Founding PHP/IOP Therapist - Lead Clinician

Novaris Behavioral Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Novaris Behavioral Health in Charlotte, NC, is opening a new PHP/IOP program and seeking an experienced, independently licensed clinician to join us as the Primary Therapist. You will shape how our groups run, develop curriculum, and set standards in a founding role.

Join a small, mission-driven team working directly with our Clinical Director and psychiatric provider to build the program from the ground up and implement evidence-based care.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related clinical field from an accredited institution.
• Active, independent North Carolina license: LCSW or LCMHC in good standing.
• Three or more years of post-licensure clinical experience in PHP, IOP, residential, or inpatient behavioral health.
• Demonstrated group facilitation experience with adult populations.
• Strong assessment and risk-management skills with sound judgment in high-acuity presentations.
• Comfort with EMR documentation and completing notes within 24 hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily process and psychoeducational groups using evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, ACT, trauma-informed approaches).
• Serve as the senior clinician on the floor, managing acuity, making step-up and safety decisions, and holding the therapeutic frame during difficult moments.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and diagnostic formulation for new admissions, supporting our same-day assessment model.
• Develop and update individualized treatment plans on a cadence that meets clinical need, state requirements, and payer expectations.
• Document to a standard that supports medical necessity, and provide clinical detail to the UR team for concurrent review and appeals.
• Coordinate with admissions, outside providers, and lower levels of care to make transitions safe and non-abrupt.
• Contribute to clinical policy, workflow, and documentation standards as we complete state licensure and Joint Commission accreditation.

Skills

Group facilitation

Clinical judgment

Assessment & diagnosis

Risk management

EMR documentation

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field

Job description

Novaris Behavioral Health in Charlotte, NC, is opening a new PHP/IOP program and seeking an experienced, independently licensed clinician to join us as the Primary Therapist. You will shape how our groups run, develop curriculum, and set standards in a founding role.

Join a small, mission-driven team working directly with our Clinical Director and psychiatric provider to build the program from the ground up and implement evidence-based care.