Independent Therapist Consultant

Therapist (Consultant)

The Wanda Alston Foundation is currently seeking a Therapist Consultant to join our team.

About the Wanda Alston Foundation

The Wanda Alston Foundation (WAF) provides housing, support, and pathways to economic mobility to DC’s at-risk and homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Founded in 2008 to honor community organizer Wanda Renita Alston, WAF provides gender-affirming transitional housing, trauma-informed case management, life skills training, employment and education support, and a culturally safe environment for healing and growth.

Complementing these core services, WAF’s Counseling Center provides trauma-informed mental health care for residents and survivors of gender-based and anti-LGBTQ+ violence, addressing a dire need for culturally responsive services within a population disproportionately affected by trauma.

Description:

The Therapist (Consultant) works to support the Wanda Alston Counseling Center by providing clinical therapeutic services to LGBTQ+ youth, ages 18 to 24, who are residents of the Foundation’s transitional housing program and to community clients who are survivors of violence. This is a contracted role and will operate under an agreed-upon scope of work. This position reports to the Clinical Director and is expected to work approximately 20-25 hours per week.

Scope of Work

Clinical Services:

• Conduct weekly individual therapy sessions to support clients, support the intake of new clients, and conduct psychiatric assessments.
• Facilitate support groups for clients as needed and time becomes available.
• Lead cultural competency trainings for staff and community partners.
• Offer recommendations and support on new therapeutic initiatives (e.g., animal-assisted therapy).
• Provide emergency client sessions when available.
• Complete and document notes timely.
• Consult with the Clinical Director as needed for case consultation.
• Maintain a high level of client confidentiality.
• Perform additional clinical tasks within the agreed scope.

Deliverables:

• Complete and maintain accurate and timely clinical notes for all client interactions.
• Conduct clinical assessments and complete care plans for residents and community clients.
• Submit high-quality written memos or reports as needed.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher in Social Work, Counseling/Therapy, Psychology, or Human Services.
• Active DC licensure, LCSW or LCPC required.
• 3+ years of clinical experience.
• Experience supporting survivors of domestic violence.
• Knowledge of substance use, family systems, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple clients and work independently.
• Cultural humility and experience with LGBTQ+ youth strongly preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements:

This job is primarily sedentary in nature. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use their hands or fingers and utilize a computer or laptop to successfully complete their duties. The employee is occasionally required to sit for prolonged or extended periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in this work environment is usually low to moderate.

Other Terms:

• Either party may terminate the agreement with a 30-day written notice.
• All materials and work products created under this agreement are the property of the Wanda Alston Foundation.
• Candidates must complete and successfully pass a drug/alcohol test, TB test, sex offender registry check, Child Protection Register check, and criminal background check prior to employment and periodically thereafter.
• The Consultant is expected to set their own schedule, determine the manner and means of performing the work, maintain their own professional liability insurance, and submit invoices for hours worked in a timely manner.
• This position is not eligible for Foundation-provided benefits.
• Independent contractors are solely responsible for paying all federal, state, and local income taxes on income earned and for submitting Form W-9 to the IRS.
• The Consultant must maintain a current, active professional counseling, therapy, or associated license for DC, as required by law, and provide the Foundation with a copy of the license upon each renewal.
• Compensation: $60 - $80/hour.
• These duties may be revised and others duties may be assigned as necessary, at any time, with or without notice.

How to Apply

• Submit a resume or a capability statement highlighting relevant experience and deliverables.
• Statement of interest (1-page) describing your therapeutic approach, experience conducting clinical assessments, time availability, and desired hourly rate.

Note: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.