Assessment Therapist

About the role

Primarily responsible for conducting Diagnostic Assessments, the initial and comprehensive treatment planning. The Assessment Therapist determines the Level of Care (LOC) placement according to the ASAM Criteria for SUD clients. This position may also deliver other services within the scope of practice as needed and reports to the Assessment Manager.

Responsibilities

• Conducts behavioral health clinical assessments to determine the diagnosis, treatment, and support services a person needs.
• If the person meets the admission criteria to LBHS, establishes a person-centered, culturally competent initial treatment plan; factors in and applies the SNAP (strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences) of the person served in establishing the initial goals and objectives of treatment.
• Except for emergency services, services will not be activated until, at a minimum, the initial diagnostic assessment and treatment plan are established.
• Expands on the initial assessment after obtaining additional information required to establish and implement a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Ensures that initial assessments include, at a minimum, the reason for seeking services, the presenting problems, mental status, risk of harm to self and others, the use of alcohol or drugs, relevant physical, mental, and substance use/abuse history sufficient to form a provisional diagnosis.
• Determines the most appropriate, least restrictive, clinical level of care. For SUD, complies with the ASAM Criteria for the adult population.
• Works collaboratively with the client to determine the clinical and support priority needs and activates the necessary services to address those needs.
• Completes the relapse prevention and safety plan as needed and makes external referrals as clinically appropriate.
• Maintains an accurate and complete clinical record for each client served in compliance with quality and billing standards.
• Assists in program development and planning as assigned.
• Responds to requests for clinical information on clients served as allowed by law and applicable rules and regulations.
• Verbal and written communications of Protected Health Information (PHI) must comply with 42 CFR Part 2, mental health laws, and HIPAA.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Active LISW, LPCC, LSW, or LPC license.
• Strong, proven experience in conducting Diagnostic Assessments.
• Knowledge and skills in assessing co-occurring disorders in behavioral health.
• Competency in conducting Mental Status Examination and Lethality Assessment.
• Superb written and spoken communication skills.
• Able to organize and manage large amounts of files, schedules, dates, and information.
• Must pass BCI check, all Corporate Compliance checks, and employment drug screen.

Desired Experience

• Knowledge and skills in assessment methods and interviewing techniques.
• Use of Assessment tools such as DSM-5 and ASAM Criteria for the Adult Population.
• Understanding complex needs, primarily of a person with mental health, drug interactions, and social vulnerability.
• Ability to put together a clinical summary.
• Good understanding of how to prioritize treatment needs and the person's vulnerabilities.
• Application of person-centered, culturally competent, SNAP-based treatment planning using evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Pay

• $60,000 – $67,500 for Bachelors LSW
• $65,000 – $72,500 for LPC, Masters LSW, LICDC, & LICDC-CS
• $70,000 – $80,000 for LISW & LPCC

Compensation is dependent on licensure and years of experience.

Schedule

Full time, Monday - Friday

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO and sick time)
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Paid continuing education with supervision
• Parental leave
• Eligibility for loan forgiveness programs