Intake Specialist (Full Time @ Springfield)

Position Details

Mercy South is seeking a compassionate and skilled Intake Specialist to provide behavioral health and substance use assessments for patients presenting to the Emergency Department, Intake Department, and other areas of the hospital.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health and substance use assessments for patients presenting for behavioral health services.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for patients and families experiencing emotional, psychiatric, or substance use concerns.
• Determine appropriate levels of care and referral recommendations.
• Facilitate referrals to internal programs and community-based resources based on patient needs.
• Coordinate behavioral health assessments and admissions by communicating clinical and financial information to treatment teams, assessment clinicians, and admitting providers.
• Aid in insurance verification and pre-certification processes.
• Coordinate patient transfers and ensure appropriate follow-up communication with receiving facilities and providers.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions of care.
• Provide education and guidance regarding treatment options, community resources, and recommended next steps.
• Support patients and families in understanding diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and available services.
• Conduct follow-up outreach for high-risk individuals and families who may not follow through with referrals or treatment recommendations.
• Accurately document patient demographics, assessment information, insurance details, referral sources, presenting concerns, and referral outcomes.
• Enter information into designated databases and electronic systems in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain comprehensive and organized records to support continuity of care and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies, behavioral health providers, and referral partners.
• Maintain current and accurate referral resource information, including contact information, services offered, and insurance participation.
• Serve as a resource for patients, families, and healthcare professionals regarding behavioral health services and community supports.
• Protect patient confidentiality and comply with all privacy regulations.
• Follow infection prevention, patient safety, and hospital safety protocols.
• Adhere to patient rights standards and organizational policies.
• Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in both routine and complex situations.
• Ensure effective communication and handoff of patient information to covering staff and on-call team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related mental health field required.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of behavioral health experience required.
• Skills & Knowledge: Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to effectively assess, understand, and communicate complex behavioral health situations; strong crisis intervention and problem-solving abilities; working knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment programs, insurance processes, and community resources; ability to provide compassionate support while maintaining professional boundaries; proficiency with telephone communication, documentation systems, and data entry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred.