CANS Assessor

CANS Assessor

Position Summary

The CANS Assessor is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments utilizing the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool to evaluate behavioral health needs, strengths, functioning, and service requirements for children, adolescents, and families. The assessor collaborates with clients, families, providers, schools, and referral sources to gather information, complete accurate assessments, and support the development of individualized treatment and service recommendations.

Preference will be given to candidates who are currently certified in the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment. However, Butterfly Support Services is willing to provide training to qualified candidates who possess relevant experience and demonstrate the ability to effectively assess, engage, and support children and families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct CANS assessments in accordance with OhioRISE, state, payer, and organizational requirements.
• Gather information through interviews, observations, record reviews, and collateral contacts.
• Assess behavioral health, emotional, social, educational, environmental, and family functioning needs and strengths.
• Complete assessments accurately and within required timelines.
• Develop recommendations regarding level of care, service needs, and treatment planning.
• Collaborate with families, schools, healthcare providers, care coordinators, and community partners to obtain necessary information.
• Maintain compliance with all documentation, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training activities.
• Monitor reassessment deadlines and complete updates as required.
• Utilize electronic health record systems to document assessment findings.
• Maintain current knowledge of CANS requirements, behavioral health best practices, and applicable regulations.
• Provide professional and culturally responsive services to diverse populations.
• Support continuity of care through effective communication with treatment teams and referral sources.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of one year of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in behavioral health, social services, case management, child welfare, education, or a related field.
• Strong interviewing, assessment, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel throughout the service area.

Preferred

• Current Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) certification preferred but not required,
• Experience conducting behavioral health, psychosocial, or diagnostic assessments.
• Experience working with Medicaid populations and OhioRISE services.
• Experience in school-based, community-based, or behavioral health settings.
• Ohio behavioral health experience.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Understanding of behavioral health diagnoses and treatment systems.
• Ability to establish rapport with children, families, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, time management, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Ability to make appropriate recommendations regarding service needs and levels of care.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, Microsoft Office applications, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Work Environment

This position may involve community-based, school-based, office-based, and virtual assessment activities. Local travel is required to complete assessments and meet with families, schools, and referral sources.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel locally on a regular basis.
• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, licensure, and CANS certification status. Butterfly Support Services offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities for professional growth and development.