Master's Level Intake Clinician

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Intake Clinician plays a vital role in the initial assessment and onboarding process for individuals seeking behavioral health and/or substance use services at BestLife’s Outpatient Emotional Health & Wellness Center. The Clinician conducts comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, completes diagnostic impressions, and supports new clients—whether self-referred, court-mandated, or participating in the Massachusetts Impaired Driving (MID) program.

This role requires strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills across a wide range of presentations and age groups, from children to older adults. The Intake Clinician also helps orient clients to the clinic, facilitates appropriate referrals for ongoing services, and works collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams to ensure a smooth and timely transition into care.

Payrate: $57,000 - $63,000 depending on licensure

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Conduct a Massachusetts Standardized Biopsychosocial Assessment during the first session, including necessary addendums.
• Administer and complete evidence-based screening tools, including but not limited to CANS, PHQ-9, ASUDS, TB screening, and nicotine/health risk assessments.
• Complete court-related evaluations and treatment recommendation letters, when applicable.
• Ensure completion of all intake documentation, including authorizations, consents, enrollment forms, and service agreements.
• Submit all clinical and administrative documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory standards and deadlines.
• Coordinate with the Billing Department regarding insurance verification and payment arrangements.
• Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team, ensuring coordinated and integrated care planning.
• Actively engage in licensing and accreditation processes and agency quality improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison with community partners, including courts, state agencies, treatment providers, and referral sources.
• Pursue continuing education and professional development through trainings, conferences, and task force involvement.
• Promote and model MHA’s mission, values, and guiding principles in all internal and external interactions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Clinic Director and/or Clinical Supervisor.

About BestLife - Emotional Health & Wellness

The BestLife Emotional Health & Wellness Center provides compassionate, person-centered care for individuals, families, and couples facing mental health and substance use challenges. Using evidence-based approaches, our team supports both short-term needs and long-term recovery through services such as assessments, individual, group, family, and couples therapy, substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment, medication management, case coordination, and recovery support. Care is delivered by licensed clinicians and overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist, ensuring high-quality, supportive treatment every step of the way.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Mental Health Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, sufficient insurance, and clean driving record.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal abilities.
• Adaptability to meet changing participant and program needs.
• Warm, positive, and respectful approach with individuals in recovery.
• Effective under pressure, including in crisis situations.
• Familiarity with local community-based resources and recovery networks.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a behavioral health or addiction-related field is required.
• Independent licensure (LICSW, LMHC, LMFT, LADC-I) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts preferred, or license-eligible within 6 months.
• Experience working with diverse populations and clinical presentations across the lifespan.
• Strong clinical assessment, diagnostic, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and community-based organizations.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English strongly preferred; additional compensation available for bilingual candidates.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Long Term Disability

MHA – Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live their best life. We provide a wide range of services across Western Massachusetts, including outpatient therapy, substance use recovery, supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries, and residential and housing programs. MHA serves individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and homelessness. Our mission is rooted in inclusion, dignity, and empowering people to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Company Description

MHA – Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live their best life. We provide a wide range of services across Western Massachusetts, including outpatient therapy, substance use recovery, supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries, and residential and housing programs. MHA serves individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and homelessness. Our mission is rooted in inclusion, dignity, and empowering people to lead fulfilling, independent lives.