ADMISSIONS / PROGRAM COUNSELOR LICENSED THERAPIST

About the role

Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG) is an award-winning, dynamic, innovative non-profit behavioral health organization in New Jersey, named one of "THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN NEW JERSEY" for 2024 and 2025 by NJBIZ. The organization’s mission is to change and save lives across the state through a Trauma Informed Care culture. The Admissions/Program Counselor position is part of the IOTSS / Partial Care program, located at 725 Airport Road, Lakewood, NJ 08701, and is a full-time role.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming referrals, process within 24 hours of receipt, and coordinate and schedule intake appointments in a timely manner.
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and formulate diagnosis: diagnosis is congruent with assessment content, and assessments completed in compliance with organization policy.
• Written assessments include MSE, provisional diagnosis, risk category, level of compliance and preliminary treatment plan with recommendations for ongoing treatment.
• Demonstrates familiarity about psychotropic medication use, side effects, and indications for psychiatric intervention.
• Admits/Refers clients to agency program(s) or external service providers according to current needs and/or clinical recommendation; recommendations include identification of special treatment needs or referral of high-risk clients.
• Collaborates with Clinical Director and Program Director regarding the assignment of clients to clinical staff.
• Complete medical record documentation: medical record documentation will comply with organization policy; records will reflect client contact within required time frames; records will reflect referrals for separate assessments as per policy; problem list will reflect current integration of client needs.
• Provide crisis intervention support when clients present in crisis during intake appointments or when presenting symptomology indicates a need for immediate clinical response.
• Adheres to appointment and office assignment schedule.
• Manages a small caseload and provides coverage for clinicians as operational needs allow (IOTSS).
• Completes all necessary third-party billing documentation; ensures accuracy of caseload reports; participates in supervision and attends staff meetings as directed; is available for evaluations, examinations and court appearances as necessary to protect the interest of the client and of PBH, for a negotiated fee.
• Completes all Individual Service Plans with Adult Partial Care clients.
• Plans and facilitates therapeutic groups and activities, which involve psycho‑education, medication education, nutrition, group counseling, behavior management, community meetings, coping skills, pre‑vocational skills, social skills, daily living skills, leisure activities, and alcohol/drug education, support groups as needed.
• Have primary responsibility for service coordination, provision or arrangement of services needed, personal advocacy, and development, review and updating of individual treatment and service plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in social work, mental health counseling, or another recognized mental health discipline.
• Licensure: NJ licensure as LSW, LAC, LAMFT, LCSW, LPC, or LMFT.
• Experience: Working with adults with a wide range of emotional and behavioral needs.

Skills

• Must maintain required CPR/First Aid certification.
• Demonstrates computer proficiency as required by job function and duties.

Benefits

• Medical and Dental Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Disability and Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Benefits, such as Vision Insurance, Aflac, Pet Insurance
• Training opportunities
• Employee Referral Bonus program

Pay

Salary: $50,000.00

Schedule

Full Time