Behavioral Health Intake & Access Navigator

Coastal Horizons; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. is seeking an Intake/Access Client Care Navigator to serve as a primary clinical access point for adults seeking walk-in behavioral health services in Wilmington, NC.

The role supports both Adult Outpatient Services and BHUC by conducting brief screenings to identify needs, urgency, safety concerns, and the best initial service pathway. The screener collaborates with licensed clinicians, nurses, and program leaders, ensuring proper escalation and handoffs while

Qualifications

• Must meet current North Carolina requirements for Qualified Professional (QP) designation within the mental health and substance use service system.
• At least one year of relevant experience in behavioral health access, substance use treatment, crisis services, intake, care coordination, or a comparable setting.
• Knowledge of co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions, crisis indicators, withdrawal concerns, and appropriate escalation procedures.
• Ability to complete structured screenings, recognize urgent concerns, make timely service-routing decisions, and seek consultation when appropriate.
• Ability to engage adults experiencing emotional distress, substance-related concerns, agitation, or other behavioral health needs using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and complete accurate, timely, objective electronic health record documentation.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet organizational driving requirements when travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide welcoming, trauma-informed initial contact to adults seeking walk-in behavioral health services.
• Complete standardized screenings addressing presenting concerns, behavioral health symptoms, substance use, potential withdrawal, safety risks, functional needs, and observable medical or behavioral warning signs.
• Determine preliminary urgency using approved screening tools and organizational protocols.
• Route individuals to the appropriate initial service, including Adult Outpatient Services or BHUC.
• Prioritize individuals with urgent or emergent behavioral health needs for BHUC assessment and intervention.
• Coordinate access to routine outpatient assessment, treatment, or referral services when BHUC intervention is not indicated.
• Consult with a licensed clinician, registered nurse, prescriber, or program leader when screening findings are unclear or outside the scope of the position.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis assessment

Care coordination

EHR documentation

Confidentiality

Driving

Microsoft Office

Communication with adults

Education

CADC credential

Tools

EHR systems

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. is seeking an Intake/Access Client Care Navigator to serve as a primary clinical access point for adults seeking walk-in behavioral health services in Wilmington, NC.

The role supports both Adult Outpatient Services and BHUC by conducting brief screenings to identify needs, urgency, safety concerns, and the best initial service pathway. The screener collaborates with licensed clinicians, nurses, and program leaders, ensuring proper escalation and handoffs while