ADMISSIONS / PROGRAM COUNSELOR LICENSED THERAPIST

About the role

Preferred Behavioral Health Group is a dynamic and innovative non-profit organization dedicated to changing lives and saving lives across New Jersey through a Trauma Informed Care culture. We are an award-winning team named one of "THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN NEW JERSEY" for 2024 and 2025 by NJBIZ. Our mission is supported by a diverse team where employees feel valued and encouraged to grow. We embrace a growth mindset and are committed to staff development.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments on adults 18+ seeking outpatient mental health services.
• 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 congruent with assessment content, in compliance with organization policy.
• Write assessments including Mental Status Exam (MSE), provisional diagnosis, risk category, level of compliance, and preliminary treatment plan with recommendations for ongoing treatment.
• Demonstrate familiarity with psychotropic medication use, side effects, and indications for psychiatric intervention.
• Admit/refer clients to agency programs or external service providers according to current needs and/or clinical recommendation, including identification of special treatment needs or referral of high-risk clients.
• Collaborate with Clinical Director and Program Director regarding the assignment of clients to clinical staff.
• Complete medical record documentation that complies with organization policy, reflects client contact within required time frames, and includes referrals for separate assessments as per policy.
• Provide crisis intervention support when clients present in crisis during intake appointments or when presenting symptomology indicates a need for immediate clinical response.
• Adhere to appointment and office assignment schedule; manage a small caseload and provide coverage for clinicians as operational needs allow (IOTSS).
• Complete all necessary third-party billing documentation and ensure accuracy of caseload reports.
• Participate in supervision and attend staff meetings as directed.
• Be available for evaluations, examinations, and court appearances as necessary to protect the interest of the client and of PBH, for a negotiated fee.
• Complete all Individual Service Plans with Adult Partial Care clients.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic groups and activities involving 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.
• Maintain required CPR/First Aid certification.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency as required by job function and duties.

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.

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