Assessment Counselor

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Position Summary

The Independently Licensed Assessment Counselor provides comprehensive behavioral health, mental health, and substance use assessments for individuals seeking care at Meridian Health Care. This position plays a critical role in evaluating clinical needs, formulating diagnostic impressions, and recommending appropriate levels of care. The counselor ensures timely, accurate, and person-centered assessments that guide treatment planning and service coordination, supporting Meridian’s mission to provide integrated, high-quality care to individuals and families across the continuum of recovery.

• Conduct diagnostic assessments for individuals presenting with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders in accordance with agency policies and professional standards.
• Utilize independent clinical judgment to determine DSM-5-TR diagnoses, assess client strengths and needs, and develop individualized treatment recommendations.
• Complete biopsychosocial evaluations and narrative summaries that accurately capture presenting problems, risk factors, and treatment priorities.
• Collaborate with clients and families to develop individualized treatment and aftercare plans that promote engagement and recovery.
• Provide clinical education and orientation to clients regarding treatment options, rights, confidentiality, and available support services.
• Meet productivity standards (minimum 50% direct service or 1,040 hours annually) while maintaining quality and compliance expectations.
• Coordinate referrals and linkages to internal and external providers for psychiatric, medical, housing, vocational, and social support services.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and agency standards.
• Participate in supervision and multidisciplinary team meetings, presenting complex cases for clinical review and feedback.
• Ensure complete and accurate clinical documentation, including:
  • Intake and assessment documentation
  • Master treatment plan development and updates
  • Progress notes, service logs, and discharge summaries
  • Referrals, correspondence, and follow-up documentation
• Engage in quality improvement activities and support the agency’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Maintain current professional licensure and complete all required continuing education for independent practice (LISW, LPCC, LICDC, or equivalent).
• Participate in agency safety and emergency preparedness procedures, including drills and compliance audits.
• Report unusual incidents, clinical crises, or client emergencies promptly according to agency policy.
• Attend all required staff meetings, supervision sessions, and trainings.
• Uphold Meridian Health Care’s mission and values, maintaining professionalism, integrity, and respect in all client and team interactions.
• Maintain professional appearance and conduct consistent with agency standards.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by the Program Manager, Director, or Chief Executive Officer.

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health field.
• Active independent license in the State of Ohio (LISW, LPCC, LICDC, or equivalent).
• Experience conducting assessments for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.
• Strong understanding of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, ASAM placement levels, and integrated care models.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and clinical formulation skills.
• Commitment to trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.

Seniority level
:
Entry level

Employment type
:
Full-time

Job function
:
Other

Industries
:
Hospitals and Health Care