Assessment Specialist Contractor

The Assessment Specialist supports the clinical and operational functions of Tandem Behavioral
Health by assisting with assessments, treatment plans, and authorization requests. This role may
also be tasked with review of DAP notes, chart audits, and discharge summaries. This role ensures
high-quality, evidence-based care, regulatory compliance with Virginia Medicaid and DBHDS
standards.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Referral & Intake Coordination
Conduct screenings, admissions, referrals, and assessments.
Completion of Initial Treatment Plan
Ensure that document is complete in its entirety in preparation for intake appointments.
Authorizations
Complete Continued Stay requests, as clinically appropriate
Complete Initial Authorization requests for initiation of services
Follow up on the status of authorization requests, as needed
Input authorization approvals into the EHR
Follow up on discrepancies with authorization requests

Documentation & Records
Ensure timely completion of discharge summaries
Approve and monitor Client Service Plans.
Develop and update Individualized Service Plans (ISPs).
Submit and/or approve all clinical documentation, including progress notes, treatment
plans, and assessments, within 24 hours, in compliance with Virginia Medicaid guidelines.
Maintain accuracy and confidentiality of client records.
Participate in Peer-to-Peer reviews, as needed

Operations &; Compliance
Ensure compliance with Medicaid, DBHDS, and internal policies.
Follow procedures for grievances/complaints and abuse/neglect/exploitation reporting.
Maintain organized digital records and contribute to risk management documentation.
Initiate, conduct, assign, and follow up on all investigations of client abuse, neglect, and/or
exploitation.
Conduct pre-service and in-service staff training, as needed.
Track, monitor, and approve time off requests and timecards for direct reports.
Assist with audit and accreditation visits as needed

Qualifications
Master’s degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required; license or
license-eligible (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, etc.) preferred.
Minimum 2–3 years of experience in behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment.
Knowledge of Virginia Medicaid guidelines, DBHDS regulations, and clinical documentation
standards.
Supervisory or team lead experience strongly preferred
Valid Virginia driver’s license with current DMV driving record.
Certifications required: CPR, First Aid, and Behavior Modification.

Skills & Competencies
Strong organizational and time-management skills with ability to multitask.
Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, and documentation skills.
Ability to supervise, coach, and motivate staff effectively.
Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and fax/email systems.
Ability to work collaboratively with clinical, administrative, and leadership staff.
Able to de-escalate stressful situations.

Reporting Structure
Reports to: Clinical Supervisor
Direct Support to: N/A
Collaborates with: Part-time Clinical Coordinator, Counselors, HR/Marketing Coordinator

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools,
or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and
arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift
and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close

Tandem Behavioral Health vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise
level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by
the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other
job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person
authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential
functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably
accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will
possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements
may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of
themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of
knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied
or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.