Assessment Counselor PRN

Pyramid Healthcare•Joppa, MD

14h•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Pyramid Healthcare is seeking an Assessment Counselor for its Harford County inpatient treatment facility in Joppa, Maryland. The counselor conducts comprehensive clinical, substance use, and mental health assessments for people seeking behavioral healthcare. The role evaluates presenting concerns, treatment history, functioning, risk factors, and recovery supports; determines appropriate levels of care; identifies immediate safety needs; and supports admission and referral decisions. The Assessment Counselor works with clients, families, referral sources, medical professionals, community agencies, and interdisciplinary treatment teams to coordinate clinically informed care. Assessments may be conducted by phone or face to face. The position also supports crisis response, admission coordination, documentation, insurance authorization and utilization review, and continuity of care. It operates primarily in an inpatient behavioral healthcare environment and may involve emotionally sensitive situations, crisis concerns, and exposure to communicable illnesses.

Requirements

Possess one of the following Maryland credentials: Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT), Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Graduate Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LGADC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical (LCSW-C).
Have active trainee status, certification, or professional licensure recognized by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists or the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners.
Demonstrate strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
Have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Be able to establish rapport quickly with individuals in crisis or early recovery.
Have knowledge of substance use disorders and behavioral health conditions.
Be able to identify safety concerns and respond appropriately.
Understand levels of care and treatment placement recommendations.
Demonstrate strong organization, documentation, and time-management skills.
Work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrate sound ethical judgment and commitment to confidentiality.
Be proficient with electronic health records and clinical documentation.
Successfully complete criminal background screening, drug screening, license and credential verification, and any required state-mandated clearances.
Meet applicable federal, state, regulatory, and accrediting-body requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience or specialized training in substance use disorder assessments.
Experience or specialized training in inpatient, residential, detoxification, or behavioral healthcare settings.
Experience or specialized training in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Experience or specialized training in crisis intervention and risk assessment.
Experience or specialized training in ASAM level-of-care criteria.
Experience or specialized training in Motivational Interviewing.
Experience or specialized training in trauma-informed care.
Experience or specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Experience or specialized training in relapse prevention and recovery planning.
Experience or specialized training in insurance authorization and utilization review.
Experience or specialized training in electronic health record systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive substance use and mental health assessments.
Complete biopsychosocial evaluations covering behavioral, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, medical, and social needs.
Assess presenting problems, treatment history, current functioning, risk factors, and recovery supports.
Determine appropriate levels of care and make clinically appropriate treatment recommendations.
Complete suicide risk, withdrawal, psychiatric, and crisis assessments as needed.
Identify co-occurring mental health conditions and other behavioral health concerns.
Conduct telephonic and face-to-face assessments with prospective clients.
Coordinate admissions, referrals, transfers, and placements with internal and external providers.
Collaborate with medical staff, clinical teams, referral sources, families, and community agencies.
Provide crisis intervention and support to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health concerns.
Explain program services, treatment expectations, admission requirements, and client rights.
Obtain and verify clinical, demographic, insurance, and medication information.
Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record.
Assist with insurance verification, authorization requests, and utilization review processes.
Coordinate referrals and follow-up services to support continuity of care.
Participate in treatment team meetings, case consultations, and clinical reviews as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in accordance with ethical and regulatory standards.
Complete required training and maintain compliance with company, licensing, and accreditation requirements.
Participate in on-call rotations and perform other duties as assigned.