The Department of Community and Human Services provides effective and essential safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandrians. The Senior Therapists/ Emergency Services Clinician provides assessment, crisis intervention, and psychiatric stabilization to citizens of Alexandria, as well as to other persons who are within Alexandria city limits while experiencing a mental health crisis. The Emergency Services program is part of the Center for Adult Ser... more details
Senior Therapist-Emergency Services Clinician
Youth Specialist
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. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Senior Therapist – Emergency Services Clinician-Youth Specialist position.
An Overview The Department of Community and Human Services provides effective and essential safety net services that measurably improve or maintain the quality of life for Alexandrians. The Senior Therapists/Emergency Services Clinician provides assessment, crisis intervention, and psychiatric stabilization to citizens of Alexandria, as well as to other persons who are within Alexandria city limits while experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Emergency Services program is part of the Center for Adult Services. The center is overseen by the Alexandria Community Services Board which provides compassionate and effective services that support self-determination, recovery and resiliency for Alexandria residents affected by mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.
This unique position is hybrid and will share time between ACPS school locations and Emergency Services, Mark Center Drive office. The Emergency Services Clinician- Youth Specialist works closely with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and DCHS Child and Family Behavioral Health. The position provides on-site crisis intervention, as well as prevention and training for school staff. As a member of the Emergency Services Team, you are responsible for conducting crisis interventions and responding to psychiatric emergencies within the City through telephone and face-to-face contact. Evaluations may include: interviewing and evaluating persons who are presenting in crisis, pre-admission screening; consulting with family members and other care providers; evaluating for civil detention, voluntary hospitalization, or less restrictive alternatives and safety planning, liaison with ACPS and community agencies and make appropriate referrals. In addition, this clinician must maintain clear and concise records in our Electronic Health Record. The anticipated schedule for this position is Monday through Friday 10am-6pm when school is in session and could include varying shifts, such as evenings and weekends, when school is out of session. The Emergency Services Clinician-Youth Specialist is an Essential Employee.
What You Should Bring The ideal candidate will have thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior including thorough knowledge of treatment issues related to psychiatric problems, dual-diagnosis, and chemical dependency; good knowledge of psychopharmacology, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism/drug addiction, juvenile delinquency,; ability to work successfully with a variety of consumers; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing with other professionals and with the public; ability to plan and supervise the work of interns or students.
The Opportunity
Conduct assessments and Crisis intervention with ACPS students and liaison with ACPS and Child Behavioral Health team;
Collaborating with students, parents and staff to evaluate risk;
Provide psychoeducation on mental health and crisis intervention to ACPS staff;
Complete written assessments and make appropriate referrals;
Provide liaison/outreach to other community agencies;
Provide continuity of care for CSB consumers when the CSB is closed (i.e. referrals to emergency room for medication, emergency assessments, and support via the telephone);
Conduct pre-admission screening for voluntary/involuntary hospitalizations;
Determine appropriate response to all calls from the citizens and staff from other agencies;
Provides clinical assessment and referral services;
Determines appropriate disposition;
Formulates diagnoses, assesses risk and mental status;
Prepares reports for court proceedings
Participates in staff development and training;
Maintains clinical records in accordance with State, City, Departmental and Federal compliance requirements;
Performs related work as required.
About the Department The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Master’s degree in human services; at least two years post-graduate work experience in providing direct clinical services to clients having psychiatric and/or substance abuse disorders; at least two years post-master's experience providing diagnostic evaluations, assessments, and crisis intervention. Licensed in Virginia as an LCSW, LPC, LSATP, or Clinical Psychologist OR is 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 license at the first available opportunity, but no later than one year after appointment. Senior Therapists in ES must complete all the requirements to obtain and maintain a certification as Pre-screeners as required by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services within six (6) months of appointment. ES clinicians must show comprehensive knowledge of the Code of Virginia pertaining to Emergency Custody Orders, Temporary Detention Orders, Civil Commitment, Mandatory Outpatient Treatment and Duty to Warn. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence.
Preferred Qualifications
Current, active clinical license to practice as an LCSW, LPC, Clinical Psychologist, LSATP in Virginia. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Experience working with children and adolescents or in school settings or prior experience in crisis services is valued. Knowledge of diagnosis, assessment and evidence-based crisis intervention with children and adolescents who experience trauma, mental health and substance abuse challenges.
Notes
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.
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