What are the responsibilities and job description for the Centralized Intake Specialist position at Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County?
Why join our countywide agency?
- Make a meaningful impact every day with an agency dedicated to improving our community and fostering a positive, employee- and client-focused work culture.
- Enjoy competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, including 90-100% employer-paid medical insurance, generous sick leave, holiday pay, and a complimentary subscription to the Calm meditation/sleep app.
- Benefit from ongoing professional development with continuous employee education.
- We prioritize flexibility, offering adaptable hours and work schedules to fit your needs.
We look forward to you joining our team at FSA of Santa Barbara County!
The Position:
The Centralized Intake Specialist (CIS) plays a vital role in supporting individuals by collecting registration information, conducting initial screenings for eligibility, and verifying health insurance details to connect them to FSA’s programs and services. The CIS helps individuals overcome barriers, find mental health resources, and navigate the system to access the care and support they need. By maintaining knowledge of FSA programs and community resources, the CIS ensures appropriate referrals are made and provides guidance to help individuals advocate for their needs. The CIS will also manage accurate data and maintain real-time communication with FSA staff to ensure efficient service delivery. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This position is based out of the office location of your choice, whether it be Santa Barbara, Lompoc, or Santa Maria. We encourage all interested candidates to apply, regardless of preferred location. The CIS reports to the Youth and Family Behavioral Health and Intake Program Manager and works within a supportive, team-oriented environment.
FSA is a trauma-informed and resilience-oriented organization. Working with those impacted by trauma can affect staff in various ways, so FSA actively identifies and employs methods to support staff to embody a healthy and sustainable balance of care.
Sample of Duties and Responsibilities:
- Intake Response
- Conduct trauma-informed intake, registration, screenings and triage to FSA’s programs and services. An initial intake can be completed by phone, in-person or video conference.
- Create welcoming initial client engagement experience including but not limited to program introduction, service explanations, screen for appropriate FSA program referral(s), and provide resource navigation or external referrals if needed.
- Understand and apply screening tools to make appropriate internal connections to FSA’s programs and services.
- Maintain current knowledge about health insurance including Medi-Cal and other health insurance providers.
- Ensure ongoing familiarization with all FSA’s programs and services, including eligibility requirements, to answer basic questions and refer clients accurately.
- Notify Intake Program Manager of incoming referrals needing urgent response.
- Facilitate access to crisis intervention by connecting individuals with crisis hotlines, emergency services, or other appropriate resources.
- Develop a working knowledge of referral options, including internal agency program offerings and external community resources.
- Work collaboratively with FSA programs to provide whole person care services.
- Resolve issues and challenges as they arise and report these concerns to the Intake Manager.
- Update and maintain FSA’s Community Resources folder in SharePoint.
- Mental Health Navigation
- Provide personalized support and guidance by explaining available mental health resources, services, and treatment options.
- Create individualized care plans by collaborating with individuals to identify appropriate interventions, resources, and referrals.
- Continuously monitor and reassess individualized care plans to ensure they align with individuals' changing needs.
- Facilitate access to mental health services by liaising with mental health professionals, clinics, hospitals, and community organizations to identify available services.
- Advocate for individuals' needs and assist with transitions between different mental health service providers and model for clients how to advocate for themselves.
- Ensure response to all requests for services within 24 business hours and according to program protocols.
- Supervision Relations
- Meet regularly for 1:1s with the manager and in other meetings as scheduled.
- Communicate regularly with supervisor about all issues or concerns.
- Participate in the development of goals and work towards achieving these goals.
- Program Development, Compliance and Evaluation
- Enter required intake service information into FSA’s client database or other databases within 24-48 hours of contact.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of all interactions, screenings, and referrals according to FSA’s policies and procedures.
- Identify and evaluate strategies to improve centralized intake effectiveness.
- Community Partnerships
- Participate in community events to promote FSA services to enhance visibility and build connections with community members. Some events may be in the evenings or on weekends.
- Maintain professional and collaborative relationships with community partners.
- Crisis response is not a primary job function; however, staff may be called upon to assist in a crisis.
- FSA Team Member
- Actively maintain current work schedule in shared Outlook calendar.
- Participate in and attend intake team meetings, all-staff meetings, trainings, and other required events.
- Attend professional development training courses, webinars, and other conferences as requested by or approved by supervisor.
- Adhere to agency, policies, and procedures.
- Participate in FSA committees as needed.
- Model and ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and inspiring organizational culture aligned with FSA’s values.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with other FSA staff members.
- Provide a safe and trauma-informed environment for staff, clients, and community partners.
- Reflect, embody, and practice professionalism through behavior and language.
- Act with discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times. This includes and is not limited to, client and agency records and databases as well as verbal and written communication.
- Maintain regular attendance.
- Practice continuous learning and adaptability. Apply skills and knowledge for personal, professional, and organizational improvement.
- Other duties as assigned.