Assessment Specialist - Full Time

Job Title: Assessment Specialist
Location: POWER Campus in Swissvale, PA
Department: POWER Human Resources
Reports To: Team Supervisor
Salary Range: 43,181 - 56,000 (BA) 45,050 - 60,950 (MS)

Overview :

POWER's mission is to help women reclaim their lives from addiction, emotional health issues while improving the well-being of future generations . We are a nonprofit agency committed to providing quality, gender-responsive, trauma-informed treatment and recovery supportive services to women with substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Job Summary:

The Assessment Specialist is a member of the POWER Central Intake team . This role provides critical alcohol and drug assessment and referral services to our clients at our Swissvale PA campus and in the community. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with regular travel throughout Allegheny county to client homes on a frequent basis. The Assessment Specialist will skillfully complete assessments, maintaining a high level of dignity and respect while upholding POWER’s mission to be gender-responsive and trauma-informed. This role requires frequent travel, a reliable vehicle and motor vehicle insurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and review referral information upon assignment of clients from the referral source and consult with other involved professionals as needed to support coordination of services and scheduling of client interviews .
• Conduct screening interviews to determine the need for a drug and alcohol assessment and for emergent care services in the specific areas of detoxification, prenatal care, and psychiatric care . Make referrals to appropriate health and human services agencies as needed based on the outcome of the screening interview.
• Coordi nate with the Intake Team as needed to call client or send email reminder to confirm appointment date, time, and location of the assessment.
• Conduct confidential, quality assessments, that are gender-responsive and trauma-informed, utilizing ASAM criteria to determine the appropriate level of care. Assessments may be conducted in the community or at a POWER facility.
• Collect information from collateral resources to aid in determining diagnosis and need for treatment .
• Based on the assessments, make referrals to the most appropriate programs and agencies in an effort to help clients access the right level of care to best meet their treatment needs.
• As a member of the POWER Central Intake team, using a strength-based and trauma-informed approach works collaboratively with clients and other treatment team members (internal and external) to help support clients in their treatment and recovery.
• W ork closely with clients to engage them in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of the assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated .
• Assist clients with scheduling an admission or first appointment date at the program or facility that they are referred to.
• Provide s transportation for direct admission into a level of care at the time of the assessment, as needed .
• Monitor client access to and involvement with treatment and other providers to help address barriers to treatment and the recovery process. Follow up with client within seven days of referral to assess process and client’s satisfaction with adjusting to the program.
• Provide clinical consultation to referral resources, Mentors, family members, and others to help support clients in their recovery.
• If client is admitted to one of POWER’s programs as a result of the screening and assessment, coordinate the admission and intake with the appropriate POWER staff to ensure a timely and smooth transition into treatment for the client . If client is referred to a program of another agency, forwar d screening, assessment and ASAM Summary Sheet, and required consents, to the agency that the client is being referred to.
• If client does not keep assessment appointment, follow up with client by phone, mail or email; offer to reschedule the appointment.
• Work cooperatively with the legal system to ensure coordination of services including Court appearances when appropriate .
• Complete paperwork requirements and maintain quality, up-to-date clinical records; including Outcomes Survey information and information for invoicing for services . Enter necessary information into POWER’s database/EMR system.
• Consult with supervisor and/or POWER’s psychiatrist as needed.
• Be knowledgeable about other drug and alcohol treatment agencies and programs and maintain list of resources that can be shared with clients
• Comply with i nternal and external policies, procedures, regulations, and standards; including, all of POWER’s policies and procedur es and Quality Assurance Plan, D DAP requirements, State Licensing standards, County Monitoring requirements, and managed care regulations.
• P articipate in all staff development and training as required .
• Participate in assigned meetings, staff development and trainings .
• Provide back-up assistance to Therapists with group therapy and psycho-education groups as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Social Work , Counseling, or related field.
• Master’s degree in Social Work , Counseling or related preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Personal vehicle available for work-related travel
• Current registration and insurance for personal vehicle
• Act 73, 33 and 34 clearances

Skills and Competencies

• Experience in a women-centered treatment environment or with gender-responsive care preferred.
• Experience with trauma-informed services; cognitive behavioral therapies, including DBT; and motivational therapies including the use of incentives, preferred.
• Personal recovery experience not required, however, knowledge of recovery support systems and 12-Step programs preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills .
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information with integrity.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills .
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service.
• Strong information technology skills with a high level of proficieny with Microsoft Office 365, Sharepoint and capability to navigate the Electronic Medical Record
• Self-directed and flexible; ability to manage multiple priorities at once.
• Model and support clients and staff in health and wellness activities and with using healthy coping skills.
• Support organization’s mission with a sensitivity of cultural diversity and workplace harmony.

Working Conditions

• Full-time exempt position
• Working on location at POWER’s campus in Swissvale, PA and travel to client’s homes or other locations in the community.
• Frequent driving and travel required.
• Ability to work the hours necessary to complete the work.

Reasons to Choose POWER:

Full time positions offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long term disability
• 401k) with employer match
• educational reimbursement benefits
• Additional voluntary benefits including short term disability and pet insurance
• A strong commitment to professional development
• FREE on site campus parking
• FREE coffee every day. Get those coffee shop budgets under control!
• A staff meditation room.
• A staff only art room. The perfect place to spend a break and get creative.