OPT/Assessor Full-time Smithfield Smithfield, NC

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Smithfield (NC); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Professional Development

Job summary

Pathways to Life, Inc. is seeking a dedicated OPT/ Assessor to join our behavioral health team in Smithfield, NC. You will conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments and provide clinical recommendations for appropriate levels of care, coordinating with care teams and referral sources.

The OPT Assessor will maintain strong documentation, ensure NC Medicaid compliance, and work within a hybrid schedule with occasional local travel.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with qualifying experience may be considered depending on credentials and service requirements.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and screenings.
• Conduct clinical interviews and gather psychosocial history information.
• Determine medical necessity and recommend appropriate services.
• Complete and submit all required documentation within required timelines.
• Maintain compliance with NC DHHS service definitions and Medicaid requirements.
• Coordinate with referral sources, care managers, hospitals, and providers.
• Collaborate with internal clinical teams regarding admissions and service recommendations.
• Maintain accurate electronic health record (EHR) documentation.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and training activities.
• Ensure confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Assist with audit preparation and quality assurance activities as needed.

Skills

Clinical interviewing

Assessment skills

Documentation

Communication skills

Time management

HIPAA compliance

Education

MSW or related

Bachelors with experience

Tools

EHR systems

Documentation software

Job description

OPT/ Assessor

Pathways to Life, Inc. Behavioral Health Services – Smithfield, North Carolina

Join Our Team

Pathways to Life, Inc. is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented OPT/ Assessor to join our growing behavioral health team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring individuals receive appropriate behavioral health services through comprehensive assessments, person-centered recommendations, and coordination with internal teams and referral sources.

The ideal candidate is organized, clinically knowledgeable, compassionate, and experienced in completing behavioral health assessments in accordance with NC Medicaid and service definition requirements.

Position Summary

The OPT Assessor is responsible for conducting comprehensive behavioral health assessments and making clinical recommendations for appropriate levels of care and services. This role works closely with consumers, families, referral sources, care teams, and leadership to support timely access to services and regulatory compliance.

The OPT Assessor must maintain strong documentation standards, demonstrate clinical professionalism, and ensure all assessments meet NC Medicaid, Tailored Plan, and organizational requirements.

Essential Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive behavioral health assessments and screenings
• Conduct clinical interviews and gather psychosocial history information
• Determine medical necessity and recommend appropriate services
• Complete and submit all required documentation within required timelines
• Maintain compliance with NC DHHS service definitions and Medicaid requirements
• Coordinate with referral sources, care managers, hospitals, and providers
• Collaborate with internal clinical teams regarding admissions and service recommendations
• Maintain accurate electronic health record (EHR) documentation
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and training activities
• Ensure confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times
• Assist with audit preparation and quality assurance activities as needed

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred
• Bachelor’s degree with qualifying experience may be considered depending on credentials and service requirements

Licensure/Certification

One of the following is required:

• LCSW / LCSW-A
• LCMHC / LCMHC-A
• LCAS / LCAS-A
• LMFT / LMFT-A
• RN
• Other qualified behavioral health professional credentials recognized by NC Medicaid

Experience

• Experience conducting behavioral health assessments preferred
• Knowledge of NC Medicaid and Tailored Care behavioral health services
• Experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Experience with EHR systems preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong clinical interviewing and assessment skills
• Knowledge of behavioral health diagnoses and treatment recommendations
• Ability to manage multiple referrals and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong attention to detail and compliance standards
• Professional demeanor and customer service skills

Schedule & Work Environment

• Full-Time
• Monday–Friday
• Hybrid/Community-based travel may be required depending on service area
• Some local travel may be required

Benefits

Pathways to Life, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package that may include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan Options
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• Professional Development Opportunities