Behavioral Health Therapist (Licensed)

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist (Licensed) for the Arlington County Forensic Jail Diversion Team. This county-funded position is part of a restorative justice program aimed at diverting individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders from the criminal justice system. The role involves providing mental health treatment services to clients within the existing Jail Diversion/Forensic Case Management Program, bridging the gap between court and community mental health services. Court attendance is mandatory, and the ability to work across systems is crucial for success in restorative justice efforts. Arlington County is committed to delivering client services in an equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner, emphasizing cultural competency and sensitivity.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a clinical discipline such as Counseling, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychology, or other directly related clinical discipline with internships and practicum requirements involving diagnostic, treatment application of diagnostic, and treatment services.
Possession of one of the following professional licenses from the Virginia Department of Health Professions: LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW.

Nice To Haves

Experience in case management
Active Clinical License in the State of Virginia (LPC, LCP, LCSW)
Bilingual capabilities in English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Conducting screenings, intake evaluations, and comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility, risk level, treatment needs, and appropriate referrals for individuals participating in diversion, behavioral health, and court-based programs.
Developing and implementing individualized treatment and service plans that reflect client needs, support recovery goals, and incorporate Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) principles and evidence-based practices.
Providing therapy, counseling, psychosocial groups, competency restoration services, case management, and other behavioral health interventions as part of a multidisciplinary treatment team.
Facilitating referrals and linkages to community resources and support services, consulting with partner agencies regarding client treatment needs, and coordinating services to promote successful outcomes.
Collaborating with courts, magistrates, judges, attorneys, probation officers, and other criminal justice partners to support diversion, treatment, and case management activities, including attending court proceedings as required.
Maintaining accurate and timely documentation within the electronic health record, tracking participant contacts and program expenditures, and preparing required reports for County, Community Services Board (CSB), and state reporting purposes.
Assisting with crisis intervention activities, applying trauma-informed and de-escalation practices, and obtaining and maintaining required certifications, including Commonwealth of Virginia prescreener certification.
Maintaining knowledge of community resources, behavioral health services, court processes, and applicable regulations to support effective service delivery and client referrals.
Assisting with program administration, including generating statistical reports, responding to internal and external inquiries, supporting data reporting requirements, and maintaining compliance with County administrative requirements.
Participating in required meetings, trainings, professional development activities, and other duties as assigned to support program operations and departmental priorities.