Behavioral Health Therapist (Licensed) (Bilingual)

Arlington County VA • Arlington, VA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

Arlington County’s Department of Human Services is hiring a bilingual (English/Spanish) Behavioral Health Therapist with experience serving older adults for its Senior Adult Mental Health (SAMH) Program. Part of the Aging and Disability Services Division, SAMH serves Arlington residents aged 60 and older with serious mental health conditions and adults with developmental disabilities. The multidisciplinary team includes licensed mental health professionals, a clinical nurse, psychiatrists, and a program manager. Its work is recovery-oriented and trauma-informed, addressing co-occurring disorders.

The therapist provides clinical and case management services to older adults with serious mental illness and/or dementia with behavioral disturbances. Clients may also have co-occurring substance use disorders, complex medical conditions, or histories of trauma. The role carries a bilingual caseload, at least half of which consists of Spanish-only speakers, and delivers services in the office, virtually, in the community, and in residential settings.

The position generally works Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or as established by program needs, including occasional evening hours. Work takes place at the Department of Human Services office and in community settings; the schedule and work location may change based on program and client needs. The licensed-level salary range is $96,304 to $149,240 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position includes a $2,500 gross signing bonus at hire and a $2,500 gross bonus upon completion of the probationary period. It is eligible for County government benefits, including 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 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 a license at hire from the appropriate Virginia Department of Health Professions board in the employee’s discipline: LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW.
• Maintain required professional licensure as a condition of employment and promptly notify the appropriate County representatives of any loss, suspension, or expiration.
• Possess a valid driver’s license by appointment, or be able and willing to use alternative transportation for duties away from the primary worksite.
• Authorize background checks, which include criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history.
• Applicants must complete every application section, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions, and attach a resume; a resume does not replace a completed application.
• Employees may not concurrently receive behavioral health services from Arlington County CSB programs while employed in an Arlington County CSB program, except for Crisis Intervention services; at least 24 months must have passed since receipt of 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 approaches such as 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, with at least half of clients speaking only Spanish.
• Provide case management connecting older adults with complex support needs to internal and external resources.
• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans collaboratively with clients to 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 client 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.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Commuter transportation subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
• $2,500 gross signing bonus at hire and $2,500 gross bonus upon completion of the probationary period
• Language pay premium on all hours worked and paid leave hours for employees in a bilingual position

What This Job Offers

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