Central Intake Specialist

BestSelf; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcoming team environment

Generous paid time off

Employee referral bonus

Health insurance options

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

BestSelf in Buffalo seeks a Central Intake Specialist to advocate for clients in scheduling initial appointments, screen for mental health and chemical dependency needs, and coordinate levels of care based on medical necessity and insurance. The role requires documenting assessments and obtaining referrals with state and county licenses.

You will work under supervision within the intake team. The position emphasizes client confidentiality, efficient intake processing, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Associates degree in social work, psychology or closely related human services field, or 2 years related experience in mental health or social services.
• Knowledge of mental health and addictive disorders and their treatment.
• Knowledge of admission criteria for licensed mental health and addiction services.
• Telephonic interviewing and psychiatric triage skills.
• Knowledge of insurance requirements and community resources is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct telephonic triage of requests for initial appointments, including lethality assessment and care level determination.
• Verify insurance coverage, obtain authorizations and referrals, arrange financing for initial visit.
• Educate clients about treatment/rehabilitation processes and expectations as BBH clients.
• Document assessments electronically and transmit to therapists and program Director.
• Complete trainings and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Telephonic triage

Customer service

Independent work

Referral coordination

Education

Associate degree in social work or related field

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Starting Rate: $18 per hour Located in 899 Main St., Buffalo, NY 35 hours Full Time

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Central Intake Specialist, functioning as the client's advocate in the scheduling process, handles requests for initial appointments, performs a preliminary mental health/chemical dependency screening, determines urgency and initial level of care, and schedules the client accordingly. This individual will schedule initial appointments based on medical necessity, insurance requirements, and all agreements with state and county licensing bodies. The Central Intake Specialist will ensure all necessary authorizations and/or referrals are in place to cover the initial appointment and will verify insurance coverage. This individual will maintain documentation and perform record keeping in accordance with agency requirements. The Central Intake Specialist will maintain confidentiality in accordance with all applicable state and federal regulations. The Central Intake Specialist will receive clinical and administrative supervision from the Central Intake Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts a telephonic triage of requests for initial appointments which will involve but not limited to, a brief lethality assessment, description of the presenting problem, and level of care determination
• Works cooperatively with referral sources to ensure continuation of referral support
• Verifies insurance coverage, obtains necessary authorizations and referrals, and ensures financial supports are in place for the initial visit.
• Educates the client about the treatment/rehabilitation processes and procedures as well as what to expect as a customer of BBH.
• Assessments are documented electronically and, as they are done, is transmitted to the receiving therapist and program Director.
• Completes all trainings required by the agency.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates degree in social work, psychology or closely related human services field, plus experience working with central intake or psychiatric triage. -OR- 2 years of full-time paid experience in a related mental health, substance abuse or social service agency, with experience with third party payers
• Must have knowledge of both mental health and addictive disorders and their treatment and rehabilitation.
• Must know the admission criteria for the various licensed mental health and addition services offered by BBH.
• Must possess skills in telephonic interviewing and psychiatric triage.
• Knowledge of insurance requirements and community resources is a plus.
• Must be goal directed, organized and able to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with behavioral health clients, referral sources, and community agencies.
• Must have excellent telephone engagement and customer service skills.
• Must be computer literate and able to navigate between several programs.

Benefits include:

• Welcoming, team environment, that inspires you to thrive and be your BestSelf!
• Generous paid time off
• Employee referral bonus
• Various student loan forgiveness programs
• Multiple and diverse health insurance options
• Many other unique lifestyle & personal insurance options
• Professional license/certification renewal reimbursement
• Career growth and advancement opportunities