Mental Health Intake Specialist III

General Description

Under the direction of the Intake Supervisor and within federal, state and local guidelines, performs moderately complex social service or case management work. Work involves collecting, preparing, and reviewing cases to facilitate access to medical, educational, social, and other services, and providing intervention and frequent contact with individuals, facilities, and service providers. This position is responsible for completing Mental Health (MH) Intake Assessments for individuals requesting MH Services which includes determining a diagnosis using DSM-IV/V Classification. This position is required to complete all client-related paperwork within agency guidelines. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, And Experience

• Master's degree in a human services field and a current license (LPC, LCSW, or LMFT).
• A minimum of 6 months' related experience required.
• Must qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) and be familiar with the DSM IV/V.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems; of case guidelines, regulations, and policies; of interviewing techniques; of mental illness and the emotional components of physical illness; of rehabilitation methods; of individual needs associated with disabilities; and of community welfare resources.
• Skill in interviewing and in conducting individual needs assessments.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

• Intake:
• Create a welcoming and inviting environment for all clients accessing services.
• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments, including diagnostic documentation and completion of the psychosocial history packet.
• Assist in follow-up services with service coordination staff.
• Complete all necessary intake documentation, including: MH Intake Packet, CANS/ANSA Assessments, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Mental Health Consent, Other required paperwork.
• Care Coordination:
• Request initial psychiatric evaluations (including stand-by evaluations).
• Request initial case manager and/or psychosocial rehabilitation appointments within 10 days of intake completion.
• Monitor daily walk-in flow to ensure goal of seeing all walk-in clients the same day or as soon as possible.
• Documentation and Administrative Support:
• Maintain a minimum of three intakes per day. If not met, assist with: Updating expired or soon-to-expire documentation (e.g., TRR, PCRP, bi-annual/annual forms).
• Other tasks appropriate to credentials, as assigned.
• Under supervision, and upon demonstrated competency, review assessments completed by other staff.
• Exercise discretion in diagnostic decision-making and consultation with peers, as appropriate.
• Crisis Response and Safety:
• Follow all written safety procedures, including assessing medical care needs and participating in utilization review.
• Assess the necessity for outpatient placement or crisis referrals (e.g., Psychiatric Triage or MCOT).
• Support individuals in crisis by: Connecting them with the appropriate services (MCOT, Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention, etc.), Remaining with them when safe, to provide support and de-escalation until specialized staff or emergency personnel arrive, Participate in post-crisis debriefing sessions with supervisor or designated staff, Collaborate on incident reviews and ensure compliance with HHSC guidelines and Center policies, Actively participate in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.