Intake/Assessment Counselor

Horizon Health Services • Town of Tonawanda, NY

11h • $49,712 - $58,552 • Onsite

About The Position

The Intake/Assessment Counselor is the first clinical contact for patients beginning their path to wellness and recovery. The role conducts short-term, person-centered assessments, supports case conceptualization, and matches patients with counselors based on clinical needs and preferences. The counselor engages patients, family members, and other supports to prepare for treatment and promote positive outcomes, and makes clinical recommendations based on patient diagnoses and treatment goals as part of the transition-of-care process.

The counselor works with a multidisciplinary team and across Horizon’s broader resources, including care coordination, psychiatric services, peer support, financial social work, and crisis management. The position includes a structured onboarding program with mentorship, individualized training, coaching, clinical support, group supervision, case conferences, and individual feedback. Horizon provides evidence-based clinical training and ongoing learning opportunities, including CEUs.

This position is based at Horizon’s clinic at 1376 Niagara Falls Blvd, Tonawanda, New York. The schedule is coordinated with a supervisor to meet clinic, patient, and employee needs. Outpatient clinics have expanded hours Monday through Thursday, and the counselor must be available at least two evenings per week. The stated pay range is $49,712–$58,552, with starting pay potentially affected by experience and education. The role also offers bonus earning potential, with a stated annual maximum of $9,000 based on service-visit volume and cash-equivalent opt-out benefits.

Requirements

• CASAC-T (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor) certification or higher, plus a bachelor's degree; alternatively, a completed master's degree in a program that grants licensure in New York State.
• Availability at least two evenings per week.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first clinical contact for patients beginning their path to wellness and recovery.
• Conduct short-term, person-centered assessments focused on case conceptualization and matching patients with counselors according to clinical needs and preferences.
• Engage patients, family members, and other supports to establish a foundation for treatment and increase positive treatment outcomes.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and receive ongoing coaching and clinical support.
• Build mentoring and leadership skills through group supervision, case conferences, individual feedback, and work with a clinical coach.
• Develop collaborative relationships with agency staff through the transition-of-care process.
• Make clinical recommendations based on patient diagnoses and treatment goals.
• Function as a therapist within a broader system of resources, including care coordination, psychiatric services, peer supports, financial social work, and crisis management.

Benefits

• Behavioral Health AI-powered platform to assist with note documentation.
• Structured onboarding, individualized training, mentorship, and a clinical attending.
• Free clinical and nonclinical training through Horizon University, with ongoing learning opportunities and CEUs.
• Reimbursement of expenses for licensure, certification, and renewal.
• Career growth opportunities, including flexibility to work in mental health and addiction services.
• Monthly student loan assistance; the posting states this can provide an additional $600 in loan payoff after one year.
• Quarterly bonuses, with annual earning potential stated as up to $9,000 in the compensation section.
• 10% tuition discount through Capella University for employees and eligible family members, including spouses and children up to age 30.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level