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UHS
Summit, New Jersey

INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED) PER DIEM (WEEKENDS)

CounselorIncludes weekendsNo callPer Diem

Compensation

Pay not listed

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about the pay range, nights and shift pattern, benefits and time off.

Posted 4mo ago

Job Description

Responsibilities

Summit Oaks Hospital, a 124 bed, private acute care hospital and chemical dependency treatment center, located in suburban Summit, NJ, fully accredited (by the Joint Commission), has been providing quality health care to adult, child and adolescent northeastern USA residents since 1902. The Hospital has been recognized in U.S. News & World Report, as one of the nation's best behavioral health hospitals.

Position Summary

The Assessment and Referral Intake Worker is responsible for assisting in the process of receiving, scheduling and/or referring inquiry calls. Assist the A&R Counselors and Director with coordinating assessments, initiating intake paperwork and insurance information. Work with Admissions staff to ensure smooth transition into the admission process and complete the daily census.

Qualifications

  • Intake Counselor responsibilities shall include, but not limited to:
  • Taking the lead in conducting level of care assessments on patients seeking evaluation for psychiatric treatment and chemical dependency;
  • Provide crisis and supportive contact with patients and families;
  • Responsible for accurate and timely documentation;
  • Coordinating with referral agencies in facilitating step down/direct transfers admissions to both our inpatient and/or outpatient continuum of care;
  • Coordinating with insurance companies for authorizations of recommended treatment;
  • Providing excellent communication skills in fielding inquiry calls and/or referral information;
  • Completing the clerical process for inpatient admissions.

Education

Registered Nurse, master’s degree in counseling, psychology or related field or a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or related field with a current NJ state crisis intervention screening license.

Experience

Two or more years experience in intake assessment activities within an acute psychiatric setting. A minimum of two (2) years experience in a psychiatric hospital setting including customer contact.

Licensure: Preferred: Licensed to practice as an RN, LSW, LCSW or LPC.

Additional Requirements

A working knowledge of the DSM-IV and the Mental Status Exam. A working knowledge of the Addiction and Recovery field.

Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is one of the nation's largest and most respected health care management companies, operating through its subsidiary acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. Founded in 1978, UHS subsidiaries now have more than 81,000 employees.

The UHS business strategy is to build or purchase health care properties in rapidly growing markets and create a strong franchise based on exceptional service and effective cost control. Our success comes from a responsive management style and a service philosophy based on integrity, competence and compassion.

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Patient DocumentationInsurance AuthorizationReferral CoordinationPsychiatric EvaluationCustomer ServiceClinical Communication

Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Counselor listings this role was benchmarked against, 40% are remote, 26% have no call, 58% require no weekends.

Counselor pay on WeekdayDoc is up 2.8% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

The cost-of-living index for New Jersey is 108.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 63.8% of New Jersey clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks36 jobs · 31 employers

401k / retirement match
94%
CME allowance
42%
Sign-on bonus
19%
Loan repayment
19%
PSLF eligible
19%

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Work-life snapshot

2.3/ 10
Listing-based score
  • No call
  • On-site
  • Includes weekends

Living in Summit

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$1.03M
Typical market rent
$3,047/mo
Residents’ average commute
34 min
State income tax
Up to 10.8%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.