ASSESSMENT COUNSELOR - MERCER AREA
Listed compensation
$42k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
If you are looking to make an impact by helping others, then Preferred Behavioral Health Group is the place for you! By joining our award-winning team, you will become part of the premier behavioral health organization in New Jersey.
PBHG is a dynamic and innovative non-profit organization that was proudly named one of "THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN NEW JERSEY" for 2024 AND 2025 by NJBIZ! Our mission is to change lives and save lives across the state of New Jersey through a Trauma Informed Care culture.
Our staff is at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a diverse team where employees feel a sense of belonging and are valued for their individual contributions. We encourage staff development and embrace a growth mindset. If you are interested in pursuing an exciting and rewarding career while being part of a recognized “Best Place to Work”, please submit your resume today!
Job Title: CPSAI Assessment Counselor
Program: CPSAI
Position Type: Full Time
Location: Office 120 South Stockton Street Floor 2, Trenton New Jersey 08625
Salary $42,000.00
Job Description/Summary
The CPSAI Assessment Counselor is responsible for completing substance use assessments for DCP&P caregivers and coordinating appropriate referrals for treatment.
Responsibilities
- Thoroughly completes all assigned tasks within prescribed time frames and demonstrates reliability with consistent follow up;
- Complies with work schedule as negotiated with supervisor;
- Demonstrates professional attitude and cooperative behavior with co-workers within department/program;
- Seeks appropriate and timely consultation from supervisor, and takes initiative to report relevant issues to supervisor;
- Plans and coordinates all substance abuse services and monitors compliance;
- Keeps DCP&P informed of client status according to CPSAI guidelines and providing DCP&P with appropriate notifications that require their signature;
- Completes all reports in a timely manner and obtains DCP&P signature on all necessary forms. Provides copies of these forms to DCP&P;
- Completes Progress Notes (including Initial Assessment Note) and all communication with client and case conferences with DCP&P;
- Submits monthly tracking form to Administrative Assistant within the first week of the month;
- Enters referrals into NJSAMS upon receipt and update accordingly, level of care changes and discharge;
Competencies
- Proficiently communicates - written and verbal
- Knowledge of Substance Use Disorders
- Bilingual in Spanish a plus
Qualifications
- Education Associates, Bachelors Degree or CADC
- New Jersey Drivers License in good standing
Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account
- Voluntary Benefits, such as Vision Insurance, Aflac, Pet Insurance
- Staff Training and Development Opportunities
- Employee Referral Bonus program
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Qualifications
- Education
- Associate degree
Key Skills
Addiction Counseling — Counselor Career Context
Of the 50 active Addiction Counseling listings this role was benchmarked against, 40% are remote, 30% have no call, 64% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for New Jersey is 108.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$42k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $39k in an average-cost state. 63.8% of New Jersey clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$39k in purchasing power | New Jersey index 108.8 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Addiction Counseling listings in New Jersey | 6 active | 130 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 40% remote · 30% no call · 64% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | New Jersey Counselor listings: 10% state a sign-on bonus (median $6k) · 5% offer loan repayment338 active listings, Oct 2026 |
| Addiction Counseling pay trend | +14.0% vs prior quarter | —through Sep 2026 |
| Confidential Employer | #12 of 20 for pay | Top Employers work-life index |
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