Volunteer position – unpaid

Summary

The volunteer mental health provider will deliver mental health services virtually to patients referred by free and charitable clinics to the Virginia Telemental Health Initiative (VTMHI), including assessment, treatment planning, and individual therapy sessions.

There are volunteer opportunities for both licensed providers in Virginia and individuals in the process of completing licensure, as VTMHI is designed to help expedite licensure requirements. Group and individual clinical supervision will be provided for volunteers in the process of completing licensure.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Complete patient assessment and develop an individualized treatment plan
• Provide telemental health counseling using evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to care
• Attend and participate in regular clinical supervision as is consistent with licensure requirements
• Maintain all required licensure documentation
• Complete required documentation in electronic health record in accordance with VTMHI and clinic policies, best practices, and professional standards
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Participate in care coordination with other professionals as needed to ensure that clients receive needed services and integrated care
• Attend required education sessions
• Participate in clinic offerings as appropriate and able (e.g., case consultations, staff meetings)
• Provide at least five (5) volunteer service hours per week, including at least three (3) hours of direct service per week
• Complete all required volunteer paperwork and onboarding
• Adhere to professional ethics and codes of conduct
• Volunteers are responsible for maintaining their own licensure documentation
• Register as a volunteer and complete onboarding with assigned clinic for liability coverage

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling
• Actively working towards licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia (completed necessary paperwork) OR fully licensed in the state of Virginia
• Currently serving patients and receiving primary supervision (if pre-licensed)
• Able to commit to at least six (6) months of volunteer service and a minimum of approximately five (5) hours of work per week, including at least three (3) direct service hours
• Completed volunteer application
• Background and National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) checks

Additional Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to receive feedback and constructive criticism well; ability to resolve conflicts
• Willingness to maintain open communication with program and clinic staff and ask for help as needed
• Able to adapt to changes in process
• Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivity related to anti-racism, social justice, multicultural issues, and ability to interact effectively with diverse individuals and groups
• A heart for and commitment to caring for Virginia’s medically underserved
• Curiosity for learning and growing and excitement for being an active part of Virginia’s mental health safety net

About VTMHI

The Virginia Telemental Health Initiative (VTMHI)) is a 501c3 nonprofit and first-of-its-kind statewide virtual free mental health clinic. We provide telemental health services to un- and under-insured patients by collaborating with Virginia’s free and charitable clinics and pre-licensed mental health providers in the process of completing licensure.

Our mission is twofold: to expand access to mental health services for ALL Virginians in need, and to fortify the mental health workforce by dismantling barriers to licensure. We strive to create a future where mental health is accessible, inclusive, and supported by a diverse workforce.

More information about this statewide mental health free clinic can be found at www.virginiatelementalhealth.org.

If you have any questions regarding this volunteer opportunity or the Virginia Telemental Health Initiative, please contact [email protected].