Therapist

The Wanda Alston Foundation is currently seeking a full-time salaried, exempt Therapist to join our team.

About the Wanda Alston Foundation

The Wanda Alston Foundation (WAF) provides housing, support, and pathways to economic mobility to DCs 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, WAFs 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.

Job Description:

The Therapist 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 Foundations transitional housing program and to community clients who are survivors of violence. This position will require presence at and travel between the Foundations two DC facilities: Shaw & Congress Heights. The work schedule for this position will be Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and the individual will need to be available as needed in times of crisis.

Duties:

• Conduct weekly individual therapy sessions to support clients, facilitate 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 organizational therapeutic initiatives (e.g., animal-assisted therapy).
• Provide crisis intervention per the clinicians licensing and COH guidelines, to include addressing suicidal/homicidal ideations.
• Complete and document notes timely.
• Consult with the Program Director as needed for case consultation.
• Maintain a high level of client confidentiality.
• Perform additional clinical tasks within the agreed scope.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters Degree or higher in Social Work, Counseling/Therapy, Psychology, or Human Services.
• Active DC licensure, MSW, LICSW, or LCP required.
• 2+ years of professional experience.
• Experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and/or anti-LGBTQ+ 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.
• Ability to work in-person and to travel between the Foundations two offices.
• Cultural humility and experience with LGBTQ+ youth preferred.
• Clinical skills in group counseling and psychotherapy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2+ years of management experience.
• Program management experience, including managing budgets.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

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.

How to Apply

• Submit a Resume and Cover Letter.

Other Terms of Employment:

• Compensation: $70,000 – $85,000
• Candidates must complete and successfully pass a drug test, alcohol test, TB test, sex offender registry check, Child Protection Register check, and criminal background check prior to employment and periodically thereafter.
• These duties may be revised and others duties may be assigned as necessary, at any time, with or without notice.
• 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.