Residential Intake and Referral Specialist

About the role

The Residential Intake & Referral Specialist serves as a direct care member of the Crisis Center team, coordinating referrals, admissions, and intake activities during normal business hours. As an in-ratio staff member, this position provides supervision, support, crisis intervention, and engagement to youth residing in the shelter while ensuring timely access to Crisis Center services. The specialist is the primary point of contact for referrals and admissions during business hours.

Responsibilities

• Manage referrals and conduct client screenings
• Coordinate admissions and assist with intake documentation
• Maintain communication with referral sources
• Support census management
• Complete post-discharge follow-up calls
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation
• Collaborate with the Program Manager, Crisis Center Supervisor, Team Leaders, Residential Staff, Youth Outreach Navigator, agency programs, and community partners to support coordinated access to services and effective client transitions
• Develop and maintain relationships with referral partners, including DSS, schools, hospitals, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, and community organizations
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and agency initiatives as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong relationship-building, communication, public speaking, and youth engagement skills
• Ability to work independently in community settings while balancing administrative responsibilities and direct service delivery
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, child welfare systems, and community resources (preferred)
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills
• Experience in residential youth services and/or working with runaway and homeless youth (preferred)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, families, staff, referral agencies, and community partners
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail