FBH Clinical Access Specialist

Catholic Community Services, Family Behavioral Health is a values-driven organization providing family-oriented mental health care for children, youth, and families in their own home and community. Our enthusiastic clinical teams deliver comprehensive, intensive Wrap-around mental health services to a diverse population across multiple sites in Washington and Oregon.

About the role

This position is the first clinical contact for children, youth, and families seeking referral and access to intensive behavioral health services. The Clinical Access Specialist determines eligibility and facilitates access to services by using clinical and diagnostic assessment tools, engaging with families, and coordinating referrals. The role requires scheduling flexibility to meet the needs of youth and families, with services provided in community-based settings and family homes.

Responsibilities

• Utilize clinical assessment and engagement skills to meet with children, youth, and families in homes, hospitals, or other community settings to gather demographic and clinical information, assess service needs, and determine intensity.
• Complete behavioral health clinical assessment tools, including the Child Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment.
• Demonstrate familiarity with DSM criteria for clinical mental health diagnoses and formulate diagnoses based on client background and presenting issues.
• Engage children and families during referral sessions, assessing immediate safety needs and ensuring clinical support throughout the process.
• Gather information from medical, behavioral health, and other community providers to support assessment and access to services.
• Verify Medicaid eligibility for services using an Electronic Health Record (Provider One).
• Assess acuity level for response and coordinate referral assignments with clinical managers/supervisors for referrals meeting access criteria.
• Communicate referral dispositions to Medicaid and Behavioral Health Organization (BHO) funders, obtaining pre-authorization for eligible services.
• For referrals not meeting service criteria, assist in resolving presenting concerns by making referrals to community resources using motivational interviewing and solution-focused principles.
• Represent Family Behavioral Health Services in the community through outreach and collaboration, developing and maintaining relationships with funders, providers, and referral sources.
• Maintain ongoing clinical contact with children/youth meeting access criteria pending clinical assignment, ensuring timely coordination and support.
• Demonstrate flexibility to respond to urgent referral requests, including after-hours and weekend availability to meet family and community needs.
• Maintain knowledge of community behavioral health and support services to link referents with local resources.
• Complete clinical assessment and referral documentation as required by funders and Medicaid, tracking client enrollment and documentation in clinical dashboards.
• Track and record Medicaid eligibility verification for all referred children/youth.
• Maintain a tracking list of process steps for referral and intake activities, including assessment completion, dispositions, scheduling, and authorizations.
• Participate in audit preparation and review of clinical records to ensure compliance with Medicaid standards for content, format, timeliness, and quality.
• Uphold a culture of privacy and security in a highly confidential work environment (HIPAA-covered entity), complying with all policies safeguarding client Protected Health Information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, behavioral sciences, or an equivalent field.
• Two or more years of clinical experience working with children and families, including knowledge of behavioral health and child welfare service systems.
• Clinical knowledge of DSM diagnostic and clinical criteria.
• Demonstrated clinical engagement skills, such as Motivational Interviewing or Collaborative Problem Solving.
• Eligibility for Agency Affiliated License and application within one month of employment.
• Computer proficiency in Excel, Word, and knowledge of Behavioral Health Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
• Certification and competency in clinical assessment processes, including eligibility for CANS-Child/Adolescent Needs/Strengths Assessment, CALOCUS, and functional family clinical assessments.
• Energetic and innovative style with the ability to engage children, youth, and family members in services.
• Enthusiastic and optimistic approach, encouraging ongoing participation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, meeting clients and colleagues in homes and community locations.
• Demonstrated strength in community capacity building and collaboration.
• Ability to prioritize and handle competing demands effectively.
• Must successfully pass required background clearances prior to employment.
• Valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation with an acceptable driving record per CCS policy.
• Support and uphold the mission, beliefs, and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to engage children and families in crisis across various settings and circumstances.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Highly organized and self-motivated.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team.
• Computer proficiency in Psych Consult.
• Training and experience in CANS Assessment.

Benefits

• Starting pay range: $36.79 - $40.93 per hour.
• 12 paid holidays plus 1 personal holiday each year.
• 3 weeks of vacation (to start).
• 12 sick days per year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance (1 times annual salary).
• Retirement plans: 403-B Employee Savings Plan and an Employer Contribution Pension.
• Extensive training in multiple clinical approaches and related areas.
• Weekly supervision with a Clinical Supervisor and daily supervision/support as needed.
• Immediate assistance and clinical supervision/consultation available at any time.

Schedule

This position requires scheduling flexibility, including the ability to meet family and community needs after 5 PM and on weekends.