on their strengths, needs, preferences, and goals;
• Participate in multi-disciplinary workgroups, treatment planning meetings, court hearings, and relevant training, conferences and workshops;
• Consultation, collaboration and close coordination with system of care stakeholders, i.e., youth and families, family support partners, child welfare, juvenile justice, schools, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Guardians Ad Litem, police, etc.;
• Provide presentations on behavioral health topics related to children, youth and families;
• Prepare a variety of written reports including case notes, treatment plans, quarterly updates, clinical/mental health evaluations, status reports and reports to referral agencies;
• Maintain medical records in accordance with accreditation body, Department policies, licensing and Medicaid regulations;
• Follow department policies and procedures, including those related to productivity expectations, client payment issues, training and clinical licensure;
• Supervise graduate level interns or externs;
• Collect outcome, research and satisfaction data with persons served;
• Perform all other relevant duties as assigned.

About the Department

The Center for Children and Families (CCF) provides programs and services in the areas of Child & Family Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Child Welfare, Early Childhood and Youth Development. CCF provides compassionate, collaborative and effective person and family-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, recovery and resiliency for Alexandria children and all residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

About the Division

Child and Family Behavioral Health Services (CFBHS) commits to be a trauma-informed and equitable service delivery system that creates the conditions for youth and families to thrive. They support youth, families, each other, and partners to be their best possible selves as they respond to community needs, meet regulatory requirements, and maximize revenue. The following values are imbedded in the work of CFBHS: youth and family centered; fair and equitable; individualized and developmentally appropriate; trauma responsive; research-based, data-driven and outcome-focused; strengths-based; collaborative/team-based; community-based; natural supports; and unconditional care. Internally CFBHS prioritizes use of a racial equity lens, staff wellness, integration, transparency and accountability, efficient access, professional development, and advancement.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Possession of Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Education or related field; at least two years of post-graduate work experience in providing direct clinical services to consumers having one or more substance abuse, psychiatric, and emotional disorders; and licensure or license eligible (has completed all required education and supervision as required by applicable board) as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) or Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of appointment; if license eligible, the employee must obtain Virginia licensure at the first available opportunity, but no later than one year after appointment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Fluency in English and Spanish to meet the needs of persons served; Certification or training in TF-CBT or EMDR; At least three years of post-masters experience engaging school-age youth and their families in trauma-informed evidence-based behavioral health treatment services; At least three years of experience providing family therapy; At least one year of experience with electronic medical records.

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver’s license.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, daytime hours with average of two evenings a week to meet community needs.