Phone Counselor Assessor (Remote), Behavioral Health

Lifepoint Health • Louisville, KY

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Phone Counselor Assessor is the initial point of contact for people seeking behavioral health or substance use services. The role manages inquiry calls, schedules in-person and phone assessments, conducts tele-evaluations, and triages individuals according to safety and risk. It screens for medical and behavioral emergencies and ensures timely evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. The assessor conducts comprehensive screenings, coordinates care with clinical staff and on-call physicians, and provides patients and families with clear treatment guidance.

The position facilitates the service-request process, from initial response and evaluation through referral, designation of the appropriate level of care by the on-call provider, admission, and follow-up. It initiates screening tools, documents symptoms, functioning, and needs, communicates information to physicians, and completes admission-related paperwork and insurance pre-certification. The role requires attention to confidential information and understanding of healthcare compliance, including HIPAA. Work is remote, part-time, Thursday through Saturday, 12:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. EST.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related field from an accredited school, or a nursing degree from an accredited school as required by state regulations.
• Associate-level counseling or social work license, or registered nurse license, if required by state regulations.
• CPR certification within 30 days of employment and before any patient contact.
• De-escalation certification within 30 days of employment and before completion of orientation.
• Knowledge of behavioral healthcare.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of healthcare professionals.
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and understand healthcare regulatory and compliance requirements, including HIPAA.

Nice To Haves

• One year of assessment experience in an inpatient behavioral health care setting.
• Two years of experience working with patient populations served at the facility.

Responsibilities

• Respond to requests for services and facilitate the evaluation, referral, level-of-care designation by the on-call provider, admission, and appropriate follow-up.
• Conduct initial evaluations, initiate screening tools, document patient symptoms, functioning, and needs, and provide information to physicians.
• Manage inquiry calls, schedule in-person and phone assessments, conduct tele-evaluations, and triage individuals based on safety and risk.
• Screen for medical and behavioral emergencies and ensure timely evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.
• Coordinate patient care with clinical staff and on-call physicians and provide treatment guidance to patients and families.
• Assist patients, physicians, visitors, and coworkers promptly and courteously.
• Maintain accurate pre-admission and admission paperwork and complete insurance pre-certification.
• Follow Emergency Detention and EMTALA paperwork and processes.
• Apply healthcare regulatory and compliance requirements, including HIPAA, and follow applicable policies and procedures.
• Exhibit the company's stated core values and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Multiple levels of medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid family leave and paid time off.
• Higher education and certification tuition assistance.
• Loan assistance.
• 401(k) retirement package with company match.
• Wellness programs, including free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services, and discount programs.
• Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time