At-Will Residential Counselors
Salary
$21.05 - $28.20 Hourly
Location
Alexandria, VA
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Number
2026-00409
Department
Department of Community and Human Services
Division
CENTER FOR ADULT SERVICES
Opening Date
05/22/2026
Closing Date
6/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
N/A
At-Will Residential Counselors
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. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our At-Will Residential Counselor positions.
An Overview
The At-Will Residential Counselor Provides residential services to individuals with serious mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders. The Residential Counselor completes assessments and documentation, provides information to develop service plans, and provides assistance and training in daily living skills.
What You Should Bring
The Residential Counselor will have good knowledge of residential site settings with large household coordination and maintenance; good knowledge of the nature of serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders and the role of residential support services; empathy with the problems of individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders; ability to identify behavior which indicates movement toward a crisis situation; ability to plan and supervise the work of clients; ability to instruct clients in basic living skills and to identify progress towards treatment goals; ability to appropriately evaluate situations and engage with clients in crisis; ability to understand the needs and abilities of mentally ill individuals; and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
The Opportunity
About the Department
The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
High School Diploma or GED plus completion of post-high-school training/education pertaining to behavioral health, medical health, substance abuse and/or mental health; at least one year of direct work experience with individuals served by the specific program where the position is located (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence); or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Employees in this class must possess a valid drivers license issued in the state of their residence.
Preferred Qualifications
Possession of a Bachelor's degree in a social science field. At least one year of experience working with individuals suffering from mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorder. Basic computer skills are necessary. Certified by The Virginia Board of Counseling as a QMHP-A.
Notes
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment checks to include: FBI Criminal Record Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Drug Testing; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Drivers License from state of residence and education/certifications.
Schedule: Various shifts at MH/SUD Residential sites depending on open shifts availability at the residential programs. As an Essential Employee, staff will be expected to be at work during weekends, holidays, or inclement weather if they have been scheduled.
The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.
We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandrias excellent benefits and programs!
Click here to learn more about Employee Benefits
Click here to learn more about the Citys Employee Development Program
The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team of Human Resources at DHR.TA@alexandriava.gov.
01
In Virginia or any other location, have you ever been or are the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect? If yes, list all cases and explain. If no, indicate "N/A."
02
All positions in DCHS require successful completion of pre-employment background checks in the Virginia State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry and national Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database. Some positions require criminal records check, and scrutiny of any found criminal records against the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services list of Barrier Crimes. Some positions require drug testing, and verification of driver's license and education/certifications.
03
To answer yes to this question, you must answer yes to all the following questions: • Do you have a High School Diploma or GED; Completion of post-high-school training/education pertaining to behavioral health, medical health, substance abuse and/or mental health? • Do you have at least one (1) year of direct work experience with individuals served by the specific program where the position is located (Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, and/or Substance Abuse/Dependence), or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities? • Do you have a valid driver's license? If you answer no to any part of this question you must answer no.
04
If you answered "No" to question 3, do you have any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position? (If you answered, "Yes to question 3, please answer "Yes" to this question).
05
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in a social science field?
06
Do you have at least one (1) year of experience working with individuals suffering from mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorder?
07
Do you have basic computer skills?
08
Have you received your Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adults (QMHP-A) license from the Virginia Board of Licensing?
09
If you answered "Yes" to Question 8, please provide your QMHP - A License number. If you answered "No", please put "N/A"
10
The hours vary for these positions. As an Essential Employee, staff will be expected to be at work during weekends, nights, holidays, or inclement weather if they have been scheduled. Will you be able to accommodate the flexibility required?
Required Question
Employer City of Alexandria
Address City Hall
421 King Street,
Alexandria, Virginia, 22314
Phone 7037463784
Website http://alexandriava.gov/jobs