Behavioral Health Therapist (Licensed) (Bilingual)

Arlington County Government • Arlington, VA

1d • $96,304 - $149,240 • Onsite

About The Position

Arlington County Department of Human Services is seeking a bilingual English/Spanish Behavioral Health Therapist with experience working with older adults for its Senior Adult Mental Health (SAMH) Program. The program serves Arlington residents aged 60 and older with serious mental health conditions, as well as adults with developmental disabilities. The multidisciplinary team includes licensed mental health professionals, a clinical nurse, psychiatrists, and a program manager, and uses a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach that addresses co-occurring disorders.

The therapist provides services to older adults with serious mental illness and/or dementia with behavioral disturbances, including clients with co-occurring substance use disorders, complex medical conditions, or histories of trauma. Services are delivered in the office, virtually, in the community, and in residential settings. The role requires a full bilingual caseload, with at least half of clients speaking only Spanish, and collaboration with internal and external providers, caregivers, and community organizations.

The position is based at the Department of Human Services office and in community settings. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, generally 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening hours depending on program needs. Schedule and work location may change to meet program and client needs. The position includes a $2,500 gross signing bonus at hire and a $2,500 gross bonus upon completion of the probationary period. Starting salary depends on qualifications and experience. Licensed and non-Virginia-licensed therapist salary ranges are $96,304 to $149,240 annually; Resident/Supervisee salary range is $83,158.40 to $128,876.80 annually.

Requirements

• Complete the requirements for a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychiatric social work, psychology, art therapy, or a directly related clinical discipline, including internship and practicum requirements specified by the Virginia Department of Health Professions.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish; oral Spanish proficiency will be assessed before appointment.
• For the Licensed level: hold licensure at hire from the appropriate Virginia Department of Health Professions board in the employee’s discipline (LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW).
• Possess or obtain by appointment a valid driver’s license, or be able and willing to use alternative transportation to perform duties away from the primary worksite.
• Authorize and complete the required pre-employment background checks, including criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history.
• Complete all sections of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions, and attach a resume.
• Avoid prohibited dual relationships: employees may not concurrently receive behavioral health services from Arlington County CSB programs while employed in an Arlington County CSB program, except 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

• Experience providing case management and therapy services to adults with serious mental illness.
• Experience serving older adults with complex medical conditions or cognitive decline.
• Experience delivering clinical services to culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
• Experience providing behavioral health services in institutional or long-term care settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide evidence-based therapy, including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Reminiscence Therapy, to adults aged 60 and older with serious mental illness and/or dementia with behavioral disturbances.
• Carry a full bilingual English/Spanish caseload, at least half of which consists of clients who speak only Spanish.
• Provide case management connecting older adults with complex support needs to internal and external resources.
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and co-develop treatment plans with clients that promote autonomy, safety, and community engagement.
• Assess client progress regularly and modify treatment plans as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and facilitate psychiatric admissions as needed.
• Collaborate with SAMH psychiatry and nursing staff, other DHS programs, community organizations, behavioral health and health care providers, and caregivers to address clients’ needs.
• Deliver services in the office, virtually, in the community, and in residential settings.
• Meet DHS-CSB clinical documentation and productivity standards.
• Participate in division, department, or countywide committees and task forces as directed.
• Maintain required professional licensure and promptly notify appropriate County representatives of any loss, suspension, or expiration of licensure.

Benefits

• County government employee benefits include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, and a generous retirement plan.
• $2,500 gross signing bonus at hire and a $2,500 gross bonus upon completion of the probationary period.
• Bilingual position incumbents receive a language pay premium on all hours worked and paid leave hours.

What This Job Offers

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