Intake Therapist- Adult outpatient

Company Overview

The Guidance Center has been a recognized leader in our field since 1958, offering a broad range of services that help children, adults and families unlock potential and build better lives. With 25 programs, we provide treatment, prevention, growth and education services to more than 15,000 people annually. We nurture development, foster resilience, and cultivate well‑being.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Intake Therapist to join our team of talented professionals.

We offer a market‑based compensation structure. The estimated salary for this position starts at $52,026.00 per year and is based on a candidate’s transferable work experience and qualifications. Compensation includes a comprehensive benefit package with affordable medical plans, employer‑paid dental, vision and long‑term disability, 401(k), flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care, paid time off, and 11 paid holidays.

As an Intake Therapist in the Adult Behavioral Health Program, you will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct intake assessments to identify areas of need and service preferences, and complete documentation within 48 hours.
• Gather and integrate information from all available sources at the time of intake, including consumer self‑reports, reports from family members, guardians and Adult Foster Care providers, documented medical and treatment history, needs surveys, assessments from other disciplines, etc.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to assess and articulate the motivation of consumers to address specific needs identified during the assessment process.
• Provide consumers, family members and guardians with complete and accurate information regarding each of the services and supports available to meet needs identified during the assessment process.
• Assist consumers with initiating the person‑centered planning process (consistent with principles of Person‑Centered Planning, Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment, Self‑Determination and current Medicaid Guidelines).
• Develop Safety Plans as circumstances require based on needs identified during the assessment process.
• Identify those consumers who require more extensive evaluation to identify their needs and preferences, and facilitate referrals for psychological testing, discovery groups, etc. as needed.
• Consider and promote the utilization of group and recovery support services.
• Participate in regularly scheduled clinical supervision, case consultations and team meetings.
• Document all face‑to‑face service activity and phone contact pertaining to consumers.
• Perform within acceptable standards of productivity.
• Complete all documentation within expected time frames and respond in writing to routine chart reviews and audits.
• Maintain appropriate state licensure or certification.
• Complete 24 hours of program and/or position specific training on an annual basis.
• Maintain appropriate professional ethics and boundaries.
• Abide by all Guidance Center policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling and possess the corresponding State of Michigan licensure, with at least one year post‑Master’s experience providing mental health treatment services to adults with severe mental illness. All state licensure must continually remain active, in effect, and free from disciplinary action.
• Candidates must obtain the Qualified Mental Health Professional and Qualified Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Professional credentials within 120 days of hire.
• Must possess a CAADC credential, or be on an active, approved registered MCBAP certification Development Plan within six weeks of hire.
• The Intake Therapist must have the ability to engage and develop therapeutic alliances with adult mental health consumers, their families and supporters.
• Must be an expert in helping consumers identify their service needs and preferences, develop initial treatment plans, and transition to longer‑term services based on their treatment plans.
• Additional requirements include a nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of adults with mental illness, substance abuse/dependence, their families and providers.
• Candidates must demonstrate effective organizational, verbal and written communication skills.

The Guidance Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a welcoming place for everyone.