Assessment Specialist

Assessment Specialist Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Full-time counselor position: M-F 40hours/week 7:30am - 3:30pm

Pay: $63,000 - $68,000 [*_63K-65K ADC-T, LADC 66K-68K] DOQ*_

Job description:

Who We Are

Our mission is to break the cycle of addiction and trauma for women, children and families.

Seventy years ago, Wayside Recovery, formerly The Wayside House, Inc., began with a mission to improve the quality of women’s lives.

Since then, Wayside has become an expert in delivering gender-specific and trauma-informed substance use treatment and mental health services for women and their families.

Wayside Recovery provides a holistic array of substance use treatment for adult women, including outpatient and residential substance use treatment, recovery support services, adult and children’s mental health therapy, long-term supportive housing, and family support services.

Our vision is that all women, children, and families achieve healing and hope for their future free from the effects of addiction and trauma.

As a full time Assessment Specialist-LADC Counselor, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women, children, and their families throughout Minnesota.

Assessment Specialist report to Residential Site Specialist

Position Summary:
The Assessment Specialist is responsible for coordinating the client admission process and completing comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for individuals entering the program. This role ensures that all intake documentation, clinical screenings, and risk assessments are completed accurately and in compliance with regulatory, licensing, and organizational standards. The Assessment Specialist collaborates with clinical, medical, and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition into care and that each client receives an appropriate level of treatment based on assessed needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Intake & Admissions

• Conduct onsite intake process for all new client admissions.
• Verify required documentation, consent forms, releases of information, and program agreements.
• Review referral information and confirm appropriateness for the level of care.
• Coordinate with admissions, nursing, and clinical staff to ensure a seamless transition into the program.
• Provide orientation to the program, expectations, and policies upon arrival.

Comprehensive Assessments

• Complete thorough comprehensive assessments to evaluate mental health, substance use, medical history, trauma history, family dynamics, and social functioning.
• Conduct risk assessments for suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors, homicidal ideation, and safety concerns.
• Assess readiness for treatment and identify immediate clinical needs.
• Utilize standardized assessment tools and screening instruments when applicable.
• Ensure accurate clinical documentation within the electronic health record.

Clinical Coordination

• Communicate assessment findings with the treatment team to support treatment planning.
• Provide recommendations for level of care, clinical services, and support needs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care.
• Escalate urgent safety or medical concerns to the appropriate team members immediately.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation that meets organizational, licensing, and accreditation standards.
• Ensure all intake paperwork and assessments are completed within required timeframes.
• Protect client confidentiality and follow all HIPAA regulations.

Client Engagement

• Build rapport with clients during the admission process to promote engagement in treatment.
• Provide emotional support and clear communication during what may be a stressful transition into care.
• Address client questions about the program, expectations, and next steps in treatment.

Job Responsibilities

· Role model behavior, which is consistent with and supportive to people in recovery from substance use disorders. Such behavior will include upholding ethical standards, reliable attendance and adhering to the mission of Wayside Recovery Center.

· Assist with the training and development of interns as directed.

· Participate in in-services, workshops, coursework, and other continuing education relative to quality client care.

· Participate in weekly multidisciplinary staff meetings.

· Participate in on-site clinical supervision.

· Follow all 245G guidelines.

· Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with state guidelines and HIPAA requirements, in addition to a working understanding of CRF-42.

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

• Experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, residential treatment, or mental health settings preferred.
• Strong assessment, documentation, and clinical interviewing skills.
• Knowledge of risk assessment related to suicide, self-harm, and safety planning.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with ASAM criteria, DSM-5 diagnoses, or level of care determinations.
• Experience in residential treatment or intensive outpatient programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· ADC-T or LADC with license in good standing or dual licensed with mental health licensure or pre-licensure (LAMFT/LMFT, LGSW/LICSW, LPC/LPCC). Preference will be given to candidate with experience with mental health and trauma-informed care.

· 1-3 years clinical experience desirable.

· Experience with mental health and trauma informed care.

· Must be able to pass DHS background study.

· Demonstrated ability to time manage and work effectively with women of diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.

· Organizational and excellent computer skills essential.

· Strong attention to detail with problem solving skills.

· Well organized and self-directed who is also a team player.

· Microsoft Outlook/Office experience required.

· Reliable transportation.

· Must be able to demonstrate an ability to be responsive in an effective manner, while maintaining a warm and supportive atmosphere.

· Understanding of HIPPA and Mandated Reporting laws.

· Must be 18 years or older.

· Must be able to climb stairs.

· Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

LADC Qualifications:

The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy sets the qualifications for LADC licensure. The standard method requires:

• A bachelor's degree.
• 18-semester credits (or 270 clock hours) of alcohol and drug counseling coursework.
• An 880-hour alcohol and drug counseling practicum.
• Passing a written comprehensive exam or both a written and an oral exam.

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.

Work Location: This is an in-person position. Hybrid/remote work is not offered for this role.

A staff member with direct contact must be free from problematic substance use for at least 1 year immediately preceding employment as a condition of employment.

This is a legal requirement for employment in licensed substance abuse treatment programs in Minnesota.

Benefits:

Stipends for on call counselor rotation

Retirement plan- Employees who are 18 years old and work at least 20 hours per week are eligible to participate upon hire and eligible for the 4% match after 1 year of employment and must be 21 years old and work 1000 hours in the calendar year

· 403(b)

· 403(b) matching- employer match (4% match eligible after 1 year of employment and 21 years old and work at least 1000 hours in the calendar year)

Benefits- Full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week are eligible to enroll

· Health insurance -a portion of the premium is paid by the employer

· Dental insurance-paid 100% by the employee

· Vision insurance-paid 100% by the employee

· Life insurance 50K -Paid by Wayside for all full time employees

· Disability insurance, STD and LTD -Paid by Wayside for all full time employees

Voluntary Life, Hospital, Accident and Critical illness- paid 100% by the employee

PTO

· Paid time off for full time employees starting at 120 hours accrued annually

· Paid training

· Student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

· CEU and License renewal fee reimbursement

Pay: $63,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Please tell me more about your experience and why you would be a good fit for this position.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• SUD: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• MN LADC or ADCT (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Saint Louis Park, MN 55416 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $63,000 - $68,000