Department:
Behavioral Health
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Reports To:
Patient Care Director
Schedule:
Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (occasional evenings/weekends as needed)
Travel:
Minimal; up to 15%
Patient Populations:
Adults (18–70) and Geriatric (55+)
Caseload / Clinical Oversight:
Direct clinical oversight and case review are assigned based on active unit census, patient acuity, and staffing levels at any given time; carries clinical supervisory responsibility for all detox unit counseling staff.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Behavioral Health Coordinator provides operational and clinical leadership for the Acute Medical Detox Unit. This role oversees admissions, utilization management, patient programming, regulatory compliance, and community relations, while serving as a key liaison between clinical staff, providers, and organizational leadership. The position carries clinical supervisory responsibility for detox unit counseling staff and requires a candidate with strong administrative acumen and a solid behavioral health background.
TIME ALLOCATION (APPROXIMATE)
Reflects the general distribution of weekly effort across core responsibilities; actual allocation may vary based on census and operational needs.
Responsibility Area
% of Time
Direct clinical care, assessments, and patient programming
35%
Clinical supervision of detox unit counseling staff
20%
Utilization management, documentation, and regulatory compliance
25%
Administrative duties, community relations, and program development
20%
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Clinical & Program Oversight
- Oversee daily operations of the Acute Medical Detox Unit, including patient programming, admissions, referrals, and discharge planning.
- Serve as primary liaison with physicians, referring providers, courts, and community agencies throughout the referral, admission, and discharge continuum.
- Review newly admitted patient accounts for insurance eligibility and authorization daily; coordinate ongoing utilization management and case review.
- Complete and document patient progress notes, assessments, reassessments, and clinical needs in the electronic health record in a timely manner.
- Facilitate individual and group therapeutic interventions in accordance with each patient's diagnosis, treatment plan, and clinical needs.
- Maintain direct clinical oversight of the unit's active caseload, with assignment adjusted as needed based on census, acuity, and staffing levels.
Compliance, Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain compliance with all applicable state and federal confidentiality regulations (including 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA) and organizational policies.
- Maintain court scheduling, filing, and hearing coordination; cultivate productive relationships with court personnel.
- Maintain EHR documentation and generate reports tracking referral, admission, discharge, and census metrics; support submissions to regulatory agencies (NJ DOH, The Joint Commission).
Community Relations & Strategic Development
- Develop and sustain community outreach initiatives and strategic partnerships in collaboration with behavioral health leadership.
- Represent the program at community events, professional forums, and outreach activities; respond to inquiries about detox and behavioral health services.
Team & Quality Improvement
- Provide direct clinical supervision to detox unit counseling staff, including case consultation, documentation review, and performance oversight, in accordance with NJ licensure requirements and facility policy.
- Provide or ensure, and document, direct clinical supervision of at least one hour per week to all clinical staff, individually and/or in a group setting (group supervision not to exceed 50% of total supervision time).
- Develop and maintain written objectives, policies, procedures, and a quality assurance program for substance abuse counseling services, in coordination with facility leadership.
- Ensure that behavioral and pharmacologic treatment approaches are evidence-based and consistent with recognized treatment principles and practices for each level of care and patient population served.
- Participate in and contribute to ongoing quality improvement initiatives; identify and escalate operational issues to the Patient Care Director.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or MA/MS in Counseling from an accredited institution — Required.
Licensure & Certification
- LCADC with CCS – Highly Preferred.
- LCSW or LPC with CCS – Accepted in lieu of LCADC.
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in substance use disorder/addiction treatment services, including at least two (2) years in a clinical supervisory capacity within addiction or co-occurring treatment services; experience in medically managed detoxification settings required.
- Background in program coordination, utilization management, and/or clinical supervision strongly preferred.
- Experience with dual diagnosis populations (co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Working knowledge of SUD treatment modalities, ASAM criteria, and detoxification standards of care.
- Familiarity with NJ DMHAS licensing requirements, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2.
- Proficiency in electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; able to engage effectively with patients, families, providers, and community stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications: When determining the compensation, several factors may be considered including, years of relevant experience, credentials, union contracts, education, and internal equity.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401K, Retirement savings plan
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Opportunities for professional growth, development, and continuing education
- Employee wellness programs and resources
Influenza Vaccinations are a requirement for employment. If you are not currently vaccinated you will be required to receive the vaccination prior to hire date, during the influenza season, if you are offered employment, unless you request and receive an approved medical exemption.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
