Senior Therapist - Emergency Services
Apply NowCompany: City of Alexandria, VA
Location: Alexandria, VA 22304
Description:
Salary: $90,028.64 - $122,484.18 Annually
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00204
Department: Department of Community and Human Services
Division: CENTER FOR ADULT SERVICES
Opening Date: 02/26/2025
Closing Date: 3/12/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Senior Therapist
Emergency Services
Do you enjoy a fast-paced work environment? Do you have experience working with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis? Are you committed to ensuring that crisis response services meet the needs of clients and families? Are you solution focused and comfortable working both independently and as part of an exciting multidisciplinary team? Do you want to work in a place where you are truly valued doing meaningful work everyday alongside a group of likeminded colleagues. Do you have an active Clinical License in Virginia and a passion for providing mental health services in acute settings? If so, then you might be the next Emergency Services, Senior Therapist.
We offer a collaborative and welcoming work environment. Our team strives for a work/life balance and offers some opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling. We can provide opportunities for employer sponsored continuing education and other learning and development opportunities through the City.
The City of Alexandria offers more than a place to work; we are a dynamic, award-winning, multicultural City with an ambitious blueprint to lead us into the next century. In City government, our MISSION defines what we do for our community, our VISION is where we are headed as an organization, and our VALUES guide our actions and decisions.
The Opportunity
As a member of the Emergency Services Team, you will be responsible for conducting crisis intervention and responding to psychiatric emergencies within the City through telephone, tele video and face-to-face contact. These responses may include interviewing and evaluating persons who are presenting in crisis, pre-admission screening; consulting with other care providers; evaluating for Civil Detention, voluntary hospitalization, or less restrictive alternatives. You will liaison with other community agencies and make appropriate referrals consistent with the evaluation. In addition, you must maintain clear and concise patient records. Clinicians benefit from a consistent schedule but should be available to support program coverage on alternate shifts, on occasion. Emergency Services 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.
Responsibilities include:
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
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is desirable but not required. At least one year of experience working in community settings or with individuals experiencing severe mental illness. At least two or more years of experience working with individuals experiencing psychiatric crises. Current, active clinical license to practice as an LCSW, LPC, Clinical Psychologist, LSATP in Virginia.
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; Verification of education/certifications; and Driver's license.
Schedule:
The anticipated needs for this position are 4pm-12am, days TBD. The schedule will be collaboratively determined between the successful candidate and the program. Some telework hours may be available. Emergency Services operates 24/7/365. As an emergency/essential employee, you may be required to remain at work, or report to work during a time when the City (due to inclement weather, an emergency or other condition) is unable to be fully operational.
We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs!
The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Also, temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Benefits Division of the Department of Human Resources at 703.746.3785 or email
01
In Virginia or any other location, have you ever been or are the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect? If yes, list all cases and explain. If no, indicate "N/A."
02
All positions in DCHS require successful completion of pre-employment background checks in the Virginia State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry and national Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database. Some positions require criminal records check, and scrutiny of any found criminal records against the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services list of Barrier Crimes. Some positions require drug testing, and verification of driver's license and education/certifications.
03
To answer yes to this question, you must answer yes to all the following questions: Do you have a Master's degree in human services? Do you have at least two (2) years of post-graduate work experience in providing direct clinical services to clients having psychiatric and/or substance abuse disorders? Do you have at least two (2) years post-master's experience providing diagnostic evaluations, assessments, and crisis intervention? Are you licensed in Virginia as an LCSW, LPC, LSATP, or Clinical Psychologist OR are you 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? Have you completed all of the requirements to obtain and maintain a certification as Pre-screeners as required by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or are you able to do so within six (6) months of appointment? Do you have comprehensive knowledge of the Code of Virginia pertaining to Emergency Custody Orders, Temporary Detention Orders, Civil Commitment, Mandatory Outpatient Treatment and Duty to Warn? Do you have a valid driver's license?If you answer no to any part of this question you must answer no.
04
If you answered "No" to question 3, do you have any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position? (If you answered, "Yes' to question 3, please answer "Yes" to this question).
05
Are you Fluent and Bilingual in both English and Spanish?
06
Do you have at least one (1) year of experience working in community settings or with individuals experiencing severe mental illness?
07
Do you have at least two (2) or more years of experience working with individuals experiencing psychiatric crises?
08
Do you have current, active clinical licensure to practice as an LCSW, LPC, Clinical Psychologist, LSATP in Virginia?
Required Question
Location : Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00204
Department: Department of Community and Human Services
Division: CENTER FOR ADULT SERVICES
Opening Date: 02/26/2025
Closing Date: 3/12/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Senior Therapist
Emergency Services
Do you enjoy a fast-paced work environment? Do you have experience working with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis? Are you committed to ensuring that crisis response services meet the needs of clients and families? Are you solution focused and comfortable working both independently and as part of an exciting multidisciplinary team? Do you want to work in a place where you are truly valued doing meaningful work everyday alongside a group of likeminded colleagues. Do you have an active Clinical License in Virginia and a passion for providing mental health services in acute settings? If so, then you might be the next Emergency Services, Senior Therapist.
