Behavioral Health Therapist (Jail Based Services)

Arlington County Government • Arlington, VA

5d • $83,158 - $149,240 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Human Services is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist to work in the Arlington County Detention Facility as part of a behavioral health treatment team. The role performs psychosocial assessments, manages crises, makes clinical placement decisions, assists with re-entry planning, and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to meet the needs of people detained at the facility. The population served is ethnically and culturally diverse.

The position may be filled at the Licensed, Non-VA Licensed, or Resident/Supervisee level. Depending on the level, candidates must hold a relevant Virginia license, hold an equivalent license in another jurisdiction while pursuing Virginia licensure, or be completing supervised clinical work toward licensure. Virginia clinical licensure must be obtained within the timeframes specified for the applicable level. The Department of Human Services provides supervision to staff pursuing licensure.

Arlington County DHS delivers services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner, with attention to factors affecting client experience, including cultural identity, gender, racial and ethnic diversity, religious or spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; some evening, weekend, or holiday work is required. Starting salary depends on qualifications and experience: $96,304–$149,240 annually for Licensed or Non-VA Licensed therapists, and $83,158.40–$128,876.80 annually for Resident/Supervisee therapists. The position includes a $2,500 gross sign-on bonus upon hire and a second $2,500 gross sign-on bonus after probation. County benefits include health and dental coverage, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan.

Requirements

• For the Licensed level, hold a Virginia Department of Health Professions license as an LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW.
• For the Non-VA Licensed level, hold a relevant behavioral health license in a jurisdiction other than Virginia and perform supervised assessment and evaluation, diagnostic, treatment planning, case management, and counseling work while awaiting Virginia licensure; obtain Virginia clinical licensure within 90 days of hire.
• For the Resident/Supervisee level, perform supervised assessment and evaluation, diagnostic, treatment planning, case management, and counseling work as a trainee toward an LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW license in Virginia.
• For the Resident/Supervisee level, meet the educational requirements for and obtain the applicable temporary resident license, or register as a Supervisee in Social Work, with the Virginia Department of Health Professions within 90 days of hire; obtain appropriate clinical licensure within three years of hire.
• Complete the requirements for a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a clinical discipline such as Counseling, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychology, Art Therapy, or another directly related clinical discipline, including internships and practicum requirements specified by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
• Provide official transcripts to the hiring manager before onboarding.
• Possess, or obtain within three years of employment, professional licensure (LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW) from the appropriate Virginia Department of Health Professions board.
• Undergo pre-employment checks of criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, credit history, and the Virginia Child Welfare and Neglect Central Registry.
• Do not concurrently receive Arlington County Community Service Board behavioral health services while employed in an Arlington County CSB program, except for Crisis Intervention services; at least 24 months must have passed since receiving Arlington County CSB services before employment in an Arlington County CSB program.

Nice To Haves

• Preference may be given to candidates who are fully licensed.
• Preference may be given to candidates with experience working in the criminal justice system.
• The ideal candidate has extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and insight into best practices for treating behavioral health and substance use needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake evaluations, interviews, and assessments.
• Provide crisis intervention and assist clients in obtaining emergency medical or psychiatric treatment.
• Refer clients to appropriate services and agencies, and coordinate program services with medical and psychiatric personnel, classification and security staff, probation or parole officers, and other service providers.
• Work with the Arlington County court system and attorneys to identify competency concerns and provide appropriate services for clients once released.
• Carry a caseload of individuals in units who are experiencing mental health concerns and difficulties adjusting to incarceration.
• Assist clients with discharge planning.
• Assess clients for Emergency Custody Orders (ECO).
• Consult and collaborate with other professionals and the supervisor regarding clients’ needs and treatment recommendations.
• Complete documentation within expected timeframes, including treatment plans and progress notes.
• Collaborate with criminal justice partners to ensure clients have access to appropriate resources.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Commuter transportation subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
• $2,500 gross sign-on bonus upon hire and a second $2,500 gross sign-on bonus after probation

What This Job Offers

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