VP-CST Citywide Mental Health Practitioner

Overview

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) has been empowering families to learn, earn, heal, and thrive since 1857. We are looking to fill a VP-CST Mental Health Practitioner role at Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA).

Average starting salary is $55,000 to $66,000 annually, based on skill and experience level. LCSW or LCPC candidates may be considered for a starting salary up to $78,000.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and intakes to determine client needs, strengths, and eligibility for VP-CST services.
• Provide individualized case management, counseling, and advocacy to address behavioral health, safety, and stabilization needs in alignment with the VP-CST model.
• Develop and monitor service plans, collaborating with clients and interdisciplinary teams to establish achievable goals.
• Recommend changes to the authorizing LPHA and VP-CST services including transition to less intensive services consistent with the individual’s IATP.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in compliance with Medicaid, managed care, and agency recordkeeping standards.
• Maintain fidelity to the VP-CST approach, ensuring no more than an 18:1 client-to-staff ratio, and prioritize intensive, relationship-based engagement.
• Deliver community-based and home-based services, including individual, family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, skill building, and resource navigation as directed by the IATP.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate groups as appropriate to promote psychoeducation, coping strategies, or community building.
• Identify and connect clients to community resources, coordinating care across systems such as housing, medical, employment, and legal supports.
• Advocate for clients within community networks, helping reduce barriers and ensuring culturally responsive, trauma-informed care.
• Participate and lead required trainings, team supervision, and team meetings to uphold program quality and professional development.
• Represent the agency and the VP-CST program in the community, building partnerships and increasing awareness of available services.
• May require additional certifications or training in youth development, restorative justice, or mentoring practices as specified by the program, grant, or funding source.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to maintain consistent community-based behavioral health services under the VP-CST model, often in collaboration with outreach workers and other community partners.
• Skilled in working effectively with diverse individuals and groups impacted by trauma, community violence, and systemic inequities.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles, adult development, and the impact of poverty, violence, and discrimination on mental health.
• Familiarity with community resources (housing, employment supports, substance use treatment, healthcare) and ability to navigate local systems on behalf of clients.
• Awareness of HIPAA, confidentiality requirements, and ethical standards in behavioral health and social services.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively in sensitive situations.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work as part of a multidisciplinary VP-CST team (case managers, outreach workers, clinicians, peer specialists) to support holistic care.
• Ability to complete structured assessments and screening tools (such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, or program-specific intake forms) accurately and sensitively.
• Presentation and group facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver psychoeducation workshops or community trainings on behavioral health, coping strategies, and wellness topics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, data entry systems, electronic health records, and professional written and verbal communication.
• Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends, as program needs require.

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or another language prevalent in the service community preferred.
• Awareness of Medicaid billing and documentation standards preferred.
• M…