Intake Counselor
Mental Health Association·Newton, New Jersey
Mental Health Association·Newton, New Jersey
Coordinate intake services, manage referrals, and conduct assessments for individuals in psychiatric crisis. Provide case management and linkage to community supports while maintaining clinical documentation in EMR.
MHA promotes mental health and total wellness for individuals facing challenges associated with mental illness and addiction recovery. We increase community awareness while enhancing mental well-being through advocacy, education, prevention, treatment, and services.
MHA is seeking a Master Level Intake Counselor to join our Wellness Hub Team! Be a part of the team that makes a difference in the lives of our consumers.
This position provides Psychiatric Urgent Care.
Shift Time Available: Monday-Friday, Hours TBD
A Master’s Degree in the field of social work, psychology, counseling or a related field plus two years of experience. A Valid New Jersey driver’s license.
Coordinate intake services with the Program Director and Program Coordinator. Manage referral calls, hospital discharges, and coordinate therapy intake and psychiatric evaluation schedule based on clinical need. Conduct walk-in intake/interviews for assessment for services and level of care. Assist with requesting clinical records. Assist with community outreach to develop new referral sources and community education. Assist with verifying and monitoring consumer health insurance and eligibility. Orient and engage new consumers in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Provide case management and ongoing linkage to community supports and clinical/mental health and substance use services, as well as, skill-building service. Maintain a small caseload. Promote the integration of physical and mental health. Assist individuals with utilizing all available community supports that best meet their needs. Complete all required documentation in clinical files and in EMR in a timely basis as per policies and applicable regulations. Attend supervision meetings, treatment team meetings and agency staff meetings. Attend meetings with program partners and community providers to reach program objectives, as assigned by Director. Must meet all expected productivity levels, in regards to direct service. Perform other duties as assigned by Director/Coordinator. Skills Needed: Ability to assess general clinical status and assess for safety, as well as, interpret clinical charts when available. Ability to identify clinical crisis that may require emergency intervention. Ability to complete a bio-psychosocial interview. Ability to engage with individuals and provide supportive listening to those in psychiatric crisis. Ability to network with a variety of both formal and informal community resources and supports. Ability to educate individuals regarding severe and persistent mental illness, psychiatric symptoms and other functional impairments. Ability to discuss substance abuse/dependence issues, as well as, educate individuals on these issues. Ability to assist individuals in creating a safety plan, when clinically appropriate. Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing. Reports to: Program Director
50K Fully paid medical coverage for eligible staff. Generous 401(k) match. Plentiful Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal and Sick time. MHAEM is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is MHAEM’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO/AA M/F/M/V/D Employee Rights under the FMLA
Requires a Master's Degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field with at least two years of experience. A valid New Jersey driver's license is also required.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in New Jersey often draw steady demand from providers serving children, families, and community-based programs. These roles can be competitive because employers commonly look for a master’s degree, a valid clinical license, bilingual communication skills, and child welfare experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, and tailor your application to highlight licensure, language ability, and direct child welfare exposure.
