Intake Therapist

Job Description Job Description Intake Therapist Job Summary: We're seeking a dedicated and compassionate Intake Clinician to join our team at Spark Recovery in Indianapolis, Indiana. As an essential member of our Admissions & Clinical Services department, you will conduct comprehensive behavioral health assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and level-of-care determinations for individuals seeking services for substance use and/or co-occurring mental health disorders. Your expertise will ensure timely and accurate documentation, while also providing a welcoming and trauma-informed admissions process for our clients. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical Assessment & Diagnostic Evaluation : Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and mental status exams in accordance with Medicaid and DMHA requirements. Complete diagnostic impressions using DSM-5-TR criteria and determine appropriate ASAM level of care. Assess risk factors such as suicidality, homicidality, and medical or psychiatric instability, and coordinate interventions as needed. Admission Coordination : Facilitate intake scheduling, admission interviews, and pre-admission screenings. Assist in onboarding new clients by reviewing program expectations, patient rights, and consent forms. Determine treatment readiness and identify immediate support needs (e.g., housing, detox, medical care). Documentation and Compliance : Complete all required intake documents within required timeframes, including intake assessments, ASAMs, treatment authorizations, and release of information forms. Maintain timely, accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) that meets standards set by Medicaid, DMHA, and TJC. Communication and Collaboration : Participate in clinical team meetings and staffing to communicate findings and coordinate care plans. Provide feedback to referral sources and stakeholders, with appropriate releases. Collaborate with referral partners including hospitals, detox centers, courts, probation officers, and DCS. Risk Management and Crisis Response : Assess for emergent needs during intake and initiate immediate referrals for medical or psychiatric intervention when indicated. Utilize trauma-informed, de-escalation, and safety planning protocols when needed. Qualifications: Master's degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy. Minimum of 1 year of experience in behavioral health, substance use, or crisis intervention services. Must hold one of the following Indiana licenses or temporary permits: LMHC, LMHCA, LCSW, LSW, LMFT, LMFTA. Must meet Indiana Medicaid requirements as a Behavioral Health Practitioner for billing purposes. Knowledge of ASAM Criteria, DSM-5-TR, Indiana Medicaid Provider Manual, and DMHA admission standards. Experience using electronic health record systems. Skills and Competencies: Strong diagnostic and clinical formulation skills. Familiarity with Indiana's public behavioral health system and local resources. Demonstrated ability to build rapport quickly with diverse populations. Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and time-management skills. Commitment to ethical standards, confidentiality, and trauma-informed care. Physical and Working Conditions: Ability to sit for extended periods for interviews and documentation. Must be able to travel locally for off-site assessments or hospital consults as needed. Evening/weekend intake coverage is required depending on agency needs. Compliance and Ethics: All work must comply with HIPAA, TJC, DMHA, Medicaid, and Spark Recovery policies. Employees must complete all annual training, credentialing, and documentation audits as required by regulators or payers. Uphold ethical standards of care and practice within scope of licensure. If you're passionate about providing exceptional care and support to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health concerns, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. Join our team at Spark Recovery and help make a positive impact in the lives of our clients. To Apply: Contact us to learn more about this exciting opportunity and to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you!