Intake Counselor - PRN/Per Diem

About the role

Via Linda Behavioral Hospital is an innovative behavioral health hospital offering a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services to the people of Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix, Arizona metro area. Our 120-bed facility provides specialized mental health services and substance use treatment for teens, adults, and older adults experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and co-occurring addictions.

Under the direction of the Director of Intake, the Intake Therapist ensures smooth, trauma-informed, and orderly processes for telephonic and in-person assessments to assist the physician in identifying an appropriate level of care for potential patients. This role involves initial contact with referral sources, potential patients, coordinating the referral and intake process, and facilitating admissions. The Intake Therapist provides trauma-informed assessment and treatment, maintains communication with referral sources, families, patients, and unit staff, and interfaces closely with internal hospital staff, facility physicians, referring hospitals, patients, families, and community referral sources.

The Intake Therapist will also be cross-trained in other Intake Department roles, such as Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) or Intake Coordinator, to assist as needed. Additional responsibilities include verifying and obtaining prior authorization of insurance benefits.

Responsibilities

• Conduct telephonic and in-person assessments to determine appropriate level of care for potential patients.
• Coordinate the referral and intake process, including initial contact with referral sources and potential patients.
• Facilitate the admission process and provide trauma-informed assessment and treatment.
• Maintain effective and timely communication with patients, families, referral sources, and unit staff.
• Interface with internal hospital staff, facility physicians, referring hospitals, and community referral sources.
• Cross-train in other Intake Department roles (e.g., BHT or Intake Coordinator) to assist as needed.
• Verify and obtain prior authorization of insurance benefits.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, or a related field.
• State licensure with the Board (preferred).
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in social services, community mental/behavioral health, inpatient settings, or performing administrative duties, crisis interventions, and customer service.
• 2-3 years of experience in the above areas (preferred), including prior experience in intake/assessment departments.
• Valid Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance or ability to obtain it.