Bilingual School Based Behavioral Therapist (English/Spanish)

Arlington County Government • Arlington, VA

10d • $83,158 - $149,240 • Hybrid

About The Position

Arlington County’s Child & Family Services Division, within the Department of Human Services Children’s Behavioral Health Bureau, is hiring a bilingual English/Spanish therapist for a school-based outpatient team. The role provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed behavioral health services to youth experiencing mental health challenges, substance use issues, or involvement with other child-serving systems. Services may include mental health and substance use therapy, case management, care coordination, parent education and support, and High Fidelity Wraparound-intensive care coordination.

The position is primarily embedded and co-located among Arlington Public Schools and the DHS office, with work also performed in community locations. The therapist collaborates with families, school staff, DHS colleagues, and community partners to support youth and families. The role may be filled at the licensed, non-Virginia-licensed, or resident/supervisee level, subject to the applicable licensure requirements. The position offers telework when not working in person, subject to supervisor approval.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Counseling, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychology, or another directly related clinical discipline, with internships and practicum requirements involving diagnostic and treatment services.
• Proficiency in speaking and understanding Spanish; verbal Spanish proficiency is assessed before appointment.
• Licensed level: hold a Virginia Department of Health Professions license as an LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW.
• Non-Virginia-licensed level: hold a license in another jurisdiction and perform supervised assessment, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, case management, and counseling while awaiting the relevant Virginia license; obtain Virginia clinical licensure within 90 days of hire.
• Resident/supervisee level: within 90 days of hire, obtain the applicable Virginia temporary resident license or register as a Supervisee in Social Work; obtain licensure from the appropriate Virginia board within three years of hire.
• Possess a valid driver’s license by appointment, or have the ability and willingness to use alternative transportation for assigned duties at locations other than the primary worksite.
• Undergo a pre-employment background check, including criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history checks.
• Meet the stated restrictions on employment while receiving Arlington County Community Service Board services, including the 24-month period between receipt of CSB services and employment in an Arlington County CSB program.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing direct mental health services to youth in a school setting.
• Experience providing co-located services.
• Strong clinical skills, cultural responsiveness, and commitment to equity.
• Ability to use evidence-based and trauma-informed practices to help students and families thrive.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, school staff, DHS colleagues, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a multidisciplinary team, partnering with Arlington Public Schools, court services, and child welfare staff to coordinate behavioral health services, support effective treatment, provide consultation, and improve youth emotional and behavioral well-being.
• Conduct intake assessments to determine diagnoses and treatment plans or recommendations.
• Provide crisis intervention to help youth maintain safety in the least restrictive setting.
• Establish effective therapeutic relationships with clients and coordinate services as a team member.
• Participate in community outreach and engagement as requested.
• Document all services in the Electronic Health Record system in compliance with clinical, court, managed care, funding, and program licensing standards.
• Maintain accurate records and fulfill administrative and regulatory requirements throughout treatment, including court reviews and service delivery for youth and families.

Benefits

• Two gross sign-on bonuses: $2,500 upon hire and $2,500 upon successful completion of the probationary period.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vacation leave.
• Sick leave.
• Commuter transportation subsidies.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Retirement plan.
• Language pay premium for all hours worked and paid leave hours.

What This Job Offers

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