Phone Counselor Assessor - Behavioral Health

Phone Counselor Assessor- Behavioral Health

Job Type: Full-Time (Remote) MON/THURS/FRI/SAT 11:00am-7:30pm EST

Your experience matters 

We are a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Phone Counselor Assessor joining our team, you’re embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier^®. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavioral Health Phone Counselor Assessor serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking behavioral health or substance use services. This role manages inquiry calls, schedules face‑to‑face and phone assessments, performs tele‑evaluations, and triages individuals based on safety and risk. The Behavioral Health Phone Counselor Assessor screens for medical and behavioral emergencies and ensures timely evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. The Behavioral Health Phone Counselor Assessor conducts comprehensive screenings, coordinates patient care with clinical staff and on‑call physicians, and provides clear treatment guidance to patients and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform this job, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation, and under supervision, if required per state regulations.  

•    Facilitates response to a request for services, including the initial response, the evaluation, the referral process, the designation of the appropriate level of care per On Call Provider, admission into services, and appropriate follow-up activity.
•    Conducts initial evaluation, initiates the screening tool, documents patient symptomology, functioning, and needs, and provides information to the physician.
•    Demonstrates excellent customer service skills in assisting patients, physicians, visitors, and coworkers promptly and courteously.
•    Possesses clear knowledge of Emergency Detention and EMTALA paperwork and processes.
•    Maintains all pre-admission and admission paperwork with accuracy and completes all pre-certification with insurance companies.
•    Always exhibits the company’s core values of champion patient care, do the right thing, embrace individuality, act with kindness, and making a difference together. 
•    Other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:
Access to and/or works with sensitive and/or confidential information.

Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of healthcare regulatory and compliance (e.g., HIPAA).  Skilled in the application of policies and procedures.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.

•    Knowledge in behavioral health care. 
•    Strong leadership and organizational skills.
•    Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of healthcare professionals.
•    Proficiency in using technology, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

•    Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field from an accredited school required, or Nursing degree from an accredited school required per state regulations. 
•    Associate-level Counseling or Social Work license or Registered Nurse license, if required per state regulations. 
•    One year of assessment experience in an inpatient behavioral health care setting preferred. 
•    Two years of experience working with patient populations served at the facility preferred. 
•    CPR certification is required within 30 days of employment and prior to any patient contact.
•    De-escalation certification is required within 30 days of employment and prior to completion of orientation. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  Repetitive motion of upper body is required for extended use of computers. Required specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities.

Works in well-lit, ventilated and climate-controlled office environment with routine office equipment; some equipment has moving mechanical parts. Noise level in the work environment is typical for an office and/or hospital environment.

In hospital/behavioral health environment, may be exposed to hazards and unusual elements, which may include but are not limited to bloodborne pathogens and / or contagious illnesses, toxic chemicals, and biohazardous materials which may require extensive safety precautions and the use of protective equipment.

Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage 

• Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.

• Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.

• Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).

• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

EEOC Statement

Lifepoint Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Lifepoint Health is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.