Therapist – MAT & Pediatric Behavioral Health (Hybrid)

Kinston Community Health Center (KCHC) is seeking a licensed Therapist to provide behavioral health services within our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program and pediatric outpatient behavioral health services.

This hybrid position provides both in-person and virtual counseling within an integrated primary care environment, supporting individuals recovering from substance use disorders as well as children and adolescents experiencing behavioral, emotional, or mental health concerns.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), KCHC delivers whole-person, team-based care that promotes recovery, resilience, and long-term wellness across eastern North Carolina communities. KCHC qualifies as a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) approved site for eligible loan repayment programs.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life, retirement)
• Generous Paid Time Off and paid holidays
• CEU reimbursement and professional development support
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Mission-driven, team-oriented environment focused on community impact

Position Summary

The Therapist serves as an integral member of KCHC’s integrated Behavioral Health team, providing evidence-based counseling services for patients participating in the MAT program and pediatric behavioral health services.

Responsibilities include clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and delivery of individual and group therapy services. The Therapist collaborates closely with medical providers, care managers, and interdisciplinary staff to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care addressing both behavioral health and substance use needs.

This position emphasizes recovery-oriented care, integrated service delivery, and culturally responsive treatment approaches aligned with KCHC’s mission. The Therapist practices within a collaborative, team-based MAT model and is not expected to operate as an independent private practice provider. Caseload expectations are structured within a team-based care model that prioritizes quality outcomes, collaboration, and sustainable clinician workload.

Qualifications

     Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or a closely related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university required.
• Degree must meet educational requirements necessary for licensure in the State of North Carolina as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC).

     Certifications & Licenses:

• Candidates must hold one of the following active North Carolina licenses:
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
• Substance Use Credential Requirement
  • Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) preferred, OR
  • Must be willing and eligible to obtain LCAS credential within established employment timeframe.
  • CPR/BLS Certification

     Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in substance use disorder or MAT programs
• Experience providing therapy services to children or adolescents
• Integrated behavioral health or primary care experience
• Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) experience

     Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and EHR systems.
• Strong organizational and program management skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

     Clinical Services

• Provide individual and group counseling within the MAT program
• Deliver outpatient behavioral health services to pediatric and adolescent patients
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and establish clinical diagnoses
• Develop and implement person-centered treatment plans
• Monitor patient progress toward recovery and behavioral health goals
• Provide psychoeducation supporting mental health stabilization and substance use recovery
• Utilize developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions for children and adolescents

     Integrated Care Collaboration

• Collaborate with medical, dental, and behavioral health providers
• Participate in interdisciplinary case consultations
• Support primary care teams with behavioral health screening and intervention
• Promote whole-person and recovery-focused care models

     Care Coordination & Case Management

• Maintain an active clinical caseload
• Coordinate referrals and community resource connections
• Support continuity of care across treatment settings
• Engage patients and families in care planning and recovery goals

     Documentation & Compliance

• Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation within the electronic health record
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, HRSA, and regulatory standards
• Adhere to ethical and professional practice guidelines
• Support billing and program documentation requirements

Work Environment

• Must be able and comfortable working in a variety of settings including, but not limited to clinical environments and office spaces.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends as departmental needs arise.

Travel Requirements

• None

 Core Competencies

• Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills; able to clearly explain complex information. 
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Provides thoughtful input into operational and program decisions.
• Accountability & Self-Management: Works independently and efficiently, managing multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds effective working relationships across teams, departments, and the community.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Applies critical thinking and initiative to resolve issues and improve service delivery.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Delivers high-quality customer service with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
• Actively listens and communicates clearly across diverse populations.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Applies knowledge of clinical and administrative standards and institutional policies.
• Manages time effectively, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrates community awareness and understanding of the population served.
• Projects a professional image and provides leadership when delegating or guiding team efforts.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally required to sit, walk, reach, and handle materials.
• May be required to lift or move items up to 25–50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Compliance Responsibilities

As part of Kinston Community Health Center’s commitment to ethical practices and regulatory compliance, all employees are expected to:

• Act in accordance with the KCHC Employee Handbook, policies and procedures, and all applicable federal and state laws.
• Promptly report any known or suspected violations of compliance/safety standards.

These responsibilities are essential to maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability across the organization.