Assessment Counselor

Counselor / TherapistFull-time

Listed compensation

$48k-$60k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

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

Posted 6mo ago

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction and supervision of the AVP of Admissions, the Access Assessment Counselor provides the development and management of coordinated assessment, outreach and counseling services to ensure optimum care is provided to new admissions and existing clients while assisting with the administration of the Open Access Center/CCBHC.

Position Description

Responsible for initial screening and biopsychosocial assessment of all new clients that present to the Access Center.

Utilization of screening tools to assess for the lowest level of clinical care; along with wrap around services.

Counsel clients on the various levels of clinical care and encourage participation to improve all life areas.

Work collaboratively with Intake Department to ensure continuity of care for all new admissions.

Work Collaboratively with Support Staff to schedule and ensure completion of medical assessments and psychiatric evaluation appointments.

Screen incoming referral packets for program appropriateness.

Contact referents via email/phone to confirm referral packet was received.

Maintain documented record of all Clinical Assessment sessions.

Maintain monthly statistical reports to measure utilization review for all OASAS and OMH licensed programs.

Assist in agency outreach efforts to recruit new clientele.

Conduct Presentations Promoting VIP’s Services

Participate in comprehensive interdisciplinary team treatment planning and activities as needed.

Collaborate with other disciplines in the field to screen and escort clients to the VIP treatment facilities.

Attend and present at health fairs, promotion events, community meetings, and all other participatory requirements.

Monitor the collection of urine specimens and toxicology results.

Manage telephone inquiries and provide program information, including information on alternative providers.

Maintain up to date database of referral information and resources.

Refer applicants to alternative services (e. g. Detoxification Units, Rehab Programs, etc.) as needed.

Pick up and transport clients and records to and from intra/outer agency facilities as needed.

Execute intra/outer agency warm handoffs to support consumers and ensure intergrative care.

Interact with community members in a way which support’s cooperation among agencies, recovery and wellness.

Provide support for persons with substance use/mental health diagnosis to engage positively and effectively advocate for resources beneficial to the client’s recovery.

Conduct regular chart audits to ensure that client records are meeting all documentation requirements and that quality care is being delivered.

Perform all required documentation and data entry for assigned clients.

Maintain good working relationships with all staff, clients and visitors.

Perform all other duties as assigned by AVP.

2. Compiles and generates reports, letters and documents:

Collect, maintains and prepares statistical data and reports that contribute to the operation and management of the department.

Develops evaluations for staff to be reviewed by the Director.

3. Attends meetings and seminars as assigned:

Attends meetings as assigned.

Attends training as required or mandated.

Salary range is dependent on credentials and Professional Experience:

CASAC-T Counselor: $47,500- $53,000/yr

CASAC Counselor: $53,000-$60,000/yr

Requirements

JOB COMPETENCY:

Associates Degree in Behavioral Health or Social Sciences and two (2) to three (3) years related Excellent organization skills.

Computer literate.

Experience. CASAC, CASAC-T, LMSW, LMHC; must be a Qualified Health Professional.

Mandated Reporter.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to speak read and write the English language, Spanish a plus.

Job Requirements/Settings

Must possess sight and digital senses or prosthetics that will enable the essential functions of the job to be completed.

NOTE: This description reflects management’s assignment of the essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Tasks are subject to change at any time due to any reasonable but necessary conditions.

Key Responsibilities

The Assessment Counselor is responsible for conducting initial screenings and biopsychosocial assessments for new clients while managing coordinated care services. They also perform outreach, maintain clinical records, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure effective treatment planning and continuity of care.

Qualifications

Education
Associate degree
Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Clinical screeningCase managementCrisis interventionInterdisciplinary collaborationChart auditingSubstance use counselingMental health supportStatistical reporting

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Assessment Counselor at Vocational Instruction Project a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in General Medicine (Counseling) — ranked against 55 active General Medicine (Counseling) listings on WeekdayDoc.

General Medicine — Counselor Career Context

Of the 50 active General Medicine listings this role was benchmarked against, 42% are remote, 36% have no call, 70% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for New York is 107.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$53k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $49k in an average-cost state. 64.6% of New York clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

General Medicine by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Work-life score6.6 / 10 · top 25% in general medicine (counseling)ranked against 55 General Medicine (Counseling) listingslisting-based score, 0–10
Listed pay$53kGeneral Medicine median $72k (middle half $66k–$80k)27 comparable listings, Oct 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$49k in purchasing powerNew York index 107.9 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
General Medicine listings in New York5 active55 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026
Work settingon-sitepeers: 42% remote · 36% no call · 70% no weekends50 benchmarked listings
Sign-on & loan repaymentnot statedNew York Counselor listings: 12% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 10% offer loan repayment831 active listings, Oct 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index (55 General Medicine (Counseling) listings), BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Oct 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

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Salary Distribution

43 jobs · 28 employers
11
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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks

30 jobs · 28 employers
401k / retirement match
93%
Sign-on bonus
20%
CME allowance
17%
PSLF eligible
13%
Loan repayment
10%

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Work-life snapshot

median 6.6this job 6.6
Better work-life than 60% of General Medicine (Counseling) listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 55 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

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About Vocational Instruction Project

Hospitals and Health Care
Bronx, New York
201-500 employees