Intake Specialist

Intake Specialist

Intake Specialist serves as the first point of contact for individuals, families, and community partners seeking services through RISE Community Services. This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive, person-centered intake assessments, determining immediate needs, connecting individuals to appropriate programs and resources, and ensuring a welcoming, dignified, and empowering experience.

The Intake Specialist plays a critical role in building trust, reducing barriers to services, and supporting RISE's mission.

Supervisor: Community Workforce & Resource Manager

Position Type: Hourly – Full-Time

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct Support & Advocacy
  • Assist in developing transition plans, including employment, vocational training, and independent living skills.
  • Facilitate self-advocacy and decision-making skills for individuals served and families.
  • Serve as a Certified Benefits specialist for individuals and families.
• Client Engagement & Intake
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for new referrals, walk-ins, phone inquiries, and community partner referrals.
  • Conduct comprehensive intake assessments to identify strengths, needs, goals, risks, and service eligibility.
  • Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered approaches during all interactions.
  • Build rapport and establish trust with individuals who may have experienced barriers, trauma, or distrust of service systems.
  • Explain available services, program requirements, rights, and responsibilities in a clear and accessible manner.
  • Assist individuals in completing required intake documentation and releases of information.
• Assessment & Resource Navigation
  • Evaluate immediate needs and determine appropriate service pathways.
  • Identify situations requiring crisis intervention, emergency services, mandated reporting, or urgent referrals.
  • Connect individuals to internal RISE programs and external community resources including housing, behavioral health, healthcare, employment, food assistance, transportation, and social supports.
  • Advocate on behalf of individuals when barriers to services exist.
  • Coordinate warm handoffs to case managers, clinicians, housing specialists, and community partners.
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation within electronic record systems.
  • Ensure compliance with agency policies, funding requirements, confidentiality regulations, and applicable state and federal laws.
  • Complete intake reports, assessments, referral tracking, and follow-up documentation.
  • Monitor and maintain intake data to support quality assurance, reporting, and program outcomes.
• Collaboration & Community Relations
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and seamless service delivery.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, government agencies, and referral partners.
  • Participate in case consultations, staff meetings, trainings, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Represent RISE professionally in community outreach and engagement activities.
• Customer Service
  • Provide exceptional customer service while maintaining professionalism and empathy.
  • Manage high-volume caseloads while maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment.
  • Respond appropriately to crisis situations involving safety concerns, abuse, neglect, self-harm, or other urgent needs.

All other duties assigned.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field.
  • Minimum of two years of experience in human services, behavioral health, social services, healthcare, housing services, customer service, or a related field.
  • Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check and any subsequent background check after employment.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a Missouri Class E chauffeur's license within 14 days of hire.
  • Successfully complete employment-related training as directed.
• Preferred
  • Experience conducting assessments, intake interviews, or service coordination.
  • Experience working with underserved or vulnerable populations.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems.
• Strong commitment to person-centered and strengths-based practices.
• Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Effective conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer systems.

Benefits

• 100% employer paid health insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Employer paid life insurance and short-term disability insurance.
• Paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid birthday time off.
• Paid training.
• Matching retirement.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Referral bonuses.

About RISE Community Services

RISE was founded in 1979 with one simple, but lofty goal: to create perfect lives for individuals with disabilities. Our core values of safety, respect, growth, compassion, and teamwork drive everything we do. We hold ourselves accountable to these values as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. At RISE, we are more than just an organization; we are a family. Together, we work tirelessly to uplift and empower our community, one family at a time.