Senior Therapist - Forensic Discharge Planner, Jail Services Team

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Therapist / Forensic Discharge Planner works with consumers, the Jail Services Team, and other CSB staff to connect consumers with community treatment and resources and develop client-centered plans intended to prevent recidivism. The role provides clinical intake evaluations, crisis intervention and pre-admission screenings for emergency hospitalization or hospital diversion; matches consumers with services; identifies community resources; provides targeted case management; evaluates consumer progress; delivers clinical and supportive services in the jail; and maintains clear, concise consumer records. The position develops individual treatment plans and provides case management for needs including housing, family relationships, social activities, health care, financial management, education, training, and employment. Services include clinical intake and assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, and individual and group counseling within the jail population. The Senior Therapist serves as a liaison among substance use disorder and mental health services, social services, housing, and shelters; advocates for consumers with courts, social services, employers, and housing providers; and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team as a member of the Forensic Services team and Re-entry Council. The role also provides recovery-coach-type case management to inmates released from the Alexandria Detention Center until they connect with sustainable resources, maintains contact to facilitate connections to outpatient services, and manages cases for inmates discharged to and from state hospitals. The position is located within the Alexandria Detention Center. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one rotating weekend. A $3,000 sign-on bonus is offered. Employment is contingent on required pre-employment checks and an additional Alexandria Sheriff’s Office background investigation, including a polygraph.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
At least two years of post-graduate experience providing direct clinical services to consumers with one or more substance abuse, psychiatric, or emotional disorders, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Must be licensed or license-eligible at appointment in Virginia as an LPC, LCSW, LSATP, or Clinical Psychologist. A license-eligible employee must obtain Virginia licensure at the first available opportunity and no later than one year after appointment.
If the position includes driving responsibilities, a valid driver’s license issued by the state of residence is required.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with consumers and staff in person and by telephone.
Knowledge of behavior, symptoms, and treatment modalities for chronic substance use and mental health problems.
Strong organizational skills and ability to analyze information obtained from consumers and develop a comprehensive clinical formulation based on clinical interviews.
Ability to prepare records and reports effectively and maintain files.
Ability to use computers, electronic medical records, and other medical and criminal information databases.
Successful completion of required pre-employment background checks, including FBI/Federal Records Check, Virginia State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database, verification of education and certifications, and driver’s license check.
Successful completion of the additional Alexandria Sheriff’s Office background investigation, including a polygraph.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in a substance use disorder, mental health, or forensic setting involving client clinical services and case management.
At least three years of experience in a clinical forensic position working in a jail or prison.
Virginia Pre-Admission Screener certification.
At least one year of case management experience linking consumers to community or agency resources.
Clinical license.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Develop individual treatment plans and provide case management addressing needs such as housing, family relationships, social activities, health care, financial management, education, training, and employment.
Provide clinical intake and assessment, crisis intervention, counseling, and other clinical and supportive services.
Provide individual and group counseling and crisis intervention within the jail population.
Conduct pre-admission screenings for emergency hospitalization or other hospital diversion.
Match consumers to needed services and explore community resources.
Evaluate consumer progress and maintain clear, concise consumer records.
Act as a liaison among substance use disorder and mental health services, social services, housing, and shelters.
Advocate for consumers with the court system, social services, employment providers, and in securing housing.
Meet regularly with an interdisciplinary team to identify necessary consumer services; participate as a member of the Forensic Services team and Re-entry Council.
Provide recovery-coach-type case management for inmates released from the Alexandria Detention Center until they are connected with sustainable resources.
Maintain consistent contact with consumers to connect them from Jail Services to Outpatient Services.
Perform case management for inmates discharged to and from state hospitals.
Use a computer to obtain and record consumer information and appointments.
Perform related duties as required.