Job Summary
The Mental Health Intake Specialist serves as the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking services at the Family Service Center. This role is essential in creating a welcoming, trauma- informed, and culturally responsive environment while guiding clients through the intake process. The Intake Specialist conducts initial screenings, gathers demographic and clinical information, assesses service needs, and coordinates referrals to internal programs and community resources.
Working collaboratively with clinical, case management, and administrative teams, this position ensures timely access to care and supports continuity of services aligned with each client’s needs, eligibility, and goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Primary Job Duties
- Conduct comprehensive intake interviews with individuals and families to assess mental health history, current concerns, basic needs, and service goals.
- Administer screening tools and assessments to determine appropriate level of care, program eligibility, and service recommendations.
- Collaborate with therapists, case managers, and program staff to coordinate appropriate service placement and referrals.
- Provide clear, compassionate explanations of agency services, policies, confidentiality practices, and consent forms.
- Coordinate and schedule initial appointments and follow-up services to ensure timely access to care.
- Identify crisis situations and connect clients with appropriate emergency or crisis intervention services as needed.
- Facilitate referrals to community resources, including housing, primary care, substance use treatment, and other supportive services.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) system in compliance with HIPAA and agency standards.
- Participate in case reviews, interdisciplinary team meetings, and care coordination efforts to support continuity of care.
- Support a client-centered, family-focused approach that promotes dignity, respect, and empowerment.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Answer and route incoming calls, respond to inquiries, and provide general information to clients, staff, and community partners.
- Manage calendars, schedule appointments, and maintain organized client flow.
- Maintain, update, and organize electronic and physical records, filing systems, and databases.
- Prepare, review, and process documents, reports, and correspondence.
- Operate standard office equipment, including computers, scanners, and copiers.
- Assist with inventory, ordering supplies, and general office coordination as needed.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in behavioral health, social services, or community-based settings strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, family systems, and culturally responsive engagement practices.
- Strong communication, interviewing, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
- Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems and standard office software.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English or other languages relevant to the community served) preferred.