Therapist - PATH

Full Job Description

The Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services is seeking a talented and motivated individual to serve as a Therapist in our PATH Program. In this role, you will work with a trusted and reputable team that has a history of success connecting individuals and their families with person-centered, recovery-oriented services and supports.

We welcome new teammates who approach their professional careers with enthusiasm and dedication to empowering change, growth, and development. Come be a part of something that matters.

Requirements

The Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) team delivers outreach and engagement services to vulnerable Loudoun County residents who have mental illness, are experiencing homelessness, and are not adequately connected to needed services. The team's primary focus is to engage the unsheltered and chronically homeless population in need of support, resources, and services to end their homelessness and receive psychiatric and medical care.

PATH is in search of a candidate willing to take on the challenge of working with an extremely vulnerable, often underserved, and marginalized population. The PATH Therapist's goal will be to make a meaningful impact on clients' lives by helping to engage them in mainstream services, beginning a path to recovery, and promoting overall wellness.

Under clinical and administrative supervision, the PATH Therapist's primary responsibilities include:

• Providing outreach to homeless individuals by vehicle and by foot in a variety of settings, including campsites in wooded areas, abandoned buildings, public sidewalks, metro stations, libraries, businesses, bus stops, and other non-traditional settings in collaboration with PATH teammates and community homeless outreach partners to attempt to enroll in services.
• Obtaining appropriate documents for identification and/or the purpose of securing needed services and resources such as SSI/SSDI, general relief, insurance, food stamps, medical care, and housing.
• Working jointly with PATH teammates to provide engagement, short-term case management, skills building, and supportive counseling services to individuals attending homeless drop-in sites or residing in emergency and hypothermia shelters.
• Partnering and collaborating with internal and community partners who provide services and care to those experiencing homelessness, individuals with mental illnesses (e.g.: shelters, hospitals, jails, health department, police department, local businesses, libraries, local elected officials, landlords, SSA, food banks, and housing authority).
• Maintaining a diverse caseload of clients with a variety of substance use, developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses.
• Connecting unhoused individuals with needed community resources with consideration given to the nature and severity of the behavioral health problem, family, cultural and employment related circumstances, legal involvement, individual and family histories, physical condition, and other pertinent factors.
• Collaborating with service professionals inside and outside of the Community Services Board.
• Providing short-term case management, outreach and engagement services as needed.
• Maintaining all electronic health records according to federal, state and department regulations, ensuring that records of clients on their caseload are complete, accurate and comprehensive.
• Advocating on behalf of clients regarding rights and needed services.
• Developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with representatives of community groups and public and private agencies.
• Providing entry, navigation and/or referral services for individuals.

Hiring salary is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County’s Hiring and Retention Bonus Program.

Qualifications

Master's degree; license eligible within one (1) year of hire or possess professional licensure through the VA Department of Health Professions Board as a: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP); one (1) year of professional experience working with individuals who have a mental health and/or substance use diagnosis, which may include internship experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have knowledge of, ASAM Criteria, Illness Management & Recovery Principles and Practices, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Planning, Trauma Informed Care, and community resources
• .Experience delivering services to individuals experiencing homelessness and seriously mentally ill adults.
• Applicants who can provide full range of services in both Spanish and English are strongly encouraged to apply.
  

Additional Information

• Must be available to work in 2 clinic sites – Leesburg and Sterling
• Must be fitted for N-95 (or similar) mask to safely provide on-site services as needed.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, credit check, driving record check, and negative TB screen/test.
• Must have a valid driver’s license in Virginia or regional state of residence.