Posting number: 2027-00608
Department: Department of Community and Human Services
Division: CENTER FOR CHILD AND FAMILY
Job classification: SENIOR THERAPIST/ GS 22
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Clerical & Data Entry, Community Services, Health Services, Mental Health, Public Health, Redevelopment, Social Services, Education, Professional, Child Support, Human Services, Community Development, Customer Service, Records Management, Health Education, Counseling, Communications, Health Care Support, Child Care, Rehabilitation Services, Medical
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The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work.
This position qualifies for a signing bonus of $3,000. The Senior Therapist – Youth & Families position partners with high needs youth and their families in an array of behavioral health services that are designed to help children live and thrive in their homes and communities. As part of Alexandria’s System of Care, coordinate closely with youth, families, their natural supports and colleagues in child welfare, juvenile justice, and education to ensure that integrated services are trauma informed and strengths based, and prioritize family and youth voice and choice, cultural influences and equity, outcomes-based work, and collaboration. This is a hybrid position providing outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, as well as services in the K-12 school system and the community. Services are primarily provided in a community mental health center, with additional services delivered in homes, schools, other community locations and virtually. Tasks are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures under the general supervision of a CFBHS Team Leader or Therapist Supervisor. This position provides services billable to insurance, including Medicaid.
The ideal candidate will have thorough knowledge of diagnosis, assessment and evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents who experience trauma, mental health and substance use challenges; skills in conducting behavioral health assessments, treatment plans, 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; ability to communicate both orally and in writing, in a clear concise manner, with other professionals and with the public.
As a member of Child and Family Behavioral Health Services (CFBHS), you will work alongside professionals who are passionate about engaging youth with behavioral health challenges and their families in top-notch clinical services. We prioritize collaboration with professionals in child welfare, juvenile courts and the schools to ensure quality care. We are a community of lifelong learners who partner, challenge, and support each other to advance our clinical knowledge and skills, and help youth and families achieve the best outcomes.
CFBHS is part of the Center for Children and Families (CCF) which provides services in the areas of Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Child Welfare, Early Childhood and Youth Development. CCF provides compassionate, collaborative, and effective person and family-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, recovery, and resiliency for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse disorders.
In addition to an awesome group of people to work with, the City of Alexandria offers great benefits!
As a full-time employee of the City of Alexandria, the following are available to you:
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Use the following link to access the PSLF website and learn about this program in detail: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
Possession of Masters degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Education or related field; at least two years of post-graduate work experience in providing direct clinical services to consumers having one or more substance abuse, psychiatric, and emotional disorders; and licensure or license eligible (has completed all required education and supervision as required by applicable board) as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) or Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of appointment; if license eligible, the employee must obtain Virginia licensure at the first available opportunity, but no later than one year after appointment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence if they are in a position with driving responsibilities.
Fluent and Bilingual in both 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.
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: FBI/Federal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver’s license.
Schedule: Schedule TBD upon hire.
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The city has an area of 15.75 square miles and had an estimated total population of 160,035 in 2017. Alexandria is located in Northern Virginia south across the Potomac River, just minutes from Washington, D.C.
