Senior Therapist - Youth & Families

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Therapist – Youth & Families partners with high-needs youth and their families through behavioral health services intended to help children live and thrive in their homes and communities. As part of Alexandria’s System of Care, the therapist coordinates with youth, families, natural supports, and colleagues in child welfare, juvenile justice, and education. Services are trauma-informed and strengths-based, prioritize family and youth voice and choice, account for cultural influences and equity, and emphasize outcomes and collaboration. This hybrid position provides outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, along with services in the K–12 school system and community. Services are primarily delivered at a community mental health center, with additional services offered in homes, schools, other community locations, and virtually. The position provides services billable to insurance, including Medicaid, and operates under the general supervision of a CFBHS Team Leader or Therapist Supervisor. It qualifies for a $3,000 signing bonus. The role is part of Child and Family Behavioral Health Services (CFBHS), within the Center for Children and Families. The center provides services in behavioral health, domestic violence and sexual assault, child welfare, early childhood, and youth development, with a focus on compassionate, collaborative, effective, person- and family-centered services based on best practices.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Education, or a related field.
At least two years of post-graduate work experience providing direct clinical services to consumers with one or more substance abuse, psychiatric, or emotional disorders.
Licensure or license eligibility at appointment as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP), or Clinical Psychologist in Virginia. License-eligible employees must obtain Virginia licensure at the first available opportunity and no later than one year after appointment.
Equivalent combinations of experience and training may be considered if they provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
A valid driver’s license issued by the employee’s state of residence is required if the position has driving responsibilities.
Thorough knowledge of diagnosis, assessment, and evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use challenges.
Skills in behavioral health assessments, treatment planning, and family, individual, and group therapy.
Ability to prioritize youth and family voice and collaborate with community partners.
Ability to document in an electronic health record.
Clear and concise oral and written communication skills with professionals and the public.
Successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including FBI/Federal Records Check, Virginia State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database, education and certifications, and driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in English and Spanish to meet the needs of persons served.
At least two years of post-master’s experience engaging school-age youth and their families in trauma-informed, evidence-based behavioral health treatment services.
Certification or training in TF-CBT or EMDR.
At least three years of experience providing family therapy.
At least one year of experience with electronic medical records.

Responsibilities

Engage youth with significant mental health and substance use challenges and their families in evidence-based, youth-led, and family-driven individual, family, and group outpatient therapy, case management, crisis intervention, and clinical assessment.
Develop and monitor treatment plans with youth and families based on their strengths, needs, preferences, and goals.
Consult, collaborate, and coordinate with system partners, including family support partners, child welfare, juvenile courts, schools, the child advocacy center, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Guardians Ad Litem, and police.
Participate in multidisciplinary workgroups, treatment planning meetings, court hearings, training, conferences, and workshops.
Provide presentations on behavioral health topics related to school-age youth and their families.
Supervise graduate-level interns or externs.
Collect outcome, research, and satisfaction data from persons served.
Prepare written reports, including progress notes, treatment plans, quarterly updates, clinical or mental health evaluations, status reports, and reports to referral agencies.
Maintain medical records in accordance with accreditation requirements, department policies, licensing rules, and Medicaid regulations.
Follow department policies and procedures related to productivity expectations, client payment issues, training, and clinical licensure.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned.