Emergency Services Senior Therapist - Court Coordinator

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work.

This position qualifies for a $3,000 signing bonus. The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides essential safety net services that measurably improve the quality of life for Alexandria residents. Operating under the Center for Adult Services and governed by the Alexandria Community Services Board, our team is dedicated to delivering compassionate care that promotes recovery, resiliency, and self‑determination for individuals affected by mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders.

The Emergency Services Senior Therapist (Court Coordinator) provides critical assessments, crisis interventions, and psychiatric stabilizations to anyone within Alexandria city limits experiencing a mental health crisis. In addition to delivering direct crisis care via telephone, telehealth, and in‑person evaluations, this role serves as the Court Coordinator, facilitating civil commitment hearings and overseeing the Mandatory Outpatient Treatment (MOT) program.

The ideal candidate should have thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior including thorough knowledge of treatment issues related to psychiatric problems, dual‑diagnosis, and chemical dependency; good knowledge of psychopharmacology, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism/drug addiction, juvenile delinquency, and/or elderly and aging; ability to work successfully with a variety of consumers; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing with other professionals and with the public;

ability to plan and supervise the work of interns or students.

• Assess and determine the appropriate level of response for incoming calls from citizens, community partners, and external agencies, identifying the need for immediate face‑to‑face evaluations versus telephone support or referral.
• Interview and evaluate individuals presenting in crisis via office walk‑ins, phone calls, or direct community response; formulate diagnoses, perform mental status exams, conduct risk assessments, and deliver immediate crisis intervention and stabilization.
• Conduct preadmission screenings to determine appropriate level of care and disposition, including voluntary/involuntary hospitalizations, alternative placements, and community referrals.
• Provide continuity of care for CSB clients during non‑business hours, including emergency assessments, phone support, and crisis triage.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and testify in civil commitment proceedings, utilizing virtual meeting technology and digital platforms to manage logistics and prepare required legal reports.
• Manage the Mandatory Outpatient Treatment (MOT) caseload, tracking client compliance, monitoring service delivery, and ensuring adherence to court orders.
• Collaborate and navigate complex dynamics with diverse stakeholders who often hold conflicting interests.
• Maintain precise, timely clinical records and documentation in full compliance with Federal, State, City, and Departmental standards.
• Participate in ongoing staff development and clinical supervision.
• Perform related work and operational tasks as required.

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging;
Adult Protective Services;
Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community &…