LCSW/LICSW – Child and Youth Therapist

Kahak DC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kahak Health Care Services (KHCS) in Washington, DC, is seeking a dedicated Licensed Therapist to join our pediatric-focused program. You will conduct intakes, diagnose youth, and develop individualized treatment plans in outpatient and school-connected settings.

The role emphasizes collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, case management, and ongoing documentation in MHRS systems. Licensure in DC (LGPC/LGSW/LPC/LICSW/LMFT) and 1–3+ years of youth-focused experience are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology or related field.
• Licensed in Washington DC as LGPC, LGSW, LPC, LICSW or LMFT.
• DC Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - active and unrestricted.
• 1–3+ years of outpatient or community mental health experience with children and adolescents.
• Experience with MHRS standards (e.g., CREDIBLE or equivalent).
• Ability to travel across DC for community-based intakes or meetings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive mental health intakes and diagnostic assessments for children/adolescents (ages 5–17), including DSM diagnosis and risk evaluation.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, delivering evidence-based individual, family, and group therapy in clinic or school-connected settings.
• Provide ongoing case management, coordinating with youth/family/caregivers, and collaborating with multidisciplinary clinicians.
• As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will also collaborate with Clinical Managers to ensure comprehensive care and maintain accurate documentation.
• Serve as clinical supervisor/mentor (if licensed), training or partnering with less experienced staff, ensuring compliance with MHRS guidelines.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in the designated MHRS system (e.g., CREDIBLE), including intakes, progress notes, treatment goals, and discharge summaries.
• Link families to community resources (e.g., housing, schools, legal aid, child welfare), and participate in team meetings to ensure continuity of care.
• Support quality assurance efforts, including following clinic policies, aiding in policy/procedure development, and ensuring best practice standards.

Skills

DSM diagnosis

Clinical documentation

Outpatient care

Supervision experience

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in counseling / social work / psychology

DC licensure: LGPC/LGSW/LPC/LICSW/LMFT

LICSW active & unrestricted

Tools

MHRS system (CREDIBLE)

Job description

About Us:

At Kahak Health Care Services (KHCS), we provide a wide range of services and programs for both adults and children for the sake of helping each consumer gain their confidence and security into their lives. We are passionate about providing high-quality mental health care for children and adolescents in Washington, DC. We understand that mental health is a critical part of a child's development, and our mission is to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to our young patients and their families. Our team is looking to expand, and we are seeking a dedicated Licensed Therapist to join our growing practice.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive mental health intakes and diagnostic assessments for children/adolescents (ages 5–17), including DSM diagnosis and risk evaluation.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, delivering evidence-based individual, family, and group therapy in clinic or school-connected settings.
• Provide ongoing case management, including monitoring progress, coordinating with youth/family/caregivers, and collaborating with multidisciplinary clinicians.
• As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will also collaborate with Clinical Managers to ensure comprehensive care and maintain accurate documentation.
• Serve as clinical supervisor/mentor (if licensed), training or partnering with less experienced staff, ensuring compliance with MHRS guidelines.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in the designated MHRS system (e.g., CREDIBLE), including intakes, progress notes, treatment goals, and discharge summaries.
• Link families to community resources (e.g., housing, schools, legal aid, child welfare), and participate in team meetings to ensure continuity of care.
• Support quality assurance efforts, including following clinic policies, aiding in policy/procedure development, and ensuring best practice standards.

Required Qualifications

1. Education & License

• Master’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology or related field
• Must be licensed in Washington DC as LGPC, LGSW, LPC, LICSW or LMFT

1. • DC Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - active and unrestricted.
2. Clinical Experience
   • 1–3+ years of outpatient or community mental health experience with children and adolescents.
   • Experience with clinical supervision or leadership is preferred.
3. Regulatory & Documentation Compliance
   • Experience working under MHRS standards (e.g., CREDIBLE or equivalent).
   • Strong written/verbal skills and knowledge base in psychiatric/psychological practices for youth.
4. Other Requirements
   • Ability to travel across DC for community-based intakes or meetings.

Working Conditions

• Primarily outpatient clinic-based, with some visits in office or telehealth.
• Must maintain flexible scheduling, potentially including evenings to accommodate youth versions.
• Thorough clinical documentation and audit readiness required — key responsibilities include clinical record quality checks.

Why This Role Matters

• Child & Youth MHRS outpatient programs are essential in DC’s continuum of care—providing stepping-stone treatment to stabilize youth and prevent crises.
• LICSWs hold a high degree of autonomy in clinical decision-making and direct patient care.
• The position offers leadership potential, such as supervising clinicians, shaping policy, and steering QA initiatives.

If you are driven to make a difference and committed to excellence in mental health care, we want to hear from you!