Behavioral Health Intake Specialist

Position Title

About the role

The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist serves as a licensed, non-clinical access point for patients seeking behavioral health services. This position performs comprehensive intake assessments, administers standardized behavioral health screenings, and coordinates timely access to appropriate services.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for behavioral health services
• Apply independent professional judgment within scope to assess risk, urgency, and service routing
• Administer, score, and document standardized behavioral health screening tools per protocol
• Identify safety concerns and coordinate immediate escalation to licensed clinicians when indicated
• Career coordination, case management, and referrals
• Crisis screening and triage with appropriate escalation
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient access and flow

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
• Current, unrestricted Social Worker (SW) license in South Dakota
• Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral health systems, screening tools, and referral pathways
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within defined non-clinical scope

Qualifications

• Authorized Scope of Practice: Conducting non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for service planning; collecting psychosocial histories and demographic information; administering and documenting standardized screening tools (without diagnosing); assessing eligibility, risk factors, and service needs; care coordination, case management, and referrals; crisis screening and triage with appropriate escalation; documentation, care navigation, education, and advocacy

Skills

• Exercising independent judgment within defined non-clinical scope

Benefits

Not specified

Pay

Not specified

Schedule

Not specified

Prohibited Activities

• Diagnosing mental health or substance use disorders
• Providing psychotherapy or counseling as treatment
• Conducting clinical assessments for diagnosis
• Independently determining clinical treatment plans
• Billing for clinical behavioral health services

Physical and Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a healthcare and office setting and may involve frequent interaction with patients experiencing behavioral health needs. The role requires sustained attention, effective communication, and the ability to respond appropriately in high-stress situations.

Compliance Statement

The employee must comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. This position is subject to background checks, health requirements, and Native Preference where applicable.