Assessment Clinician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: Assessment Clinician

Organization: Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA)

Website:

Location: Cleveland, Ohio

Reports to: Intake Manager

Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA), a nonprofit organization committed to promoting long-term recovery and wellness through peer-based support and evidence-based treatment services, is seeking a highly responsible Intake Specialist/Assessment Clinician. The Intake Specialist / Assessment Clinician serves as a member of the Northern Ohio Recovery

Association (NORA) clinical and administrative support team and is responsible for central

intake, assessment, referral, and admission coordination for individuals seeking mental health

and addiction treatment services. Under general supervision, this position provides individual,

group, biopsychosocial assessment, and referral services across all levels of care and works as

part of an interdisciplinary team to identify and address the complex needs of persons seeking

chemical dependency and mental health services.

• Coordinate central intake functions for clients accessing substance use disorder and mental health treatment services at Northern Ohio Recovery Association, including screening, intake scheduling, admission coordination, referral management, and service follow-up.

• Complete timely, accurate, and non-biased biopsychosocial assessments; gather clinical, psychosocial, and presenting-need information; and support level-of-care recommendations using DSM-5 and ASAM-informed clinical practice standards.

• Provide diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations consistent with scope of licensure, agency procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.

• Deliver individual and group services, as assigned, and coordinate referrals to internal and external providers across the continuum of care.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation to support clinical quality, utilization review, fiscal integrity, billing compliance, and audit readiness.

• Monitor admission and discharge status, client level-of-care information, restrictions, special concerns, treatment planning needs, and unusual events, while ensuring continuity of care and effective communication among team members.

• Support crisis resolution, eligibility determination, and follow-up coordination related to admission criteria and ongoing client service needs.

• Participate as an active member of the multidisciplinary team and collaborate with clinical and non-clinical leadership on quality assurance, peer review, supervision, utilization monitoring, data collection, and performance improvement activities.

• Assist in the implementation of emergency procedures, admissions protocols, workflow improvements, and service access processes that promote safe, efficient operations.

• Participate in supervision, required trainings, and ongoing professional development activities, and assist with orientation or training of student interns as assigned. 

• Represent NORA professionally with clients, families, referral sources, community partners, employers, faith-based organizations, and other agencies, and effectively communicate program strengths and available services.

• Ensure client records and service delivery practices remain in compliance with applicable state, payer, and accreditation requirements.

• Ability to recognize emergencies and life-threatening situations and respond calmly, appropriately, and effectively.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage clients, families, visitors, community representatives, and multidisciplinary team members in a professional and respectful manner.

• Strong organizational skills, customer service skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to provide trauma-informed, person-centered care that reflects dignity, cultural responsiveness, and respect for diverse populations.

• Ability to work effectively within a team structure while also being self-directed and using sound independent judgment within scope of role. 

• Ability to adapt to changing operational demands, reimbursement requirements, regulatory expectations, and managed care environments.

• Ability to contribute ideas for process improvement, support agency initiatives, and help advance high-quality client care.

• Knowledge of integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, including familiarity with the Integrated Dual Disorder

• Treatment model or similar evidence-informed practices.

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a closely related behavioral health field is required.

• Current Ohio licensure as LISW, LPCC, IMFT, LICDC, or equivalent is preferred/required based on position classification and scope of services.

• A master’s degree in counseling or social work with current Ohio licensure as LPC, LSW, or LMFT may be considered if independent licensure can be obtained within one year of hire.

• Candidates must maintain current licensure, certification, continuing education, and ethical practice standards required by their respective professional board or credentialing body.

• Minimum of three years of behavioral health clinical experience required. 

• At least two years of experience providing assessment, referral, intake, or related clinical access services preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience with behavioral health documentation, diagnosis, treatment planning, referral coordination, and customer service follow-up required.

• Working knowledge of DSM-5, ASAM Criteria, biopsychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, and evidence-informed therapeutic and engagement skills is required.