GENERAL SUMMARY:   

The Intake Specialist is responsible for all aspects of the initial assessment of members including interviewing, gathering data for a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, making a clinical diagnosis, and completing the interim service plan. The Intake Specialist also assists with completing SMI Determinations, substance use assessments, and crisis intervention. Interacts professionally and clearly and in a timely manner with internal and external customers and other community professionals. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Conducts a comprehensive psychosocial assessment and makes treatment recommendations, summarizes primary presenting issues, identifies child/family strengths, and formulates a diagnosis based on this initial interview. 

• Builds rapport and credibility simultaneously with members. Relates to variety of individuals with warmth, empathy, and acceptance. 
• Develops interim service plans that identify the next steps taken after intake by the provider and person/family, and what issues are to be addressed for ongoing assessment. 
• Provides effective crisis assessment including the following of program triage protocol, arranging for emergency psychiatric evaluation/hospitalization as indicated by protocol, provides for follow-up, normalizes situation, discusses options and handles situation calmly. 
• Conducts educational activities that promote member understanding of treatment services, including therapy, behavior management, psychiatric evaluations, medication, diagnosis, parenting skills. 
• Performs duties with knowledge and skill in group processes, establishes group commitment to common goals, establishes an environment of mutual respect and understanding. 
• Performs duties using knowledge and skill in assessment and diagnosis utilizing DSM-V criteria. 
• Understands human development, family life cycles and demonstrates application of this knowledge in assessment and diagnosis. 
• Maintains clinical records in a timely manner according to standards. 
• Attends all intake department staff meetings, participates in the process of improving admissions procedures, and in assessing the quality and effectiveness of intake services. 
• Participates in in-service training and other educational opportunities as required and as time and resources permit. 
• Completes SMI Determinations for new enrolled members and existing members. 
• Assists with crisis intervention techniques. 
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Director. 
• Responsible for following any policies, procedures, and controls established by the organization, the HIPAA Privacy Officer, and/or the HIPAA Security Officer regarding access to, protection of, and the use of the PHI. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned or necessary as they relate to the general nature of the position.

• Education and Experience – Completion of a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Therapy, Psychology, or Education from an accredited school highly preferred; 
• Or completion of a related Bachelor’s degree program and two years full time work experience in the behavioral health field or a non-related bachelor’s degree with four years of full-time experience in the behavioral health field.
• License – Arizona Licensure (LISAC, LMSW, etc.) highly preferred. 

 REGULATORY: