Therapist

Clinical Case Manager

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. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Therapist position.

An Overview
The Therapist is responsible for providing clinical case management services to adults with behavioral health issues; often with co-occurring diagnoses (mental health and substance use). The incumbent will use evidence-based practices to collaboratively develop person-centered service plans with the client.

What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate should have thorough knowledge of substance abuse and behavioral health disorders; good knowledge of available community resources, such as medical, legal, mental health and social services; good knowledge of treatment issues related to behavioral, emotional and social problems, including dual diagnosis, and chemical dependency; skill in engaging a variety of consumers and in communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with consumers, other professionals and citizens; ability to perform individual and group counseling and or provide prevention and education services; ability to evaluate consumer needs and formulate goals to resolve social and emotional problems.

The Opportunity

• Regularly assesses clients' status, history, strengths, areas for growth, stage of change, and treatment preferences;
• Provides supportive counseling to clients including but not limited to crisis intervention, problem solving, psycho-education and wellness planning;
• Assists clients with the development of person-centered service plans and provides case management, attending to needs such as housing, healthy relationships, meaningful activities, daycare, family planning, health care, financial management, education, vocational training and employment;
• Conducts clinical assessments as indicated, including but not limited to mental status exam, bio-psychosocial assessments and diagnostic reviews;
• Locates, procures, coordinates, and monitors the delivery of necessary services for the client and/or their family;
• Assists the client with the completion of necessary documentation to obtain and/or maintain benefits such as disability income and insurance;
• Acts as a liaison between behavioral health services, social services, housing and shelters;
• Assists clients with navigating complex systems such as: court, social, employment, housing and childcare services; Provides advocacy for consumers in these systems;
• Meets regularly with an interdisciplinary team to aid in identifying necessary services for clients;
• Identifies and provides targeted outreach and engagement to individuals in the community and in shelters with identified behavioral health needs;
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development programs;
• Prepares reports and maintains documentation in accordance with local, state and federal regulations and accrediting bodies;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

About the Department
The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Completion of college-level courses in psychology, social services, public health, guidance, or a related field; three years of experience in the provision of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services, including some experience at the level of Caseworker; 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

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services or a related field; Three years of experience in the provision of mental health and /or substance abuse treatment services to seriously mentally ill adults. Registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) or able to register within the first two weeks of hire; At least one year of experience of working with clients in crises, engaging individuals and their families in Recovery oriented treatment, and working with individual's involved with the Criminal Justice System; Bilingual and Fluent in both English and Spanish.

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, 8:00AM - 5:00PM, occasional night/weekend based on client need.