Admissions and Assessment Clinician

Position Summary

The Admissions and Assessment Clinician is responsible for completing comprehensive behavioral health and substance use assessments to determine medical necessity, level of care, treatment recommendations, and service eligibility for individuals seeking services through Attain Behavioral Health. This role serves as a critical first point of clinical engagement and is responsible for gathering psychosocial, clinical, substance use, mental health, medical, and functional information to support accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and appropriate placement within the continuum of care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Congduct comprehensive behavioral health and substance use assessments, biopsychosocial evaluations, diagnostic interviews, and screening tools in accordance with agency, Medicaid, OhioMHAS, and payer requirements.

• Assess clients for appropriate level of care utilizing ASAM Criteria, medical necessity guidelines, and clinical judgment.

• Determine appropriate program placement recommendations including outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), case management, housing supports, MAT coordination, and community-based services.

• Complete all intake documentation accurately and within required timeframes in the electronic health record (EHR).

• Obtain and review collateral information including prior treatment records, hospital discharge documentation, referral information, medication history, and external provider records as clinically appropriate.

• Collaborate with Utilization Management and Revenue Cycle teams to support authorization requests, medical necessity reviews, and payer documentation requirements.

• Identify immediate safety concerns including suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, withdrawal risk, abuse/neglect concerns, and psychiatric instability and initiate appropriate escalation procedures when necessary.

• Educate clients and families regarding treatment recommendations, program expectations, confidentiality, attendance requirements, and available resources.

• Participate in interdisciplinary staffing, clinical supervision, intake review meetings, and quality assurance activities.

• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, CARF, OhioMHAS, ODM, and agency documentation standards.

• Maintain professionalism and represent Attain Behavioral Health positively with clients, families, referral sources, and community partners.

• Support census growth and timely client engagement through efficient intake workflow management and coordination with Operations and Outreach teams.

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational operations and client care needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or related behavioral health field.

• One of the following Ohio behavioral health credentials is required: LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LCDC I, LCDC III, LICDC

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, community mental health, intake, assessment, crisis services, or care coordination.

• Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and behavioral health assessment practices.

• Knowledge of ASAM Criteria and medical necessity standards preferred.

• Strong documentation and clinical writing skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance if community-based work is required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in Medicaid-funded behavioral health systems.

• Experience with SUD and co-occurring disorder populations.

• Experience completing diagnostic assessments and level of care determinations.

• Knowledge of Ohio behavioral health regulations and payer requirements.

• Experience working with PHP, IOP, MAT, or community behavioral health programs.