SUD PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Job Description

Job Description

About Whitman-Walker

Whitman-Walker envisions a society where all persons are seen for who they are, treated with dignity and respect, and afforded equal opportunity to health and wellbeing. Through care, advocacy, research, and education, we empower all persons to live healthily, love openly, and achieve equality and inclusion. For over 50 years, we have been meeting the needs of our communities with the endless dedication of our diverse teams. 

The Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Psychotherapist provides addictions and mental health services to clients of Whitman Walker ages 18 and up. This team member provides substance use disorder screening, assessment, referral, and treatment. They will also provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy to address the needs of those with substance use and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Most importantly, they will have the opportunity to meet people where they are with nonjudgmental and affirming care, regardless of a person's treatment goals.

• Performs and behaves in accordance with Whitman-Walker’s mission, cultural norms, and core values of dignity, respect, affirmation, and humility. 
• Maintains a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate manner with patients/clients/staff.  
• Demonstrates excellent customer service by identifying and exceeding customer requirements. 
• Adheres to Whitman-Walker policies and procedures, with special attention given to HIPAA requirements. 
• Maintains data integrity through conscientious use of relevant tools and employing a system of checks and balances. 
• Demonstrates organizational skills necessary to multi-task, meet deadlines, and re-prioritize as needed. 
• Participates in organizational quality and performance improvement activities

• Conducts thorough and comprehensive intake and assessment with each assigned client within the designated time frame.
• Facilitates the participation of the client in the development of goal-oriented treatment planning and monitors progress toward goals.                       
• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy services. Maintain a caseload of 30 hours of direct client care per week, unless delegated to do other work for the Health Center approved by your manager.
• Effective in assessing for risk and intervening in crisis situations.
• Ensures appropriate clinical treatment congruent with DSM-5 diagnosis and comfortable with ICD-10
• Attends clinical supervision with designated Behavioral Health Lead Clinician
• Assesses client and caregiver need for education; provides education as appropriate, makes referrals for additional education as needed. 
• Assists clients in identifying and accessing various internal and external community resources.
• Responds in a timely manner to all client, collateral, and agency contacts.
• Provides ongoing assessment of client’s level of care needs, coordinating client transfer to a different level of care or discharge from care, as appropriate and in accordance with ASAM levels of care.
• Effectively coordinates with other disciplines to address client needs and treatment goals .
• Conducts quarterly chart audits in a timely manner in accordance with Quality Improvement procedures.
• Clinical documentation should be completed and locked within 72 hours.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage time and effort to meet strategic objectives and complete work.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, both internal and external.
• Knowledge of all applicable WWH policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of healthcare information systems with the ability to adapt to new insurance eligibility, electronic medical records, and population health platforms.
• Ability to maintain records and information in an accurate, timely and confidential manner.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the service delivery model, re-prioritizing as necessary.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including afternoon and evening shifts as necessary.
• Flexibility to work within the organizations various locations as necessary.
• Commitment to health equity.

Principal Working Relationships:

• Reports to the BH Manager of Substance Use Treatment Services or their designee. Receives supervision as necessary around service provision and clinical intervention.
• Collaborates with WWH direct service staff and volunteers. May supervise volunteers or interns, as assigned.
• Functions as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Maintains relationships with other organizations as necessary to facilitate the provision of services to clients
• Attends required meetings and serves on committees and task forces, as assigned.

• Strong working knowledge of Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ+ issues, and clinical practice for effective provision of psychotherapy to diverse populations. 
• Strong clinical skills, with proven ability to engage, assess, provide interventions, and terminate appropriately with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and competence with issues related to racial, cultural, gender identity, and sexual minority status.
• Good working knowledge of the health care delivery system, social services, and community-based resources
• Ability to provide Telehealth and in-person services.
• Experience in facilitating group therapy, co-occurring group therapy, and psychoeducation groups.
• Ability to interpret urine drug screens to inform patient care.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships within the organization and with external providers.

• Master of Social Work or Counseling-related degree
• Valid Independent Clinical Licensure, as required by the District of Columbia (LICSW, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Psychologist)
• At least 2 years of clinical experience
• Experience working with a broadly diverse population and the ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals required.

Whitman-Walker is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants, its employees, or former employees based on race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or gender identity. For accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources.