Behavioral Health Therapist (Mobile Outreach)

Arlington County VA • Arlington, VA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist (Licensed) for the Arlington County Mobile Outreach Support Team (MOST) within the Client Services Entry Bureau. As part of a team that provides mobile outreach to the community, this position responds to urgent/crisis behavioral health needs in the community to include conducting mental health assessment, providing crisis intervention and stabilization, short-term counseling, assisting individuals and their families with identifying resources, and linking individuals to services as needed. The position will be responsible for conducting welfare checks and partnering with the police and first responders to divert people from arrest and/or hospitalization when appropriate. Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Although positions may be filled at the Non-VA Licensed or Resident/Supervisee, licensure must be earned within three years of hire. The Department of Human Services will provide supervision to staff in pursuit of licensure.

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 with internships and practicum requirements specified by the Virginia Department of Health Professions
• Therapists may be hired at one of the following levels: Behavioral Health Therapist (Licensed): Possess one of the following professional licenses from the Virginia Department of Health Professions : LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW.
• Behavioral Health Therapist (Non-VA Licensed): Possess a license in a jurisdiction other than Virginia and are performing supervised assessment and evaluation, diagnostic, treatment planning, case management and counseling work while awaiting licensure from the Virginia Department of Health Professions of the following professional licenses related to a behavioral health discipline: (LPC), (LCP), (LMFT), (LCSW); Virginia clinical license must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Behavioral Health (Resident/Supervisee): Perform supervised assessment and evaluation, diagnostic, treatment planning, case management, and counseling work as a trainee as required to obtain one of the following professional licenses related to a behavioral health discipline in the state of Virginia: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Must meet (apply for and receive) the educational requirements to obtain a temporary license as a Resident in Counseling (for LPC or LMFT) or Resident in Clinical Psychology (for LCP), or register as a Supervisee in Social Work (LCSW) with the Virginia Department of Health Professions within 90 days of hire
• Obtain appropriate clinical licensure within three years of hire
• Possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record.
• Must complete pre-hire federal background check and State of Virginia Central Registry check.
• State of Virginia Child Welfare and Neglect Central Registry checks will be required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Preadmission Prescreening Clinician Certification from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Development Sciences (DBHDS)
• Bilingual verbal ability in English and Spanish

Responsibilities

• Responding to calls from 911 and first responders to assess needs, determine appropriate level of care, de-escalate and make referrals
• Providing clinical intervention services for clients experiencing a behavioral health crisis
• Conducting evaluations and risk assessments, utilizing a strength-based approach
• Performing screenings for hospitalization or other diversionary services (e.g. partial hospitalization, residential, respite, intensive community services), while ensuring that services are provided in the least restrictive environment
• Working with Police, Fire/EMS, ECC, Emergency Services, and other partners as needed to identify people in need and to coordinate services
• Engaging with people who may be in distress, assessing their needs and determining a plan for stability
• Conducting welfare checks for people connected to Behavioral Health services in the county as well as referrals from first responders
• Managing information about participants of MOST to ensure that all contacts are recorded
• Assisting the Program Manager with generating and maintaining accurate program specific statistical data
• Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite and various software such as electronic health records to document cases and interactions

Benefits

• health
• dental
• vacation and sick leave
• commuter transportation subsidies
• tuition reimbursement
• generous retirement plan
• $2500 gross sign-on bonus upon hire and a second $2500 gross sign-on bonus after probation has been met

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level