Intake Specialist Behavioral Health

Intake Specialist Behavioral Health Department: Behavioral Health Employment Type: Full Time Location: Barrington - OCR Reporting To: Leanne Craven Description Join a team that connects people to the care they need, when they need it most. We're looking for an experienced Intake Specialist to serve as a vital first point of contact for individuals seeking behavioral health services. In this role, you'll conduct clinical screenings, coordinate access to care across the lifespan, and help ensure that every person who reaches out is met with professionalism, compassion, and a clear path forward. This position sits at the intersection of clinical judgment and operational excellence. You'll triage complex calls, guide colleagues through urgent situations, and work to keep our access systems running smoothly—all while upholding the standards that make high-quality behavioral health care possible. Key Responsibilities Lead daily access operations — Manage scheduling, referral processing, and waitlist coordination to ensure timely service delivery. Monitor workflows, implement updates, and adjust processes to improve efficiency and the client experience. Conduct clinical screenings — Assess callers' presenting needs and risk levels to determine the appropriate level of care, whether that's a diagnostic intake, crisis services, outpatient therapy, or a specialty program. Support your team in real time — Serve as a resource for other Intake Specialists during escalated, complex, or emotionally charged calls. Provide guidance and decision support when it matters most. Ensure compliance and quality — Verify insurance eligibility, maintain accurate documentation, and apply payer, licensing, and accreditation standards (including BHDDH, DCYF, and Joint Commission requirements). Collaborate across the organization — Act as the primary contact for internal and external stakeholders on access-related questions. Participate in quality improvement efforts and recommend process enhancements. Qualifications Required: Experience in behavioral health intake, triage, call center operations, or client-facing screening within healthcare or social services Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (NextGen experience preferred) Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information in accordance with HIPAA Core strengths we’re looking for: Calm, professional communication skills—especially with individuals in crisis or distress Sound clinical judgment and problem-solving ability in urgent or ambiguous situations Strong attention to detail in documentation, scheduling, and workflow execution Adaptability to changing priorities, regulations, and departmental needs Reliability and accountability in a fast-paced environment Preferred: Background in behavioral health, emergency services, or community health access Experience supervising or mentoring staff in a client-service setting Work Environment This is an on-site role involving extended computer-based work and telephone communication. You'll interact regularly with clients and staff across the facility. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, and move within the building, and to lift up to 25 pounds. Why This Role Matters Access is where care begins. When someone reaches out for behavioral health services, the person who answers that call shapes their experience—and often, their willingness to follow through. As an Intake Specialist, you'll play a direct role in reducing barriers, speeding access to treatment, and supporting a system designed to meet people where they are. If you're ready to bring your clinical instincts, operational skills, and genuine care for others to a role where they'll make a real difference, we'd like to hear from you. Benefits Subsidized, comprehensive medical (BCBSRI) and dental (Delta Dental) insurance plans Supplemental vision insurance (Delta Dental) Voluntary medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts Up to 3% matching 403(b) retirement plan Employer-paid life insurance Generous paid time off including 15 vacation days, 12 holidays, 2 personal days, and 6 sick days Mileage reimbursement Tuition reimbursementEmployer-paid professional development Employee assistance program #J-18808-Ljbffr East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)