Reports To: Clinical Director
Department: Clinical
Location: Franklinton / Whitehall / Madison Health
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
The Clinical Intake Assessor is responsible for utilizing a client-focused, strength-based approach to identify client needs and inform a client's care path and clinical recommendations. Assessment results guide the development of individualized treatment plans and service recommendations for clients seeking substance use disorder and mental health treatment at Basecamp Recovery Center.
Must have CDCA certification with minimum 2 years of experience in AOD counseling
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Assessment and Intake
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Conduct comprehensive client screenings to determine medical necessity for behavioral health treatment services
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Interview clients and caregivers to gather clinical, medical, and psychosocial information
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Utilize strength-based assessment tools and techniques to evaluate client needs and resources
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Review relevant reports, records, and documentation to inform clinical recommendations
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Assess and address risk factors including suicidality, homicidality, substance use severity, and safety concerns
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Escalate high-risk clinical concerns to Clinical Director or supervisor immediately
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Make appropriate clinical recommendations for level of care and treatment services
Documentation and Compliance
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Write all assessment reports and clinical documentation in a professional, objective, and timely manner
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Complete documentation regarding all interactions with clients, providers, and interdisciplinary team members using appropriate systems and procedures per agency policies
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Ensure compliance with 42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA, CARF accreditation standards, and Ohio Medicaid requirements
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Document all client and family complaints and grievances, and submit documentation to Quality department per policy requirements
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Maintain accurate and timely records in electronic health record (EHR) system
Client and Family Support
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Serve as a primary contact for clients and families during the intake and assessment process
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Respond to all client inquiries within 2 business days, ensuring all client needs are met
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Conduct client and family outreach as needed to address questions, concerns, or barriers to care
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Effectively de-escalate clients and families experiencing crisis or distress
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Support clients in understanding assessment results and treatment recommendations
Collaboration and Care Coordination
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Collaborate with Clinical Case Managers, Provider Case Managers, and interdisciplinary team to coordinate appropriate services
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Support Clinical Escalation Specialists in addressing complaints and grievances by conducting client case reviews
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Coordinate with medical, housing, and case management departments to ensure comprehensive care
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Work with external providers and community resources regarding clinical concerns and service coordination
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Participate in Treatment Team Meetings as clinically appropriate
Professional Development and Compliance
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Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, clinical management meetings, and required trainings
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Uphold the Mission and Vision of Basecamp Recovery Center
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Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board regulations
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Maintain professional boundaries and ethical standards per CDCA certification guidelines
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Participate in special projects and assist with additional duties/tasks as assigned by supervisor
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Attend mandatory daily 8:30 AM morning meetings
Education:
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High School Diploma or GED (required)
Certifications/Licenses:
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Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certification (required)
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Must maintain active, unrestricted certification in good standing
Experience:
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Minimum 2 years of experience in alcohol and other drug (AOD) counseling (required)
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Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness (required)
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Experience working with trauma survivors (required)
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Experience with family systems therapy or family-centered approaches (required)
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Experience conducting clinical assessments and intake evaluations (required)
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Working knowledge of assessing and addressing risk and dangerous behaviors (required)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Experience in CARF-accredited or Medicaid-funded behavioral health settings
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Familiarity with evidence-based treatment modalities (CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care)
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Knowledge of Ohio Medicaid billing and medical necessity criteria
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Bilingual skills (Spanish/English)
REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Clinical Skills:
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Ability to conduct strength-based, client-centered clinical assessments
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Demonstrated expertise in crisis management and risk assessment
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Strong diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills
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Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
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Understanding of levels of care and appropriate treatment placement
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Ability to appropriately interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations
Communication Skills:
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Strong interpersonal skills including advanced listening techniques (empathic, active, and reflective listening)
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Ability to write clear, professional, and objective clinical reports
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Ability to effectively de-escalate clients and families in crisis
Technical Skills:
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel)
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Ability to navigate electronic health record (EHR) systems
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Ability to utilize computer and cell phone for effective communication
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Frequent proofreading and checking documents for accuracy
Interpersonal Skills:
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Sensitivity to working with an ethnically, linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse population
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Strong client-focused approach with ability to set clear boundaries and advocate for client/family needs
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Commitment to the values of the organization while demonstrating good judgment, flexibility, patience, and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive matters
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Ability to work successfully on an interdisciplinary team
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Ability to work with various individuals across all levels within the organization
Organizational Skills:
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Strong time management and organizational skills
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while effectively multitasking
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Must be highly detail-oriented
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Ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities with or without supervision
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Consistent demonstration of good judgment and decision-making skills while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and discretion
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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Visual and auditory ability to work with clients, staff, and others in the workplace continuously
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Ability to communicate effectively within the work environment, read and write using the primary language within the workplace
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Frequent speaking and listening (25-75%) to clients, staff, and other professionals in meetings and on the phone
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Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
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Frequent sitting and maintaining close visual attention to write reports and work at the computer
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Ability to utilize computer and cell phone (iPhone or similar)
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Ability to conduct assessments in designated time blocks
WORK ENVIRONMENT
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Primary work location: [Insert Basecamp location]
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Standard office environment with exposure to individuals in various stages of recovery and crisis
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May involve exposure to clients experiencing acute behavioral health symptoms, substance use, or trauma responses
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Occasional travel to other Basecamp locations or community sites may be required
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Mandatory attendance at daily 8:30 AM morning meetings
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Must be available Monday through Friday and able to conduct assessments in designated time blocks
SCHEDULE AND AVAILABILITY
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Must be available Monday through Friday
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Able to conduct assessments during designated time blocks
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Flexibility to respond to urgent intake needs as they arise
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Daily attendance at 8:30 AM mandatory morning meetings
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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Must pass pre-employment background check and maintain clearance on all required exclusion lists:
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Office of Inspector General (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals/Entities
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Ohio Medicaid Provider Exclusion and Suspension List
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Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Exclusion List
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Nurse Aide Registry
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National Sex Offender Registry
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Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction
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Must report any arrests or criminal charges to HR within 24-48 hours per agency policy (effective January 1, 2026)
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Valid Ohio driver's license and reliable transportation (if position requires community-based assessments)
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Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality per 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA
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Must attend any required training and maintain continuing education credits for CDCA certification
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
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Competitive salary commensurate with experience and credentials
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Health insurance, PTO accrual, 401k, etc.
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Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
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Supportive, mission-driven work environment
POPULATION SERVED
Basecamp Recovery Center serves individuals in recovery from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Team members should be comfortable working with patients at various stages of recovery, including those who may be actively using substances, experiencing mental health crises, or managing medical complications related to their conditions.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This position description does not constitute a contract of employment, and Basecamp Recovery Center retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at its discretion.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Basecamp Recovery Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.
