Discharge Planning Senior Therapist

AlexandriaVAGov; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria seeks a Discharge Planning Senior Therapist to oversee the CSB's discharge planning program. The role involves creating community-based discharge plans, managing program funds, and providing clinical oversight for individuals with complex psychological challenges. Candidates should have a Master's degree, relevant clinical experience, and bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

Qualifications

• Requires fluency and bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
• At least one year of discharge planning experience with serious mental illness.
• Licensed or license-eligible in Virginia as a LPC, LCSW, LSATP, or Clinical Psychologist.

Responsibilities

• Assess and address after-care needs of CSB consumers in state mental health facilities.
• Provide follow-up case management services after discharge.
• Manage Discharge Planning Program funds and maintain contractual agreements.

Skills

Communication

Crisis intervention

Clinical assessment

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Education

Job description

Discharge Planning Senior Therapist

This position qualifies for a signing bonus of $3,000. 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. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Discharge Planning Senior Therapist position.

An Overview

In partnership with the Assistant Director of Community Support Services, the Discharge Planning Senior Therapist is responsible for administrative oversight and management of the CSB’s State Hospital discharge planning program. The Discharge Planning Senior Therapist works independently creating community-based discharge plans for Alexandria clients hospitalized in state psychiatric hospitals. Occasionally this will include clients in private hospitals and local jails. The clients served by this program have multiple complex psychological, psychosocial, and legal challenges which complicate successful discharge from inpatient care to community-based services. It is also the responsibility of the Discharge Planning Senior Therapist to manage the administrative functions of the Discharge Assistant Program (DAP).

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior including treatment issues related to psychiatric problems, dual-diagnosis, and chemical dependency; good knowledge of psychopharmacology, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism/drug addiction, juvenile delinquency, and/or elderly and aging; 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.

The Opportunity

• Assesses, identifies, and clinically addresses after-care needs of CSB consumers hospitalized in state mental health facilities, private facilities, and jails;
• Maintains knowledge of and fosters professional relationships with community-based service providers to facilitate efficient and effective linkage of clients;
• Provides discharge planning and after-care services in accordance with Virginia Discharge Planning Protocols and DBHDS Discharge Planning Protocols;
• Provides follow-up case management services after consumer discharge to ensure successful transition to community living and services;
• Manages the Discharge Planning Program (DAP) funds, including identifying client needs, selecting vendors, negotiating rates, maintaining contractual agreements, and reviewing invoices;
• Attends treatment team meetings in person and virtually at CSB, hospitals, and jails;
• Provides emergency and crisis intervention services as needed, with possible certification as an Emergency Services Pre-screener;
• May serve as the NGRI Coordinator for the department;
• Writes monthly and other reports as assigned;
• Conducts intakes, assessments, evaluations, and differential diagnoses;
• Refers clients to other CSB programs and advocates for timely services;
• Provides individual, group, case management, and family therapy;
• May supervise graduate interns;
• Explores other community resources as needed;
• Provides reports for court proceedings and testifies as a witness as required;
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) offers programs in Aging, Adult Protective Services, Clinical & Emergency Services, and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. CAS emphasizes compassionate, person-centered services based on best practices, supporting self-determination, safety, and recovery for residents affected by various challenges.

Requirements include a Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Education, or related fields, with at least two years of post-graduate clinical experience with individuals with substance abuse, psychiatric, and emotional disorders. Candidates must be licensed or license-eligible (having completed all educational and supervision requirements) as a LPC, LCSW, LSATP, or Clinical Psychologist in Virginia, with licensure obtained within one year of employment if eligible. A valid driver’s license is required if driving responsibilities are involved.

Fluency and bilingual ability in English and Spanish are required, along with at least one year of discharge planning experience with individuals with serious mental illness and experience linking consumers with community resources.

This position requires successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including FBI/Federal Records Check, VA Child Abuse/Neglect Registry, Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database, verification of education/certifications, and driver’s license check.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends based on client needs. Some remote work may be available after the initial probation period.