Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator - Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator

As part of a diverse and committed team of multi-disciplinary professionals, the Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator serves as the first point of contact for patients, families, referral sources, and community partners seeking inpatient behavioral health services. The role is responsible for conducting initial screenings, coordinating assessments, ensuring patient safety, facilitating admissions, and supporting smooth communication between internal departments and external agencies. The Intake Coordinator plays a critical role in ensuring timely, compassionate, and clinically appropriate access to care.

The Intake Coordinator is also responsible for understanding and adhering to Baxter Health standards as they appear in Dynamic Health and Healthstream Policy Manager. They are required to work with the Director of Behavioral Health regularly to carry out, initiate, and/or implement best practices for the Baxter Health Behavioral Health Departments.

Job Requirements:

• Education: RN, LPN, LPC, LMSW, or LCSW licensing preferred. Bachelors degree in psychology, social work or related field, or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor minimum.
• Experience: Minimum of two years experience in either a hospital or related setting, preferred. Comfortable with, and experience in, working with an organization serving low income, frail, and culturally diverse adults with mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and chronic health conditions. Ability to handle intense emotional situations. Strong working knowledge of behavioral theory and applied behavior analysis. Experience working in healthcare setting preferred.
• Other: Ability to read, write and communicate effectively. Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Primary Source Verification: Original Transcripts

Safety Sensitive Designation: This position is deemed safety sensitive in accordance with Arkansas Act 593 governing Medical Marijuana.

Physical Demands:

• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to solve problems and make decisions.
• Spend 8 hours or more in front of computer, monitor or similar screen utilizing keyboard and/or mouse, daily.
• Ability to stand and walk, bend, stoop and twist, and occasionally requires lifting of 20 pounds or more of equipment/supplies.
• Able to push in excess of 150 pound wheelchair with patient and equipment and occasionally lifts patients with assist 125 pounds or more.
• Acuity to the five senses is required in contact with patients, family members, providers, volunteers and co-workers.
• Must be able to respond quickly in emergency situations of CPR and able to handle critical and highly stressful situations with efficiency and composure.

Work Environment: Office, patient rooms, behavioral health units, hospital environment and conference setting.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a position in a hospital setting which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answer referral calls and gather initial information
• Perform or coordinate safety screenings
• Coordinate medical clearance
• Prepare admission packets and consents
• Provide handoff to inpatient unit staff
• Provides patients with resources and tools to assist in health-related decision making.
• Communicate with patients families, caregivers, or other responsible parties.
• Maintain complete chart notes; maintain confidentiality and adhere to all HIPAA policies.
• Collaborate with other healthcare specialists and support organizations.
• Participate in and stay current in de-escalation training and certification.
• Will collaborate with interdisciplinary team the priority of work flow between both 6 South and 3 South.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies and in-house clinical guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.