Senior Therapist

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 Senior Therapist position.

An Overview
The Senior Therapist provides clinical and diagnostic evaluations, psychotherapy, and referrals to clients seeking behavioral health services from the Alexandria Community Services Board. Clients present with psychological, substance use and psychosocial stressors. The Senior Therapist will assess, diagnose, make treatment recommendations and will treat and/or refer for services that can address a client’s presenting problem, whether a situational, emotional, behavioral, psychiatric, or addiction issue. The Senior Therapist holds a clinical license that qualifies them to complete full psychosocial assessments and diagnostic evaluations as well other clinical interventions for clients. They also represent the CSB and its available services to clients and their multiple referral sources in the community, such as families, community social workers, correctional officers, psychiatric hospitals, child protective services and other community stakeholders. They hold a function of triage in determining whether clients calling or being referred to a service meet a particular need and can have this need adequately met by services offered at the CSB. The incumbent generally conducts these tasks during regular working hours but may be called upon to provide emergency services to Department consumers and to the community, as needed. The work is performed under the general supervision of their assigned supervisor.

What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate must have a thorough knowledge of behavioral health disorders and treatment and the ability to provide a diagnosis using the DSM-5. The incumbent will also have good knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. They will also have the ability to work successfully with a variety of consumers and be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing with other professionals and with the public.

Example of Duties

• Provides Clinical evaluations and psychotherapy to adult consumers with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Conducts clinical intake interviews and formulates assessments, diagnoses and initial treatment plans and makes recommendations and referrals for treatment services;
• Conducts a risk assessment to determine whether there is need for immediate crisis assessment by Emergency services;
• Conducts clinical evaluations for clients mandated by community agencies (Courts, Child Protective Services, Corrections);
• Communicates clinical findings and treatment recommendations to the referral source, with client input as to what information is shared or withheld;
• Provides follow-up support and coordination services to clients;
• Initiates medical and psychiatric referrals, as needed;
• Prepares reports for court proceedings, represents the Department, and can be called to testify as an expert witness on behalf of clients or on behalf of the department;
• Assists in hiring and training of team staff;
• Participates in staff development;
• Maintains clinical records in accordance with State, City, Departmental and Federal compliance requirements;
• Performs related work as required.

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

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 Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 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

Three years post masters experience providing direct clinical services for substance abuse, and/or mental health issues; knowledge of mental health exam, and mental health classification/DSM-IV; At least one year of employment in a mental health community agency environment. Currently licensed as a LCSW or Clinical psychologist in Virginia at the time of appointment; bilingual in English / 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, 8:30AM - 5:00PM, with the possibility for some evenings. During the COVID response sessions are mostly provided via Telehealth, though some in person services may occur but appropriate PPE and precautions are afforded to ensure staff and client safety.