Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator

Community Health Programs, Inc.; Great Barrington (MA); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

Community Health Programs, Inc. (CHP) is seeking a Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator to serve as the primary access point for behavioral health services at CHP.

This role works within a Patient-Centered Medical Home model to manage referrals, conduct initial screenings, coordinate placement, and support population health strategies for high-risk and underserved populations at the Neighborhood Health Center in Pittsfield, MA.

Responsibilities

• Manage the behavioral health referral and intake queue for all CHP sites.
• Conduct initial telephone screenings using approved assessment tools and standardized intake protocols.
• Evaluate patient needs, symptom severity, urgency, risk factors, and readiness for treatment.
• Determine appropriateness for CHP behavioral health services.
• Prioritize referrals based on clinical acuity, risk status, and population health criteria.
• Escalate urgent clinical concerns to behavioral health leadership and licensed clinicians as appropriate.
• Identify high-risk patients, including: Frequent Emergency Department utilizers; Patients with serious mental illness; Individuals with co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions; Patients experiencing social, economic, or access-related barriers.
• Collaborate with Care Coordinators, Community Health Workers, and Primary Care teams to address barriers to treatment engagement.
• Provide navigation support and facilitate referrals to community resources and specialty behavioral health providers.
• Match patients with the most appropriate behavioral health clinician based on clinical need, specialty, language, availability, and patient preference.
• Coordinate collection of releases of information, collateral information, previous treatment records, and other documentation needed before appointments.

Job description

Community Health Programs (CHP) is a mission-driven, nonprofit network of health centers dedicated to nurturing and inspiring healthy lives for people throughout the Berkshires. Our mission guides everything we do: delivering exceptional, compassionate health care and family services that strengthen individuals, families, and our entire community. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), CHP is uniquely positioned to ensure access to high-quality, comprehensive care for all - regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Serving a federally designated rural and Medically Underserved Population Area, we work to remove barriers and advance health equity across our region. Our network provides adult and pediatric primary care, women’s health, dental, nutrition, and behavioral health support. Beyond clinical care, our Family Services team supports thousands of families across the region with programs that help meet essential needs and reduce barriers that impact health and well-being. At CHP, our mission is to provide access to health care for everyone. Salary Range: $24.00 - $28.00 / hour. Status: Hybrid. Location: Neighborhood Health Center in Pittsfield, MA. Summary: The Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator serves as the primary access point for behavioral health services at Community Health Programs (CHP). Working within a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model, this position manages behavioral health referrals, conducts initial screenings, coordinates patient placement, and supports population health strategies designed to improve access to care for high-risk and underserved populations. The Intake Coordinator collaborates closely with primary care providers, behavioral health clinicians, care coordinators, community health workers, and population health teams to ensure timely access to appropriate behavioral health services. This position supports Community Health Center quality, access, and health equity initiatives by improving referral management, reducing wait times, optimizing clinician capacity, and enhancing care coordination across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Intake & Assessment

• Manage the behavioral health referral and intake queue for all CHP sites.
• Conduct initial telephone screenings using approved assessment tools and standardized intake protocols.
• Evaluate patient needs, symptom severity, urgency, risk factors, and readiness for treatment.
• Determine appropriateness for CHP behavioral health services.
• Prioritize referrals based on clinical acuity, risk status, and population health criteria.
• Escalate urgent clinical concerns to behavioral health leadership and licensed clinicians as appropriate.

Care Coordination & Population Health

• Identify high-risk patients, including:
  • Frequent Emergency Department utilizers
  • Patients with serious mental illness
  • Individuals with co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions
  • Patients experiencing social, economic, or access-related barriers
• Collaborate with Care Coordinators, Community Health Workers, and Primary Care teams to address barriers to treatment engagement.
• Provide navigation support and facilitate referrals to community resources and specialty behavioral health providers.

Referral Management & Provider Placement

• Match patients with the most appropriate behavioral health clinician based on clinical need, specialty, language, availability, and patient preference.
• Coordinate collection of releases of information, collateral information, previous treatment records, and other documentation needed before appointments.