Behavioral Health Emergency Services Clinician- Jail Based (Resident/Supervisee)
Please note: This position includes a $2500.00 gross signing bonus at hire and $2500.00 gross at the completion of the probationary period.
Important Notice: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Arlington County's Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a Behavioral Health Clinician (Resident/Supervisee), to be one of three clinicians assigned to the On-Call role providing crisis intervention services at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.
Specific duties include:
Triaging referrals and assigning clinicians tasks;
Conducting intake evaluation, interviews and assessments;
Providing crisis intervention and assisting in obtaining emergency medical/psychiatric treatment;
Referring clients to appropriate services and agencies, and coordinating program services with involved medical/psychiatric personnel, classification and security staff, probation/parole officers and/or other services providers;
Working closely with Arlington County court system and attorneys to see if competency is a concern and/or provide appropriate services for clients once released;
Carrying a caseload of individuals in units that are experiencing mental health concerns and difficulties adjusting to incarceration;
Assisting clients with discharge planning;
Assessing clients for Emergency custody Order (ECO);
Completing all documentation within expected timeframes including treatment plans, progress notes, etc.; and
Attending staff meetings to discuss procedural and administrative developments as well as difficult cases.
The ideal candidate will have a vast knowledge of the criminal justice system as well as insight into best practices in treating behavioral health needs, addiction, and substance use disorders.
Selection Criteria
Minimum:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a clinical discipline such as Counseling, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychology, or other directly related clinical discipline with internships and practicum requirements involving diagnostic, treatment application of diagnostic, and treatment services.
Two years post-Master’s degree experience providing mental health services, which includes one-year minimum of working with seriously mentally ill individuals in crisis.
Substitution: Directly related higher level clinical degrees may substitute for the Master's Degree education requirement and one year of experience.
Desirable: Preference will be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
Experience working in a correctional setting;
Experience in case management; and/or
An active Clinical License in the State of Virginia (LPC, LCP, LCSW)
Special Requirements
Licenses/Certifications: Within 90 days of hire, obtaining a temporary license as a Resident in Counseling (for LPC or LMFT), Resident in Clinical Psychology (for LCP) or registering as a Supervisee in Social Work (for LCSW) with the Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP). Licensure by the appropriate board of Virginia Department of Health Professions must be obtained within 3 years of hire.
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information. A pre-hire federal background check and State of Virginia Central Registry check will also be completed before hire.
Employment restrictions: To ensure that dual relationships are avoided and that employees who are also clients do not relate to their service provider as co-professionals, employees will not be hired by the County to provide or support services to the team or program in which they are current clients:
You cannot concurrently receive behavioral health services from Arlington County Community Service Board (CSB) programs while employed in an Arlington County CSB program (exception Crisis Intervention services).
At least 24 months must have passed between receipt of CSB services from Arlington County and employment in an Arlington County CSB program.
Additional Information
Work Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Some evening, weekend or holiday work will be required.
Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. A cover letter will also be required to be attached to your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The salary above is effective July 1, 2026.
This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
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