Position Title: Assessment & Access Clinician

Reports To: Program Manager of Outpatient Services

Classification: Exempt; Salary; Full-Time

Overview

The Assessment & Access Clinician is responsible for conducting substance abuse assessments, mental health assessments and integrated behavioral health assessments in the outpatient clinic, home, various school settings and community for youth ages 13-18 and transition aged youth 18-24. The Assessment & Access Clinician is the liaison between the entry point of VOA services to all programs throughout the internal and external continuum of care. The Assessment & Access Clinician maintains contact with agency referents and actively seeks referrals from new and existing sources. Conducts utilization reviews with referents and insurers per their requirements. Monitors waiting lists and advises those waiting services of their status in a timely and coordinated manner while coordinating and/or providing interim services. Expectations regarding the quantity of work are outlined in essential functions, duties, and responsibilities.

VOA Alaska is a youth-serving organization providing prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery supports to youth and families struggling with mental illness and addiction. We are honored to walk with families during these times and provide support and hope through recovery. Our core values are connection, responsibility, courage, innovation, hope, and joy. We are looking for individuals who espouse these core values and align with this mission of services to the community.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Services

Conducts behavioral health assessments utilizing evidence-based screening instruments to identify problems, strengths and needs to recommend appropriate and effective services. Coordinate’s access and entry to recommended level of care while maintaining consistent contact with the youth, their family, referral partners and receiving program. Coordinates and provides interim care when placed on a waitlist for services. Collects all appropriate supporting data. Utilizes ASAM Patient Placement Criteria for placement decisions and DSM V for diagnostic formulation. Administers and analyses evidence-based screening results and utilizes these tools to inform the assessment and recommendations. Presents assessment information and recommendations to the internal placement committee to promote quick access to care. Works closely with the Client Care Specialist and Family Support Coordination and various clinical teams throughout the agency to ensure youth and their families are receiving services within 7 days of first contact. Serves those completing an assessment with referral and service coordination to ensure a warm handoff to recommended level of care is provided. May carry a small caseload.

Utilization Review

Conducts pre-authorizations for care with managed care and insurance companies. Conducts utilization review with manage care companies. Establishes a positive working relationship with case managers and provides required information in a timely and accurate manner. Coordinates recommendations with agency clinical team.

Referrals

Establishes positive working relationships with referral sources statewide. Refers individuals to community resources when appropriate. Actively seeks referrals from existing and potential referral sources. Follows up regularly with youth approved for admissions and retained on the waiting lists to provide support, pre-treatment services and reassess continued appropriateness for treatment. Provides program information to referral sources.

Other Duties

Maintains client confidentiality and safeguards client information as per Federal Regulation. Performs other duties as assigned. Maintains all CARF standards, Medicaid regulations and DBH grants requirements that pertain to assessments, wait lists and intakes. Expected to complete all assigned duties in accordance with timelines established by immediate supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Master’s Degree in counseling or a related field
• Two years’ experience working with youth (13-18) and transition aged youth (18-24) with co-occurring disorders or mental health struggles (substance use disorder and severe emotional disturbances) preferred
• Therapy and Counseling — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of substance use and mental health disorders.
• Critical Thinking — Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, and some weekend hours.
• A current and valid driver’s license and can qualify for VOA’s automobile insurance and/or proof of vehicle insurance coverage.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Proven ability to work with diverse community groups; with a focus on Alaska Native people, knowledge of their values and belief systems and ability to provide culturally competent services.