IM CANS Assessor

Job Summary

The IM+CANS Assessor is responsible for completing high-quality, timely Illinois Medicaid Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS) assessments for individuals receiving substance use disorder services. This role ensures compliance with state, CCBHC, and organizational requirements by conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, identifying service needs, and supporting clinical decision-making.

The Assessor works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure assessments inform treatment planning, level of care determinations (in coordination with ASAM), and ongoing care coordination. This position may serve clients across outpatient, medication-assisted treatment (OTP), and residential settings.

• Conduct IM+CANS assessments in accordance with Illinois requirements and established timelines.
• Complete comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations, including substance use, mental health, medical, social determinants, and risk domains.
• Engage clients in a professional, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive manner during the assessment process.
• Identify strengths, needs, and risk factors to inform treatment planning and service recommendations.
• Coordinate with clinical staff to ensure alignment between IM+CANS findings and ASAM level of care determinations.

• Collaborate with counselors, case managers, medical staff, and peer support staff to communicate assessment findings.
• Participate in case staffing to support appropriate service linkage and care planning.
• Ensure assessment findings are effectively translated into individualized treatment plans.
• Coordinate reassessments and updates as clinically indicated or required by regulation.

• Complete and submit IM+CANS assessments within required time frames and maintain compliance with Illinois Medicaid, CCBHC, and organizational standards.
• Accurately document all assessment activities in the electronic health record (e.g., AvatarNX).
• Maintain audit-ready documentation that supports medical necessity and service authorization.
• Ensure consistency and integrity between IM+CANS assessments, ASAM assessments, and treatment plans.

• Participate in internal quality assurance activities, including chart reviews and documentation audits.
• Monitor for accuracy, completeness, and consistency of assessment data.
• Address discrepancies and provide corrections in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Support performance improvement initiatives related to access, timeliness, and documentation quality.

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and supervision.
• Provide consultation to staff regarding IM+CANS interpretation and application.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to support continuity of care.
• Support onboarding and training efforts related to assessment processes as needed.

• Maintain active IM+CANS certification and complete all required trainings.
• Stay current with Illinois Medicaid, CCBHC, and Rule 2060 requirements.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to assessment, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in behavioral health or substance use disorder treatment.
• Experience conducting comprehensive assessments preferred.
• Familiarity with ASAM Criteria and level of care determinations strongly preferred.
• IM+CANS Certification required.
• Strong understanding of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to conduct structured assessments and synthesize clinical information.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (AvatarNX preferred).
• Ability to travel between program sites as needed.
• Ability to meet productivity and timeliness expectations for assessments.

• Primarily office-based and community-based work environment.
• May require travel between Friend Health – HRDI program locations and community service sites.
• Regular interaction with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and other behavioral health challenges.
• Frequent use of computers, electronic health records, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively for extended periods.
• May require occasional evening or flexible hours to meet program and client needs.

Comprehensive Benefits…