DSS Behavioral Health Liaison and Licensed Therapist
Support Incorporated is seeking a licensed therapist to work on-site with the Lincoln County Department of Social Services and Lincoln County Health Department as our behavioral health liaison.
This is a unique opportunity for a clinician who wants to use their skills beyond a traditional outpatient therapy setting. Rather than spending each day in back-to-back therapy appointments, this clinician will work alongside DSS staff, families, healthcare providers, and community agencies to close the gap between behavioral health and social services.
The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and have a genuine passion for helping children, adults, and families navigate complex situations. This role requires someone who can work independently, build strong professional relationships, respond effectively in urgent situations, and bring a clinical perspective to multidisciplinary decision-making.
About the Position
The DSS Behavioral Health Liaison provides on-site behavioral health support, consultation, assessment, brief treatment, education, and service coordination. The clinician will serve as a bridge between social services and the behavioral health system, helping individuals and families access appropriate care while supporting DSS staff in understanding and responding to mental health and substance use needs.
This position offers significant variety. Depending on the needs of the individual or family, the clinician may conduct an assessment, assist with safety planning, accompany a social worker into the community, provide brief therapeutic intervention, participate in a Child and Family Team meeting, consult with community professionals, or help coordinate ongoing services.
Primary Responsibilities
The DSS Behavioral Health Liaison will:
- Serve the needs of the Lincoln County Department of Social Services and act as the primary liaison between DSS, behavioral health providers, substance use treatment agencies, and other community resources.
- Complete initial screenings, intakes, clinical assessments, and evaluations to identify behavioral health and substance use needs.
- Communicate assessment findings and treatment recommendations to clients, families, DSS staff, and other members of the treatment team.
- Conduct risk assessments and develop safety plans when clinically indicated.
- Accompany Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services staff on community visits as needed.
- Provide clinical guidance and a therapeutic perspective during CPS and APS interventions.
- Provide brief therapy, crisis support, or other clinical interventions on-site or in the community when appropriate.
- Provide psychoeducation and individual, family, or group therapy based on identified needs.
- Participate in family-planning meetings, Child and Family Team meetings, and other multidisciplinary staffings.
- Assist families during supervised visitation, which may include therapeutic support or continued individual or family therapy.
- Link individuals and families with appropriate behavioral health, substance use, medical, and community-based services.
- Coordinate multiple services to improve treatment planning, communication, and collaboration among community stakeholders.
- Advocate for the best interests, safety, and well-being of children and families.
- Provide consultation and support to DSS staff, community agencies, and behavioral health practitioners.
- Offer education and training related to mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use, trauma, and available community resources.
- Help community partners develop the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to behavioral health needs.
- Serve as a liaison to other involved systems, including the courts, juvenile justice, healthcare providers, schools, and community agencies.
- Provide ongoing consultation and oversight regarding the effectiveness and coordination of recommended services.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Hold a master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or a related behavioral health field.
- Be fully or provisionally licensed in North Carolina as an LCMHC, LCMHCA, LCSW, LCSWA, LMFT, LMFTA, LPA, or other qualifying licensed clinician.
- Hold a substance use credential such as LCAS, LCAS-A, or CSAC, or be eligible and willing to pursue an appropriate substance use credential.
- Have strong clinical assessment, communication, documentation, and crisis-response skills.
- Be able to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Be comfortable working with children, adults, and families experiencing complex behavioral health, substance use, safety, or social-service needs.
- Be willing to travel locally and accompany CPS or APS staff into the community when needed.
Fully licensed applicants who have experience working with individuals diagnosed with substance use disorders may be considered even if they do not currently hold an LCAS credential. Support Incorporated is willing to assist qualified clinicians with the LCAS credentialing process.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional consideration will be given to applicants with:
- Previous experience working with a Department of Social Services, child welfare, Adult Protective Services, or Child Protective Services.
- Experience with mental health and substance use assessments.
- Experience providing crisis intervention, safety planning, or brief therapeutic services.
- Knowledge of child welfare, court, juvenile justice, healthcare, or community behavioral health systems.
- Experience participating in Child and Family Team meetings or other multidisciplinary treatment-planning processes.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed, family-centered, and strengths-based practices.
- Experience working collaboratively with community agencies and service providers.
Why This Position Is Different
This role is an excellent fit for a clinician who wants variety, professional autonomy, and the opportunity to make an impact across multiple systems. It combines direct clinical care with consultation, advocacy, education, crisis response, and community collaboration.
The clinician will not simply identify a need and hand a family a referral. They will have the opportunity to work alongside families and community partners, help remove barriers to treatment, improve communication between agencies, and ensure that people receive the services and support they need.
About Support Incorporated
Support Incorporated has provided child, adolescent, adult, and family behavioral health and substance use services for more than 20 years. Our mission is to be a cooperating partner in implementing services that are based on individual need.
Our comprehensive service array allows our clinicians to connect individuals and families with a broad continuum of care while collaborating with experienced professionals across multiple programs.
This is a full-time, salaried position for a clinician who is ready to use their skills in a meaningful, community-based role and help strengthen the connection between behavioral health, healthcare, and social services.
Qualified applicants who are self-motivated, collaborative, and passionate about making a difference in the lives of others are encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of child/adolescent mental health experience do you have?
Education:
License/Certification:
- Provisional or full licensure in NC (LCMHC, LCSW, LMFT (Required)
Work Location: In person
