Intake Specialist

The Intake Specialist is responsible for welcoming new clients into services, gathering required documentation, verifying eligibility, and ensuring all consent requirements are completed prior to the start of treatment. This role supports clients in accessing mental health and/or substance use disorder services by providing a trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive intake experience. The Intake Specialist also supports the front-office workflow by answering incoming calls and assisting with client inquiries.

This is a full time, in person position.

Requirements

Responsibilites

• Conduct initial intake interviews with clients and guardians (when applicable) to gather demographic, clinical, and insurance information.
• Explain program requirements, confidentiality, clients’ rights, and consent forms in clear and accessible language.
• Answer incoming phone calls, provide information about services, schedule appointments, and direct calls to the appropriate staff.
• Verify legal documents such as court orders, guardianship paperwork, and identification when required.
• Complete intake paperwork and screening tools according to agency and regulatory standards (excluding clinical assessments).
• Coordinate with clinical staff to schedule assessments or determine appropriate next steps for services.
• Enter accurate client information into the electronic health record (EHR) in a timely manner.
• Provide supportive communication to help clients understand the process of entering treatment.
• Collaborate with referral sources, guardians, caseworkers, probation officers, and community partners as needed.
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant documentation and protect client privacy at all times.
• Participate in mandatory and in-service training and required meetings
• Maintain and control the release of medical records to entities such as Social Security Administration, Job and Family Services, Child Support Enforcement Agency, Adult Parole Authority, Adult Probation and various other agencies.
• Identify urgent needs and follow crisis protocols when safety concerns arise.
• Other duties as assigned

• Current CDCA required.
• QMHS certification preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1-2 years experience in behavioral health, social services or substance use disorder treatment.
• Requires attention to detail, ability to multitask, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and person-centered practices.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals involved with courts, guardianship systems, or child welfare.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with EHR systems and strong computer literacy.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, boundaries, and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to show Empathy in client interactions.

• Fast-paced clinical setting with direct contact with clients, guardians, and community partners.
• Frequent phone communication and coordination with multiple departments.
• May require flexibility in scheduling depending on agency needs.

$18-$20 per hour based on experience.