Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $75,000-$85,000
Admissions Behavioral Health Clinician (Community-Based Outpatient)
About Paragon Behavioral Health Connections
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is a comprehensive behavioral health organization on a mission to positively impact individuals and families through compassionate, and client-centered care. Our mission is to deliver personalized care that uplifts our clients and builds supportive connections in communities. Through community based or
in-home services, and digital solutions as needed, we meet clients where they areboth physically and emotionallyto provide the right support at the right time. Serving communities across Colorado, we deliver equitable and creative one-stop behavioral health servicesproviding in-home mental health and substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, early childhood support, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, medication management, wrap around support and more. We believe care should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is rooted in understanding, respect, innovation, and community collaboration.
Our vision is to empower individuals and families with complex needs, helping them overcome challenges, build essential skills, and access the resources necessary to achieve long-term well-being. We offer a wide range of services, including step-down care from inpatient hospitalization for youth and adults, comprehensive support for children and families, and specialized treatment for adults facing depression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health needs.
Our programming includes intensive care management supports for families and adults, Crisis Stabilization programming, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, Child First for young children and caregivers, integrated co-occurring Intensive Outpatient treatment, individual and family therapy, medication management (including MAT), peer support, supported employment/housing, and holistic recovery services for mental health and substance use disorders.
Why Work With Paragon
- Statewide Reach - Deliver care where its needed most. Were not region-limitedserve communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier areas with limited access to care.
- Flexibility & WorkLife Balance - Own your schedule. Partner with families to set visit times that work for them (and you), so you can enjoy Colorados trails, slopes, and sunshine during off-peak hours.
- Clinical Leadership & Support - Clinicians lead here. Our executive team includes licensed providers who shape business decisions with a care-first lens. We provide licensure supervision and regular consultation to support your growth as a clinician.
- Comprehensive, Company-Paid Benefits - We cover health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurancecompany-paidso there are no premium deductions from your paycheck. Keep your full salary and your peace of mind.
- Career Growth Opportunities - Grow with us. Explore new modalities and specializations and advance into leadership as we expand statewide.
Position Summary
The Admissions Behavioral Health Clinician is responsible for conducting comprehensive behavioral health assessments to determine appropriate level of care and facilitate timely access to services. In addition to admissions responsibilities, this clinician maintains a small, community-based outpatient caseload to provide ongoing therapeutic services.
This role requires strong clinical assessment skills, knowledge of levels of care, and the ability to build rapport quickly while ensuring smooth transitions into treatment.
Key Responsibilities
Admissions & Intake Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for individuals seeking behavioral health services.
- Assess risk factors including suicidality, homicidality, substance use, and safety concerns.
- Determine appropriate level of care using clinical judgment and established criteria (e.g., ASAM, LOCUS, CALOCUS as applicable).
- Provide crisis intervention and stabilization support when needed.
- Collaborate with referral sources, community partners, hospitals, and internal teams to coordinate admissions.
- Verify clinical appropriateness and support authorization processes as required.
- Complete accurate and timely documentation of assessments and clinical recommendations.
- Facilitate warm handoffs to internal programs or external providers.
- Maintain knowledge of program eligibility, payer requirements, and service availability.
Outpatient Clinical Services (Community-Based)
- Maintain a small outpatient caseload of clients receiving services in community settings (e.g., client homes, schools, community locations, or other approved sites).
- Provide evidence-based individual, family, and/or group therapy.
- Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with clients and families.
- Monitor progress toward treatment goals and adjust interventions as clinically indicated.
- Coordinate care with case managers, primary care providers, schools, probation, and other systems as appropriate.
- Conduct ongoing risk assessments and safety planning.
- Ensure services are culturally responsive and trauma-informed.
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete all clinical documentation in accordance with agency, state, and payer requirements.
- Maintain compliance with confidentiality regulations (HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, as applicable).
- Participate in supervision, case consultation, and team meetings.
- Support quality improvement initiatives and performance metrics related to access and engagement.
Program Delivery Areas:
- Urgent/Rapid Response: Ensure compliance with BHA standards, organized referral/response protocol, streamlined assessment and treatment planning, enhanced clinical training, mobile EHR access, and telehealth technology.
- Community Stabilization Programming (CSP): Interconnected with MCR, ensuring 24/7 coverage, extended hours during weekdays, and telephonic/virtual access after-hours.
- Critical Incident Community Response: Developing collaborative partnerships for robust coverage and high-quality services for residents and visitors.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong diagnostic and clinical assessment skills.
- Knowledge of behavioral health treatment modalities and community resources.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced admissions environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and trauma-informed care.
Qualifications
- Education: Master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.
- Licensure: Fully Licensed (LPC, LCSW, LMFT)
- All licenses must stay up to date and valid during employment.
- Experience:
- Minimum 2 years of clinical experience in behavioral health settings preferred.
- Experience conducting diagnostic assessments and level-of-care determinations strongly preferred.
- Experience providing community-based services is highly desirable.
- Training and certification in trauma based interventions (EMDR, ART, TF-CBT, CPT, etc.) is highly desirable.
- Crisis assessment and intervention experience required.
- Language Skills: Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
- Other Requirements: Valid drivers license, auto insurance, willingness to travel to homes/communities.
- Requires living in or near the location of the posting.
Job Details
- Type: Full-Time
- Location: Lakewood
- Department: Admissions
- Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm
- 3 days per week in the Lakewood office.
- Salary: $75,000-$85,000
Benefits
- Paid health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Flexible work hours
- Discretionary Time Off (DTO)
- 401(k)retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development support
- Referral bonuses
Diversity & Inclusion
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.