Therapeutic Services Director

ABOUT CARPENTER’S SHELTER:

Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelter, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions supports sustainable independence for more than 600 individuals and families each year.

Title: Therapeutic Services Director

Reports to: Deputy Director

General Description:

The Therapeutic Services Director provides direct mental health services for clients accessing any of Carpenter’s Shelter’s programs, including the 24-hr year-round Emergency Shelter, Rapid Re-housing, David’s Place, a seasonal Winter Shelter, and directly oversees the agency’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. Services include assessing client needs, providing short-term individual and group counseling, developing treatment plans, providing crisis intervention, and coordinating referrals for ongoing mental health support. The Therapeutic Services Director provides onboarding support and training for all Carpenter’s Shelter’s staff to ensure the team is equipped with the skills necessary to recognize and appropriately respond to clients with mental health challenges. The Therapeutic Services Director collaborates with the agency’s Directors and Managers Team, as well as with representatives from local government, other non-profit agencies, and the faith community.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Build trust and rapport with clients, and provide a safe, non-judgmental, trauma-informed environment for them to explore their mental health needs
• Conduct mental health assessments using evidenced-based practices and therapeutic techniques, formulate diagnoses, develop and implement initial treatment plans for clients with acute, chronic or severe mental illness, monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
• Monitor and assess the impact of psychotropic medication on client's functioning and mental status
• Provide risk assessments for dangerousness to self and others; provide crisis stabilization and crisis management support
• Provide trainings for staff and clients on mental health topics and available resources to increase knowledge of mental health services, mindfulness, conflict resolution, etc.
• Create and execute on-boarding materials and activities for new staff to support appropriate clinical responses
• Participate in client meetings as needed to support the service delivery team
• Directly lead the PSH Case Manager in the daily operation of services; provide coaching support through regularly scheduled one on one meetings and evaluations; support professional development
• Collaborate with service professionals in the community to coordinate continuing mental health or substance abuse services for clients; collaborate with Carpenter’s Shelter’s medical Clinic volunteers
• Document client interactions in accordance with professional standards; collect data required to provide program/service analysis
• Participate in continuing education opportunities to stay up to date on current trends and research in the field of mental health
• Supervise social work interns and licensure candidates
• Verify and approve staff timesheets and leave requests
• Adhere to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and SEED Values
• Perform other duties as assigned

Telework is eligible up to one day per week.

Required:

• Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field and VA clinical licensure (LCSW, LICSW, LCPC, etc.)
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and excellence in organizational and project management with the ability to achieve strategic objectives and outcomes.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse groups of people
• Ability to maintain documentation
• Strong time management and organizational skills; reliable and self-motivated
• Proficient skill level in Microsoft Suites (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs

Preferred:

• A minimum of 5 years providing counseling, individual and group therapy
• Experience operating programs serving people experiencing homelessness
• Lived experience or direct personal connection to homelessness

ADA Statement: Carpenter’s Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Carpenter’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.