We offer a collaborative and welcoming work environment. Our team strives for a work/life balance and offers some opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling. We can provide opportunities for employer sponsored continuing education and other learning and development opportunities through the City.
The City of Alexandria offers more than a place to work; we are a dynamic, award-winning, multicultural City with an ambitious blueprint to lead us into the next century. In City government, our MISSION defines what we do for our community, our VISION is where we are headed as an organization, and our VALUES guide our actions and decisions.
The Opportunity
As a member of the Emergency Services Team, you will be responsible for conducting crisis intervention and responding to psychiatric emergencies within the City through telephone, tele video and face-to-face contact. These responses may include interviewing and evaluating persons who are presenting in crisis, pre-admission screening; consulting with other care providers; evaluating for Civil Detention, voluntary hospitalization, or less restrictive alternatives. You will liaison with other community agencies and make appropriate referrals consistent with the evaluation. In addition, you must maintain clear and concise patient records. Clinicians benefit from a consistent schedule but should be available to support program coverage on alternate shifts, on occasion. Emergency Services 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.
Responsibilities include:
- Interview clients who walk into our office and individuals who require intervention in the community;
- Determines appropriate disposition based on thorough psychiatric evaluation. Complete written assessments and make appropriate referrals;
- Assesses need for immediate face-to-face interview or referral during telephone conversations;
- Provides liaison/outreach to other community agencies;
- Provides continuity of care for CSB clients when the CSB is closed (i.e. referrals to emergency room for medication, emergency assessments, and support via the telephone);
- Conducts pre-admission screening for voluntary/involuntary hospitalizations;
- Provides crisis stabilization utilizing phone and face to face contact;
- Determines appropriate disposition;
- Formulates diagnoses, assesses risk and mental status;
- Provides clinical intervention in emergency situations at any of the city programs;
- Coordinates and testifies as representative of CSB in Civil Commitment Hearings;
- Provides crisis intervention and emergency services;
- Prepares reports for court proceedings and represents the Department;
- Participates in staff development and training;
- Maintains clinical records in accordance with State, City, Departmental and Federal compliance requirements;
- Performs related work as required.
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
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is desirable but not required. At least one year of experience working in community settings or with individuals experiencing severe mental illness. At least two or more years of experience working with individuals experiencing psychiatric crises. Current, active clinical license to practice as an LCSW, LPC, Clinical Psychologist, LSATP in Virginia.
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; Verification of education/certifications; and Driver's license.
Schedule:
The anticipated needs for this position are 4pm-12am, days TBD. The schedule will be collaboratively determined between the successful candidate and the program. Some telework hours may be available. Emergency Services operates 24/7/365. As an emergency/essential employee, you may be required to remain at work, or report to work during a time when the City (due to inclement weather, an emergency or other condition) is unable to be fully operational.
We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandria's excellent benefits and programs!
The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Also, temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Benefits Division of the Department of Human Resources at 703.746.3785 or email
01
In Virginia or any other location, have you ever been or are the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect? If yes, list all cases and explain. If no, indicate "N/A."
02
All positions in DCHS require successful completion of pre-employment background checks in the Virginia State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry and national Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database. Some positions require criminal records check, and scrutiny of any found criminal records against the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services list of Barrier Crimes. Some positions require drug testing, and verification of driver's license and education/certifications.
- I Understand.
03
To answer yes to this question, you must answer yes to all the following questions: Do you have a Master's degree in human services? Do you have at least two (2) years of post-graduate work experience in providing direct clinical services to clients having psychiatric and/or substance abuse disorders? Do you have at least two (2) years post-master's experience providing diagnostic evaluations, assessments, and crisis intervention? Are you licensed in Virginia as an LCSW, LPC, LSATP, or Clinical Psychologist OR are you 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? Have you completed all of the requirements to obtain and maintain a certification as Pre-screeners as required by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or are you able to do so within six (6) months of appointment? Do you have comprehensive knowledge of the Code of Virginia pertaining to Emergency Custody Orders, Temporary Detention Orders, Civil Commitment, Mandatory Outpatient Treatment and Duty to Warn? Do you have a valid driver's license?If you answer no to any part of this question you must answer no.
- Yes
- No
04
If you answered "No" to question 3, do you have any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position? (If you answered, "Yes' to question 3, please answer "Yes" to this question).
- Yes
- No
05
Are you Fluent and Bilingual in both English and Spanish?
- Yes
- No
06
Do you have at least one (1) year of experience working in community settings or with individuals experiencing severe mental illness?
- Yes
- No
07
Do you have at least two (2) or more years of experience working with individuals experiencing psychiatric crises?
- Yes
- No
08
Do you have current, active clinical licensure to practice as an LCSW, LPC, Clinical Psychologist, LSATP in Virginia?
- Yes
- No
Required Question