Behavioral Health Therapist (Licensed)

Arlington County Government • Arlington, VA

1d • $83,158 - $149,240 • Hybrid

About The Position

Arlington County’s Department of Human Services, Behavioral Healthcare Division, Outpatient Services Bureau, is hiring an experienced Behavioral Health Therapist to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health and substance use therapy and case management to adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders. The therapist works on a multidisciplinary outpatient team and serves clients in office and community settings, including home visits. Telework may be available two to three days per week when consistent with business needs, client care, and supervisory approval; schedule and work location may change based on program and client needs.

The role requires a master’s degree in a clinical discipline, such as Counseling, Psychiatric Social Work, or Psychology, with internships and practicum requirements involving diagnostic and treatment services. The licensed level requires a Virginia Department of Health Professions license as an LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW. Applicants licensed in another jurisdiction must obtain the relevant Virginia license within three years of hire. Residents and supervisees must obtain the applicable temporary license or registration within 90 days of hire and Virginia licensure within three years.

The position’s usual schedule is Monday through Friday, generally 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or as established by program needs, with occasional evening hours. Starting salary depends on qualifications and experience: $96,304–$149,240 annually for the Licensed and Non-VA Licensed levels, and $83,158.40–$128,876.80 annually for the Resident/Supervisee level. The position includes a $2,500 gross signing bonus at hire and a $2,500 gross bonus upon completion of the probationary period. County benefits include health and dental coverage, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a clinical discipline such as Counseling, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychology, or another directly related clinical discipline, with internships and practicum requirements involving diagnostic and treatment services.
• For the Licensed level: Virginia Department of Health Professions professional license as an LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW.
• For the Non-VA Licensed level: professional licensure as an LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW in another jurisdiction at time of employment, and Virginia licensure within three years of hire.
• For the Resident/Supervisee level: obtain the applicable Virginia temporary license as a Resident in Counseling, Resident in Clinical Psychology, or registration as a Supervisee in Social Work within 90 days of hire, and Virginia licensure within three years of hire.
• Maintain required professional licensure and promptly notify the appropriate County representatives of any loss, suspension, or expiration of licensure.
• Possess or obtain by appointment a valid driver’s license, or have the ability and willingness to use alternative transportation to perform assigned duties at locations other than the primary worksite.
• Undergo a pre-employment background check covering criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history, and sign a release authorizing the County to obtain background information.
• Meet the County’s employment restrictions concerning current or recent receipt of Arlington County Community Service Board services.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical experience serving adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.
• Experience providing evidence-based and trauma-informed care.
• Experience conducting diagnostic, level-of-care, suicide risk, and other clinical assessments.
• Experience developing safety plans and providing crisis intervention.
• Experience providing case management and coordinating services related to housing, benefits, medical care, and community supports.
• Experience documenting services in an electronic health record and meeting Medicaid, managed care, licensing, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, evidence-based individual and group psychotherapy to adults with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
• Conduct initial and ongoing clinical assessments to determine diagnosis, risk, treatment needs, and appropriate level of care.
• Develop, implement, and update person-centered treatment plans in collaboration with clients and the treatment team.
• Provide case management, care coordination, referrals, and linkages to behavioral health, medical, housing, benefits, and other community resources.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and ongoing risk assessment to support safety in the least restrictive setting possible.
• Participate in a multidisciplinary team and coordinate services with internal programs, contract providers, and community partners.
• Provide services in office and community settings, including home visits.
• Document services in the electronic health record and complete related administrative and regulatory requirements in compliance with clinical, managed care, funding, and program licensing standards.

Benefits

• $2,500 gross signing bonus at hire and $2,500 gross bonus upon completion of the probationary period.
• Health benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• Vacation leave.
• Sick leave.
• Commuter transportation subsidies.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

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