Behavioral Health Intake Specialist

Behavioral Health Intake SpecialistThe Behavioral Health Intake Specialist serves as a licensed, non-clinical access point for patients seeking behavioral health services. This position performs comprehensive intake assessments, administers standardized behavioral health screenings, and coordinates timely access to appropriate services. The role requires professional judgment consistent with bachelor's-level licensure while maintaining clear escalation pathways to licensed clinical providers.This position operates within the scope of a bachelor's-level licensed Social Worker (SW) in South Dakota. The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist does not diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, or establish clinical treatment plans. Clinical services are provided by appropriately licensed clinicians.The following functions are fundamental to the position and are required of all incumbents, with or without reasonable accommodation. These functions define the role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.Conduct comprehensive non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for behavioral health servicesApply independent professional judgment within scope to assess risk, urgency, and service routingAdminister, score, and document standardized behavioral health screening tools per protocolIdentify safety concerns and coordinate immediate escalation to licensed clinicians when indicatedCoordinate referrals, service access, and warm handoffs to internal and external providersProvide patient education, care navigation, and follow-up support to ensure continuity of careMaintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health recordCollaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient access and flowAuthorized Scope of PracticeConducting non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for service planningCollecting psychosocial histories and demographic informationAdministering and documenting standardized screening tools (without diagnosing)Assessing eligibility, risk factors, and service needsCare coordination, case management, and referralsCrisis screening and triage with appropriate escalationDocumentation, care navigation, education, and advocacyProhibited ActivitiesDiagnosing mental health or substance use disordersProviding psychotherapy or counseling as treatmentConducting clinical assessments for diagnosisIndependently determining clinical treatment plansBilling for clinical behavioral health servicesRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited programCurrent, unrestricted Social Worker (SW) license in South DakotaDemonstrated knowledge of behavioral health systems, screening tools, and referral pathwaysAbility to exercise independent judgment within defined non-clinical scopePreferred QualificationsExperience in behavioral health intake, access, or care coordinationExperience working in healthcare or integrated care settingsFamiliarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive care practicesPhysical and Work EnvironmentWork is primarily performed in a healthcare and office setting and may involve frequent interaction with patients experiencing behavioral health needs. The role requires sustained attention, effective communication, and the ability to respond appropriately in high-stress situations.Compliance StatementThe employee must comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. This position is subject to background checks, health requirements, and Native Preference where applicable. Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board