Behavioral Health Therapist -Substance Use Services

Job Description

Job Description

Behavioral Health Therapist – Substance Use Services

Department: Programs

Reports To:  Clinical Director , Behavioral Health Services

Location: Patricia Handy Place for Women

FLSA Status: Exempt

EEO Classification: Professionals

Supervisor: No

Job Function:  Essential Onsite

Overview 

N Street Village is seeking a dedicated and experienced Therapist to join our dynamic multidisciplinary team. In this vital role, you will provide therapeutic support to women navigating mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders, empowering them on their journey to stability and recovery. In addition to providing direct clinical services, this position will play an integral role in expanding N Street Village's behavioral health programming, with a particular focus on developing and implementing substance use services. The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals experiencing substance use and co-occurring disorders, a strong understanding of harm reduction and recovery-oriented approaches, and an interest in developing innovative clinical programming for women experiencing homelessness and housing instability. This position offers opportunities to shape impactful mental health programming, engage in ongoing professional development, and mentor aspiring therapists through our internship program.

Key Role Responsibilities 

Intake & Assessment

• Serve as a clinical point of contact for new client referrals and coordinate initial engagement and appointment scheduling
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial intake assessments to identify client needs, strengths, goals, and levels of self-sufficiency
• Conduct substance use screenings and assessments utilizing appropriate evidence-based tools and clinical approaches
• Ensure proper documentation of intake information and initial treatment recommendations
• Coordinate with program staff to ensure timely placement of clients into appropriate supportive services
• Communicate with referring agencies, internal teams, and external partners regarding program availability, eligibility, and documentation requirements

Clinical Services

• Provide individual and group therapy to clients experiencing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions using evidence-based clinical interventions
• Develop and implement treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and needs
• Facilitate psychoeducation and support groups for clients addressing mental health and substance use challenges
• Deliver therapeutic services to clients across various N Street Village programs, adapting to each program’s unique focus and environment
• Provide drop-in behavioral health support, brief interventions, and clinical engagement to clients as needed
• Maintain a caseload of approximately 20-25 clients

• Participate in on-call rotation for providing 24/7 crisis consultation support to staff and client
• Provide guidance, de-escalation, and actionable solutions during crisis situations
• Coordinate with emergency services and external mental health resources when necessary to ensure client and staff safety

• Support the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of N Street Village's substance use services 
• Develop and implement structured substance use and recovery-oriented programming, including individual interventions, psychoeducation, and group services
• Identify gaps in substance use services and recommend opportunities to improve client access, engagement, and continuity of care
• Collaborate with the Clinical Director and multidisciplinary team to establish program goals, implementation strategies, and measurable outcomes for substance use services

• Facilitate staff training and support staff development related to mental health, substance use, co-occurring disorders, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and crisis intervention
• Provide consultation to NSV program staff regarding client engagement, substance use concerns, recovery-oriented approaches, and behavioral health interventions
• Develop and share educational resources to strengthen staff knowledge and confidence in supporting clients experiencing substance use and mental health challenges

Supervision & Professional Development

• Participate in regular individual and group supervision to support professional growth and ensure adherence to clinical best practices
• Pursue opportunities for ongoing professional development and training relevant to the population served

Collaboration & Coordination

• Collaborate with other N Street Village programs staff to coordinate holistic care, integrated care for clients experiencing behavioral health and substance use concerns
• Develop and maintain relationships with external substance use treatment providers, recovery organizations, community-based behavioral health providers, and other relevant partners
• Participate in multidisciplinary case review meetings to monitor client progress and adapt interventions as needed

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records in accordance with agency policies and licensing standards
• Track and report intake, enrollment, and treatment metrics to inform program effectiveness and funding requirements
• Ensure all necessary consents, releases, and documentation are completed before program entry

Key Agency Responsibilities 

In addition to role responsibilities, every staff member has the following responsibilities as a part of their employment:

• Models and reinforces the mission, vision, and values of the Village

• Actively participates in performance improvement and advocacy activities that support the mission 
• Protects clients’ personal health information by maintaining compliance with HIPAA and other relevant health care-related IT security regulations
• Performs other duties on an as-needed basis

Knowledge, Experience and Skills 

Formal Education and Training 

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related field
• Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) certification preferred 
• Licensure as an LPC, LGPC, LICSW, LGSW, or equivalent in the District of Columbia

Experience 

• Minimum of two years of clinical experience, preferably in a community-based or trauma-informed care setting
• Experience working with individuals with mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use disorders
• Experience diagnosing and treating mental health and substance use disorders
• Demonstrated expertise in crisis intervention techniques and developing effective treatment plans
• Familiarity with assessing and identifying problem behaviors in diverse client populations

Skills 

• Strong understanding of client-centered, trauma-informed care practices
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and effectively handle crisis situations
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Competence in working with diverse populations, particularly women experiencing homelessness and systemic barriers
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation
• Competent in adhering to federal, state, and local laws, as well as utilizing DSM-5-TR criteria in clinical practice

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements 

Activity

Some

Freq

Work Position %

Lift

0-50 lbs.

x

Sitting

60%

Carry

0-50 lbs.

x

Walking