Mental Health Therapist

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Department: Behavioral Health

Job Status: Full-Time

Reports To: Director of Outpatient Operations

Work Schedule: Full-time, requiring flexible hours. Occasional evening hours may be required to support access and engagement needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mental Health Therapist provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy as part of VOA, Dakotas’ expansion of same-day/open-access outpatient behavioral health capacity under its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) initiative. This position conducts diagnostic assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and delivers evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals and families across the lifespan. The Mental Health Therapist participates in a rotating schedule that ensures same-day and walk-in access to care and works closely with Substance Use Counselors, Case Managers, and the Medical Director to deliver coordinated, integrated treatment.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Clinical Service Delivery

• Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy using evidence-based treatment modalities.
• Deliver services within a rotating same-day/open-access schedule to support timely, walk-in outpatient care
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning as needed, and coordinate with Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO) crisis partners for higher levels of care.
• Provide age-appropriate treatment for children, youth, adults, and families, reflecting VOA Dakotas’ priority on youth mental health and school-based service needs.

Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Conduct comprehensive diagnostic assessments and clinical evaluations for new and existing clients.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized service plans in collaboration with clients, families, and the treatment team.
• Monitor client progress, treatment response, and outcomes, adjusting the plan of care as needed.

CCBHC Access & Care Coordination

• Support VOA Dakotas’ same-day/open-access model by maintaining availability for walk-in intake and engagement.
• Coordinate care with Case Managers, Substance Use Counselors, primary care, and DCO partners to ensure integration across all nine CCBHC core services.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation in the electronic health record consistent with CCBHC, Medicaid, and licensure requirements.
• Ensure documentation supports CCBHC quality measure reporting and PPS billing readiness.
• Comply with all applicable South Dakota licensure, confidentiality, and ethical practice standards.

Professional Development

• Participate in clinical supervision toward South Dakota LPC-MH licensure, as applicable.
• Engage in ongoing training on evidence-based practices for mental health treatment.

Responsible to carry out other duties as assigned to support program operations and goals.

POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related field required.

Experience: Experience conducting diagnostic assessments and developing individualized treatment plans required. Experience with electronic health record documentation required.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Experience serving Medicaid-enrolled and uninsured populations. Experience in a CCBHC, FQHC, or other integrated behavioral health setting. Experience with youth, school-based, or veteran-focused mental health services. Bilingual or experience serving rural or tribal populations.

Skills: Strong communication, engagement, and cultural humility skills for work with diverse populations required.

Competencies: Clinical assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based psychotherapy, crisis intervention, cultural humility, documentation and compliance, collaboration and care coordination, and time management and flexibility

Licenses: Independent South Dakota clinical licensure (LPC-MH, LCSW, LMFT, or equivalent), or license-eligible with an active plan for supervised hours toward independent licensure required. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods.

B. Ability to respond flexibly to a same-day/open-access clinical schedule, including walk-in appointments.

Why VOA Dakotas

VOA Dakotas is committed to empowering individuals and communities through compassionate, person-centered services. The Mental Health Therapist will play a direct role in expanding timely access to mental health care and improving outcomes for individuals and families across the region.