Admissions and Assessment Clinician

Admissions and Assessment Clinician

Department: Clinical Services / Intake
Reports To: Clinical Supervisor/ Intake Department
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Toledo and Beachwood, Ohio (Hybrid/Community-Based as Needed)

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.

The Intake Assessor works collaboratively with Clinical, Operations, Utilization Management, and community referral sources to ensure timely access to care, accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and a positive patient experience.

The ideal candidate is clinically strong, organized, collaborative, and comfortable working within a fast-paced behavioral health environment with strong documentation and compliance expectations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct 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.

• Complete diagnostic assessments and formulate clinical recommendations based on presenting symptoms, functional impairments, risk factors, substance use history, and psychosocial needs.

• 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.

• Coordinate with referral sources, hospitals, managed care organizations, probation/parole, schools, child welfare agencies, and other community providers regarding admissions and treatment recommendations.

• 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

Required

• 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,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 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.

Core Competencies

• Clinical assessment and interviewing skills

• Medical necessity and level of care determination

• Crisis identification and escalation

• Documentation accuracy and timeliness

• Communication and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive care

• Organization and workflow management

• Professional judgment and ethical practice

Work Environment & Expectations

• Office-based, and community-based work as operationally needed.

• May require travel between agency locations or community settings.

• Must maintain documentation timeliness standards and productivity expectations established by leadership.

• Must maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and compliance at all times.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and utilize standard office equipment for extended periods.

• Ability to travel locally as required for assessments or community coordination.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range: $60,000 – $90,000 annually, based on licensure, experience, education, clinical competency, and operational needs.

• Compensation placement may consider:

• Behavioral health licensure and credentials

• ASAM and diagnostic assessment experience

• Substance use and co-occurring treatment experience

• Intake and admissions experience

• Medicaid and managed care knowledge

• Independent clinical assessment capability

• Leadership and supervisory experience

• Health benefits (if eligible)

• PTO and paid holidays (if eligible)

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

• Opportunities for growth and advancement within Attain Behavioral Health

Equal Opportunity Employer