Intake Counselor/ Admissions

CounselorIncludes callPer Diem

Listed compensation

$46k-$60k

The week · per this posting

Ask the employer about the work setting, weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

To assess the needs of people seeking an assessment and ensure their referral to the service or resource that best addresses those needs.

To link recipients to appropriate resources or care providers; to admit based on Admission Criteria and Medical Necessity as well as to provide a smooth compassionate admission process for patients and their families.

You will also be responsible for completing initial authorizations with insurance companies for the level of care that is needed.

Shift details: Per diem

Schedule: 2:30pm-11:00pm

Join a Team That's Making a Difference in Mental Healthcare

Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital (WBHH) is a 117-bed psychiatric hospital that provides comprehensive psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults through acute inpatient stabilization and outpatient services. Under dynamic new leadership, we're building an exceptional workplace culture focused on outstanding patient care and employee satisfaction.

Our mission is to deliver compassionate, evidence-based treatment while ensuring patients and their families feel supported throughout their healing journey. We're committed to creating an environment where our dedicated team members can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in their community.

Located conveniently in Westborough at Routes 495 and 9.

Advance your career. Advance mental healthcare.

Duties

  • Complete mental heath assessment to determine medical necessity and determine appropriate level of care.
  • Provide appropriate referrals and recommendations to patients not meeting medical necessity for inpatient hospitalization.
  • Complete initial insurance authorizations for all newly admitted patients
  • Provide provisional DSM diagnoses supported by clinical documentation

Meet with patients and families to review patient handbook, patient rights and discuss informed consent to treat. Assist patients in reviewing consent forms and completing required documents.

Supports the Departments Philosophy for Customer Service

  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with physicians, allied health professionals, and all referral sources
  • Performs related duties, as requested
  • Upholds the organization's ethics and customer service standards
  • Salary $45,760.00 - $60,320.00

2 years of experience preferred. Basic knowledge of medical terminologies; skills in analyzing and evaluating information; problem solving skills; excellent oral communication skills; legible handwriting, ability to concentrate on tasks and meet deadlines; ability to confidentially maintain all information; persuasive skills with prospective patients and family members who demonstrate denial or resistance to treatment. Utilization experience preferred.

Bachelor's Degree in Health Related Field Preferred

Current CPR and CPI certification (or obtained within 30 days upon hire). Must be 21 years of age, have a current negative TB test or medical clearance.

  • Competitive Compensation
  • 401K
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
  • Basic AD&D and Life
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
  • Employee perks

Key Responsibilities

The Intake Counselor assesses patient needs to determine medical necessity and appropriate levels of care for psychiatric services. They are responsible for facilitating the admission process, obtaining insurance authorizations, and providing referrals for patients not meeting inpatient criteria.

Requirements

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree in a health-related field and at least two years of relevant experience. Current CPR and CPI certifications are required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Mental health assessmentInsurance authorizationDSM diagnosisPatient advocacyCrisis interventionMedical terminologyRelationship managementUtilization reviewTime managementConfidentiality

Behavioral Health — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active Behavioral Health listings this role was benchmarked against, 38% are remote, 26% have no call, 62% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Massachusetts is 105.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$53k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $50k in an average-cost state. 63.2% of Massachusetts clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is up 9.7% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

Top contract/1099 Counselor Jobs

36 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution36 jobs · 27 employers

15
<$80k
9
$80k-100k
5
$100k-120k
7
$120k-140k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks32 jobs · 27 employers

401k / retirement match
91% this job
CME allowance
38%
Sign-on bonus
25%
Loan repayment
19%
PSLF eligible
13%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

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Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 1.5
Below most Behavioral Health (Counseling) listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 346 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • Includes call

Living in Westborough

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$675k≈ 14.7× annual pay
Typical market rent
$2,613/mo≈ 69% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
29 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

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

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital logo

About Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

Mental Health Care
Westborough, Massachusetts
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

401K
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Prescription Drug Plan
Generous Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program