Clinical Assessor 36th District Court

As a key member of the 36th District Court Specialty Court Team, the Clinical Assessor will provide a critical level of care assessments and referral services to clients. The Clinical Assessment Specialist is responsible for conducting the initial assessment to determine eligibility and ensure that an initial treatment plan is developed that will identify the services and level of care needed. The Clinical Assessment Specialist will work with treatment agency clinical staff to ensure a smooth transition to treatment services.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct confidential substance abuse and mental health assessments to determine an individual's level of care for placement, such as residential treatment, inpatient treatment, IOP, OP, or early intervention services. This may also include referral for psychiatric services or co-occurring treatment.
2. Make placement to the appropriate facility based on the outcome of the assessment interview.
3. Use a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to work collaboratively with clients and internal treatment team members to help support clients in their treatment.
4. Provide clinical consultation to referral resources, family members, and others to help support clients in their treatment.
5. Work closely with clients to engage them in the decision-making process and help them understand the benefits of assessment and accessing the appropriate level of care as indicated.
6. Collect and review referral information upon assignment of clients from the referral source and consult with others as needed to support coordination of services and scheduling of client assessments.
7. Collect information from collateral resources to aid in determining diagnosis and need for treatment.
8. Based on assessments, make referrals to the most appropriate programs and agencies to help clients access the right level of care to best meet their treatment needs.
9. Monitor client access to and involvement with treatment to help address barriers to treatment and the recovery process.
10. Complete paperwork requirements and maintain quality, up-to-date clinical records.
11. Conduct quality assessments that meet DSM-5 and ASAM criteria.
12. Serve as a clinical representative during court hearings.

1. Consult with supervisor and/or providers as needed.
2. Maintain working knowledge of substance abuse and mental health agencies and programs and a list of resources that can be shared with clients.
3. Ensure that providers comply with All-Rise (formally NADCP) best practices for Substance Use and Mental Health.
4. Attend yearly training with All-Rise to stay abreast of best practices for Mental Health and Substance Use.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is preferred.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Understanding and supportive of a trauma-informed system of care.
2. Experience with trauma-informed services, and cognitive-behavioral therapies including DBT, and motivational therapies.
3. Knowledge of recovery support systems and 12-Step programs preferred.
4. Strong interpersonal and engagement skills.
5. An understanding of and adherence to the ethical standards of the respective license adopted by the governing board for licensure.

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard and video display terminal on a daily basis. Ability to communicate with the public and court staff. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper. Occasional lifting of objects weighing up to fifteen (15) pounds such as files, stacks of paper, references, and other materials. Moving from place to place within and/or between facilities. Some reach for items above and below desk level.

2. Physical ability to frequently sit, walk, or stand for extended periods of time, and to perform repetitive movements. Required to work at remote locations outside the court building, as necessary by foot or other transportation.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by a person so classified. Determination of equivalent qualifications is within the sole discretion of Management.