Behavioral Health Therapist

Arlington County Government • Arlington, VA

3d • $83,158 - $149,240 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Child & Family Services Division of Arlington County’s Department of Human Services, Children’s Behavioral Health Bureau, is seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Therapist for an outpatient team. The Bureau provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive mental health and substance use services to youth, with support from their parents, to help them thrive in their environments. Services are provided in homes, schools, community settings, and the DHS office.

The therapist provides behavioral health services to youth experiencing mental health challenges, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders, including youth involved with other child-serving systems such as the legal, educational, and child welfare systems. The position may be filled at the Licensed, Non-VA Licensed, or Resident/Supervisee level. Staff pursuing licensure receive supervision from the Department of Human Services. Virginia clinical licensure must be obtained within the applicable timeframe for the selected level.

The successful candidate is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and committed to supporting children, youth, and families. They build therapeutic relationships, use evidence-based and informed practices, and collaborate with caregivers, schools, and community partners. Services are delivered across multiple settings to promote accessible, comprehensive care and positive outcomes for diverse children and families. The role requires effective, equitable, respectful, and sensitive service delivery that takes account of clients’ identities, abilities, literacy, and linguistic needs.

The position requires at least two evenings per week after 5:00 p.m. The standard hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or as established by program needs. A minimum of two days of in-person work in the office or community is required; up to three days of telework per week may be approved. Schedules may change based on program and client needs. Primary work locations include the DHS office at 2100 Washington Blvd (Sequoia Plaza), Arlington Public Schools, and community locations.

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 license in a jurisdiction other than Virginia and perform supervised behavioral health assessment, evaluation, diagnostic, treatment-planning, case-management, and counseling work while awaiting Virginia licensure; obtain the Virginia clinical license within 90 days of hire.
• For the Resident/Supervisee level: perform supervised assessment, evaluation, diagnostic, treatment-planning, case-management, and counseling work as a trainee toward an LPC, LCP, LMFT, or LCSW license.
• For the Resident/Supervisee level: meet the educational requirements and, within 90 days of hire, apply for and receive a temporary license as a Resident in Counseling or Resident in Clinical Psychology, or register as a Supervisee in Social Work, as applicable.
• Obtain appropriate Virginia clinical licensure within three years of hire where applicable.
• 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.
• Meet the position’s schedule requirements, including at least two evenings per week after 5:00 p.m. and at least two in-person workdays per week.
• Undergo pre-employment checks of criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, credit history, and the Virginia Child Welfare and Neglect Central Registry.
• Comply with County employment restrictions concerning current or recent receipt of Arlington County CSB services; generally, at least 24 months must have passed since receiving CSB services before employment in an Arlington County CSB program, with an exception for Crisis Intervention services.

Nice To Haves

• Full Virginia licensure.
• Experience providing direct mental health and substance use services, including therapy or case management, to youth in community-based settings.
• Experience providing co-located services.
• Experience with intensive care coordination or high-fidelity wraparound interventions or models.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to youth with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders in schools, the DHS office, homes, court, and other community settings.
• Deliver services that may include individual, family, and group therapy; case management; care coordination; high-fidelity wraparound; and individual and group caregiver support.
• Attend school-, office-, and community-based meetings and legal hearings.
• 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.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to coordinate behavioral health services, support effective treatment and consultation, and enhance youth emotional and behavioral well-being.
• 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

• $2,500 gross sign-on bonus upon hire and a second $2,500 gross sign-on bonus after probation is met.
• 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