Intake Specialist/Clinician

Intake Specialist/Clinician Contract Position

This is a contract position with no benefits offered. The CONTRACTOR shall serve as the Intake Specialist/Clinician at R.I.S.E. Treatment Center for Northeast Delta Human Services Authority (NEDHSA). The CONTRACTOR serves as both the primary intake clinician and treating therapist for a small caseload of clients with substance use and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. The role requires a strong addiction background, clinical licensure (or license eligibility), and the ability to balance admissions responsibilities with sustained therapeutic relationships. The Intake Specialist/Clinician will be responsible for conducting comprehensive intakes and assessments, determining level of care, and providing ongoing psychotherapy and treatment planning.

Contractor core responsibilities include:

• Conduct initial substance use and mental health screenings (phone, walk-in, referral-based)
• Gather psychosocial, substance use, medical, and treatment history
• Utilize standardized tools (e.g., ASAM criteria, ASI, SBIRT, LOCUS, SUD screening tools as applicable)
• Provide clear explanation of services, expectations, and next steps
• Maintain a non-judgmental, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented approach
• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, substance use evaluations, and diagnostic impressions
• Apply ASAM criteria and clinical judgment to recommend appropriate levels of care
• Complete intake documentation, assessments, and treatment recommendations in the EHR
• Explain treatment options, expectations, and clinical processes to clients and families
• Coordinate admissions and transitions between levels of care
• Verify insurance, Medicaid, funding eligibility, and referral requirements
• Coordinate authorizations and pre-admission approvals as required
• Complete intake documentation accurately and timely in the EHR
• Schedule assessments, admissions, and follow-up appointments
• Communicate admission decisions and timelines to clients and referral sources
• Collaborate with integrated care staff: doctors, nurse practitioners, clinicians, nurses, peer support, case management, etc.
• Coordinate referrals to detox, residential, outpatient, MAT, or community resources
• Maintain strong relationships with referral partners (hospitals, courts, DCFS, probation, etc.)
• Ensure warm handoffs and continuity of care
• Maintain a small caseload of assigned clients
• Provide individual psychotherapy to clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans
• Deliver evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions, including:
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Relapse prevention
• Trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches
• Monitor client progress, adjust treatment as clinically indicated, and document outcomes
• Provide crisis intervention and clinical support, as needed
• Coordinate care with psychiatry, nursing, peer support, and care management
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings
• Collaborate with referral sources, courts, hospitals, DCFS, and community partners as applicable
• Ensure continuity of care across services and levels of treatment
• Support discharge planning and aftercare coordination
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records in compliance with:
• 42 CFR Part 2
• HIPAA
• State licensing and program standards
• Track intake outcomes, waitlists, and referral dispositions
• Participate in audits, quality improvement, and data reporting as required
• Respond appropriately to clients in distress, withdrawal, or crisis
• De-escalate situations and engage clinical support when needed
• Provide culturally responsive and person-centered customer service
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times
• Maintain active licensure and required continuing education
• Participate in supervision, case consultation, and clinical trainings
• Adhere to agency policies, clinical protocols, and professional codes of ethics

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related behavioral health field
• Licensed or license-eligible in the state of practice (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
• Minimum 2 years of clinical experience treating substance use disorders
• Demonstrated experience providing psychotherapy to individuals with SUD and co-occurring disorders
• Knowledge of ASAM criteria, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices
• Strong clinical documentation and assessment skills
• Minimum 2 years of experience in: 1-Substance use disorder treatment; 2-Behavioral health intake, admissions, or case management
• Demonstrated knowledge of: 1-Addiction and recovery; 2-Levels of care and treatment pathways; 3-Trauma-informed care
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
• Proficiency with EHR systems and basic computer applications

Job Duties and Other Information

For further information about this vacancy contact: Ms. Janesia Raybon, MPA Human Resources Director A Northeast Delta Human Services Authority 2513 Ferrand Street Monroe, LA 71201 View phone number on click.appcast.io (office)