Intake Specialist

Job Title: Intake Specialist

Department: Residential

Reports To: Program Director

Location: Harbor House

Job Summary

The Intake Coordinators primary responsibility is to identify, recruit, assess and admit eligible candidates for MH and SA services. They are also responsible for carrying out the agency’s mission of assessing homelessness, and co-occurring disorders of substance use and mental health. The Intake Specialist is responsible for adhering to the agency’s policies and procedures, and for bringing all significant concerns to the Director for Mental Health Services.

While primary placement is within a specific residential program, the Intake Specialist may be temporarily or permanently reassigned to other program sites as needed to support operations, ensure adequate staffing coverage, and support program continuity.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Assesses all candidates for homelessness, mental health and substance abuse disorders.
• Admits eligible candidates into the appropriate programs.
• Responsible for explaining to participants the program consent for treatment; program rules and regulations; confidentiality and other consent forms. He/she is responsible for assigning participants to substance abuse counselors, mental health counselors or the housing specialist.
• Responsible for informing referral source of the documentation necessary for screening, assessment, and admission. They are responsible for assessing candidates for third party payment eligibility.
• Secures participants birth certificate, social security card, and any medical or legal referral documents and referral letter. Reads all referral information to ensure that all required documentation, including physical and TB clearance is in place.
• Refers candidates to the multidisciplinary team for clinical interventions.
• Meets regularly with the Supervisor to consult and discuss referrals and schedule screening dates and times.
• Maintains accurate filing system for program reporting of assessments, intakes and discharges according to OASAS, OMH, HUD and SAMHSA guidelines.
• Maintains contact with hospitals, detoxification/rehabilitation programs, homeless shelters, and other treatment programs in the tri-state area for ongoing recruitment. Maintain listing of referral agencies with contact’s name and phone numbers.
• Conducts outreach presentations to various agencies. Coordinates outreach with criminal justice referral sources including but not limited to TASC/Probation/Parole.
• Notifies the Supervisor of any recruitment problem immediately.
• Participates in quality improvement meetings and case conferences.
• Responsible for all other assignments as given by the Program Director or Argus Community Executive Staff.

Qualifications/Criteria

• Must have a working knowledge of third party payment procedures in addition to OASAS, OMH, HUD and SAMHSA regulations.
• Must have excellent assessment, communication, and computer skills.
• Must have the ability to successfully work with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Must be able to sit approximately six (6) hours a day.
• Must enforce the policies and procedures that govern this agency.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule.
• Must maintain compliance with OASAS, OMH, HUD and SAMHSA regulations regarding intakes procedures, assessments and referrals.

*We follow the NYC Workplace Vaccination requirements.

Education

• High School Diploma/GED required; College degree preferred
• QHP preferred