Behavioral Health / Substance Use Disorder Therapist

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Under the direction of the Supervisor, works as a member of an integrated primary care/behavioral health team to provide behavioral health and substance use disorder consultation and outpatient counseling services to a diverse population within community health care setting.

Provides a combination of brief, targeted interventions and short-term outpatient counseling to patients across the lifespan; shares responsibility for ensuring adequate coverage of intakes and crisis intervention within the primary care setting and serves as a consultant for the primary care team in identifying, assessing, and making recommendations in the treatment of a variety of behavioral health and substance use disorders. 

Demonstrates a sincere understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Neighborhood Health. 

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential Functions: Duties and responsibilities noted with bullets are considered to be the essential functions of the job).

• Utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches in addressing behavioral health and substance use related needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients
• Provides clinical counseling services focused on improving functionality and supporting behavior and lifestyle changes
• Responds to behavioral health crises and high-risk situations within the clinic, including conducting safety assessments and obtaining higher levels of care when required
• Functions as a behavioral health and substance use consultant within the primary care setting
• Identifies critical barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Provides substance abuse assessments, brief interventions, counseling and referrals for treatment when needed
• Develops and implements service plans tailored to address clients’ circumstances.
• Maintains client records such that program and regulatory guidelines are met.
• Reports on a monthly basis client caseload statistics, data and outcomes as required by program expectations and grant guidelines.
• Conducts outreach to local service providers, community organizations, school systems etc., providing trainings, workshops and information as needed. 

OTHER DUTIES:

• Prepare and maintain special internal and external reports as requested by Supervisor and/or Department Head.
• Assist with developing, coordinating and recommending changes for the improvement of workflow in the program or section area.
• May be assigned to various project lead roles to advance the development of the department and support ad hoc needs.
• Able to work under minimal supervision
• Employee will be asked to perform additional duties and take on other responsibilities as dictated by events and circumstances. 

QUALIFICATION/EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology
• Licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia or license-eligible upon hire required
• Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) credential preferred
• 2-3 years experience preferred
• Oral and written fluency in English and Spanish sufficient for direct service delivery
• Familiarity with basic medical terminology and basic psycho-pharmacology preferred
• Able to work in fast-paced setting and tolerate interruptions required
• Comfortable working in a medical setting
• Experience working with the population served by Neighborhood Health e.g. immigrants/refugees, clients of all ages and with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Cultural competency such that the individual possesses a sensitivity, understanding and expertise in caring for persons of diverse cultures
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.