Intake Specialist

The Receptionist / Intake Specialist serves as a front-line admissions and receptionist role within the hospital. This position is responsible for welcoming patients, families, and visitors while also supporting the financial and administrative components of the admissions process. The Receptionist / Intake Specialist works closely with the Utilization Review and Admissions team to collect intake information, verify insurance benefits, and ensure accurate documentation to support timely and compliant admissions. This position is also responsible to answer and direct incoming calls, as well as to receive mail and direct deliveries to the appropriate departments or individuals. 

This role requires strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced behavioral health environment while interacting with individuals and families who may be experiencing emotional distress. 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities 

• Greets and assists patients, families, visitors, and referral sources in a professional, compassionate, and respectful manner.
• Answers, screens, and routes incoming phone calls related to admissions, referrals, and general hospital inquiries.
• Collects, verifies, and accurately enters demographic, insurance, and financial information during the intake process.
• Obtains, scans, and processes insurance cards, identification, and required intake documentation.
• Performs insurance verification of benefits (VOB) and communicates coverage details to the admissions team.
• Supports the admissions and utilization review teams with administrative and financial intake tasks.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and confidential records within the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA, hospital policies, and privacy standards.
• Assists with scheduling, document management, filing, and other front-office administrative duties as assigned.
• Communicates intake status, missing information, and follow-up needs to appropriate team members.

Essential Functions

• Manages front-desk operations while supporting admissions workflow.
• Handles sensitive patient and financial information with discretion and professionalism.
• Accurately processes insurance and intake documentation under time-sensitive conditions.
• Maintains a calm, professional demeanor when interacting with individuals and families in crisis.
• Collaborates effectively with admissions, UR, clinical, and administrative staff.
• Manages mail, and package delivery to the Hospital.
• Answers incoming calls and transfers these calls to the appropriate department or individual. 
• Prioritizes multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.

Core Competencies

• Customer/Family Focus: Provides a welcoming, respectful, and supportive experience.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Organization & Accuracy: Demonstrates strong attention to detail and quality documentation standards.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with admissions, clinical, and administrative teams.
• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to changing priorities and census demands.
• Confidentiality & Ethics: Maintains strict adherence to privacy and ethical standards.

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
• Ability to pass a state and federal background check.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in healthcare reception, hospital intake, or admissions.
• High school diploma or equivalent (strongly preferred)
• Experience with insurance verification, benefits review, or financial intake processes.
• Familiarity with behavioral health or psychiatric hospital settings.
• Knowledge of medical insurance terminology and payer processes.

Skills & Competencies

• Professional, welcoming demeanor
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with clinical and administrative teams
• Comfort interacting with individuals and families in emotionally stressful situations
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to work in an office environment for extended periods
• Ability to sit, stand, and use computer equipment for prolonged durations
• Ability to manage high levels of confidentiality and occasional high-pressure situations
• Ability to respond physically and emotionally to patients in crisis situations 
• Work environment includes potential exposure to unpredictable patient behaviors 

Benefits

Why Join Ascent Behavioral Hospital?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact supporting patients and families during critical moments.
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
• Competitive hourly compensation.
• Training and growth opportunities within admissions and hospital operations.

EEO Statement

Ascent Behavioral Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment is based on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the hospital.

Ascent Behavioral Hospital provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Ascent Behavioral Hospital complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment where the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Ascent Behavioral Hospital expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Ascent Behavioral Hospital employees to perform their job duties may result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today to join a team dedicated to excellence in mental health care.

Ascent Behavioral Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer.