Intake Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Intake Counselor

Department: Clinical Services
Reports To:

• Clinical Director (Clinical Supervision)
• Program Director (Administrative Supervision – Scheduling, Attendance, and Day-to-Day Operations)

Position Summary

The Intake Counselor serves as the first clinical point of contact for individuals entering treatment at Marietta Springs. This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive intake assessments, facilitating admissions processes, orienting clients to treatment services, and supporting clients throughout the early stages of care. The Intake Counselor works collaboratively with clinical, utilization review, medical, and program staff to ensure a smooth admission experience and continuity of care while maintaining the highest standards of clinical documentation, client engagement, and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Admissions & Intake Services

• Conduct initial client intakes and admissions procedures.
• Complete and review all required admission paperwork, including:
  • Consents for treatment
  • Financial responsibility forms
  • Releases of Information (ROIs)
  • Program-specific documentation
• Gather and verify demographic, clinical, and referral information.
• Conduct comprehensive Intake Assessments and Bio-Psycho-Social Assessments.
• Identify immediate clinical, medical, safety, and psychosocial needs upon admission.
• Ensure all admission documentation is completed accurately and within required timelines.

Client Orientation & Engagement

• Orient new clients to program rules, expectations, schedules, and treatment services.
• Assist clients in understanding the treatment process and available resources.
• Serve as a primary point of contact during the admission and adjustment period.
• Help clients navigate their treatment journey and address barriers to engagement.

Clinical Services

• Facilitate group therapy sessions as assigned.
• Participate in treatment planning and interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Provide support for crisis intervention and client de-escalation when needed.
• Assist with AMA (Against Medical Advice) intervention efforts to encourage treatment retention.
• Conduct initial family or emergency contact communications when clinically appropriate.

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Identify and address immediate case management needs upon admission.
• Collaborate with clinical, medical, and support staff to coordinate client care.
• Communicate completed intake assessments and admission information to the Utilization Review (UR) team in a timely manner.
• Assist with care transitions and ongoing client support throughout treatment.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all clinical documentation in accordance with agency, state, federal, and accreditation standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive client records within the electronic health record.
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and all applicable regulations.
• Document crisis interventions, assessments, client interactions, and treatment-related activities as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with observed and unobserved urine drug screens as needed.
• Support program operations and client needs as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Clinical Director or Program Director.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• CADC, LADAC, LMSW, LPC/MHSP, LCSW, or other behavioral health credential preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Experience

• Experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, mental health, or related clinical settings preferred.
• Experience conducting assessments and clinical documentation preferred.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and recovery-oriented treatment practices preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong assessment and interviewing skills.
• Ability to establish rapport with clients in crisis and early recovery.
• Knowledge of addiction, mental health, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Effective crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to respond appropriately during client crises or emergency situations.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

This position operates within a behavioral health treatment setting and involves frequent interaction with individuals experiencing substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. The Intake Counselor must maintain professional boundaries, exercise sound clinical judgment, and contribute to a safe and therapeutic treatment environment.