Sa Assessment Specialist

Job Details

Job Location:

Albert Thomas Medical Center - Prichard, AL 36610

Under the supervision of the Substance Abuse Clinical Director, the Substance Abuse Assessment Specialist conducts thorough intake interviews and screenings in order to determine the applicants’ primary diagnosis and eligibility for substance use treatment. The assessment specialist coordinates the admission of clients eligible to enter the Franklin Primary Health Center’s substance abuse treatment program and coordinates referrals to other certified agencies for individuals who are not appropriate for Franklin Primary programs.

The assessment specialist ensures that client selection and admittance is compliant with the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s administrative code and assigns clients to an individual counselor in a fair and equitable manner, ensuring that counselor caseloads are evenly managed. In addition, the assessment specialist manages a reduced caseload of 15-20 clients, providing therapy and therapeutic services as appropriate.

• Determines applicants’ eligibility for substance abuse treatment within Franklin Primary’s substance abuse program or elsewhere by conducting thorough intake interviews and screening assessments to collect and record pertinent information about the applicants’ background and need for rehabilitation.
• Responsible for making a cursory evaluation prior to admission of each client, observing the program’s admission and readmission policies.
• Prepares the Adult Placement Assessment for each individual.
• Inputs client information into both FPHC EPIC system and the Department of Mental Health FEI system, throughout the client’s admission in the program.
• Ensures the maintenance and security of all client files; files case records, records interview summaries, and verifies information.
• Develops initial treatment plans and recommends clients for internal and external programs.
• Collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of clinical services.
• Assists clients in completing necessary paperwork including problems, goals, objectives, and interventions.
• Completes orientation check-off form and obtains release of information forms when appropriate.
• Prepares, maintains, and/or assists in reviewing case records and logs all applicants; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.
• Serves as liaison to outside agencies in order to refer clients to outside programs; maintains awareness of comparable agencies and changes, norms, and practices in the substance abuse community.
• Performs crisis intervention counseling for walk‑in clients and families focusing on the immediate problem and assessing the situation, determining their motivation for help, and designating appropriate resources for referral for short term and/or long-term counseling and additional services.
• Maintains a reduced caseload of clients admitted to treatment services (15‑20 clients).
• Completes all required documentation for client caseload of individual sessions, family sessions, referral contacts, and therapeutic treatment.
• Utilizes evidence‑based counseling techniques including but not limited to motivational interviewing, 12 Step counseling, cognitive therapy techniques; coordinates referrals for more intensive treatment if needed.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and know how to de‑escalate or resolve the situation.
• Records and prepares statistical records reflecting the number of interviews conducted, clients admitted to the Center as well as their participation in Center programs; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.
• Attends and participates in all staff, production, and clinical meetings or other scheduled…