ASSESSMENT COUNSELOR - MERCER AREA

Counselor / TherapistFull-Time

Listed compensation

$42k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 29m ago · Verified live

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

Substance use assessmentCase managementWritten communicationVerbal communicationSubstance use disorders knowledgeReportingReferral coordinationCompliance monitoring

Counseling Psychology — Counselor Career Context

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).

Of the 50 active Counseling Psychology listings this role was benchmarked against, 64% are remote, 32% have no call, 64% require no weekends.

What does the Counseling Psychology market look like in New Jersey?
MeasureThis jobMarket
Listed pay$42kCounseling Psychology median $73k (middle half $60k–$89k)13 comparable listings, Nov 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$39k in purchasing powerNew Jersey index 108.8 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Work settingon-sitepeers: 64% remote · 32% no call · 64% no weekends50 benchmarked listings
Sign-on & loan repaymentnot statedNew Jersey Counselor listings: 10% state a sign-on bonus (median $6k) · 5% offer loan repayment320 active listings, Nov 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Nov 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Top Counselor Jobs

40 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

40 jobs · 19 employers
10
<$80k
8
$80k-100k
4
$100k-120k
16
$120k-140k
2
$141k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

34 jobs · 19 employers
401k / retirement match
97% this job
Sign-on bonus
32%
CME allowance
21%
Loan repayment
6%
PSLF eligible
3%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Licensed Mental Health Therapist

LifeStance Health · Lake Oswego, Oregon

$123k-$141k
#2

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

LifeStance Health · West Linn, Oregon

$123k-$141k
#3

Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC)

$117k-$134k
#4

Mental Health Therapist

$131k
+ 38 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 5.4this job 3.0
Below most Counseling Psychology listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 77 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Benefits & Perks

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
Vision Insurance

Living in Trenton

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$360k≈ 8.6× annual pay
Typical market rent
$2,030/mo≈ 58% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
27 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
103.2
State income tax
Up to 10.8%
Sources & methodology

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

BEA 2024 · Trenton-Princeton, NJ metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

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