Behavioral Health Intake Clinician

Job Summary

The Intake Clinician conducts assessments to determine appropriate levels of care for potential patients and facilitates admissions or referrals based on clinical needs. This role includes coordinating communications with referral sources, managing pre-admission procedures, and ensuring a welcoming environment for patients and families during the intake process.

Essential Functions

• Manages intake calls and follows up to ensure timely and appropriate disposition for potential admissions.
• Conducts level-of-care assessments, schedules evaluations, and refers patients to alternative resources when necessary.
• Collaborates with business office staff to verify insurance and arrange payment details as part of the intake process.
• Completes and distributes necessary pre-admission paperwork and informs relevant staff of incoming admissions.
• Greets new admissions and families, provides information, and alleviates concerns to support a smooth intake experience.
• Coordinates with community agencies to access additional resources and support patient needs.
• Documents and maintains intake and admission data, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Assesses patient safety and implements necessary precautions, with particular attention to vulnerable populations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 2-4 years of experience in intake, admissions, or a clinical setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment and triage skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Familiarity with insurance verification processes.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral procedures.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficient in basic computer and data entry skills.

Licenses and Certifications

• LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse - State Licensure required or
• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required or
• LCSW- License Clinical Social Worker required
• LPC - License Professional Counselor
• Certification in crisis intervention (e.g., SAMA, CPI) or psychiatric/behavioral health specialty preferred
• BCLS - Basic Life Support issued by American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required