Emergency Services Intake Counselor- Flex PRN

Hartgrove Behavioral Health System; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Health Services is seeking an Emergency Services Intake Counselor in Chicago, IL. You will perform crisis risk assessments, clinical triage, and manage rapid admissions while ensuring confidentiality and legal compliance.

The role requires a Masters in a clinical field, with BLS/CPI certifications upon orientation and potential licensure eligibility. PRN/Flex scheduling on weekends with varied shifts is typical.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in a clinical field is required.
• Experience in psychiatric settings is preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk evaluations (suicide, psychosis, substance use) and gather histories.
• Coordinate intake paperwork, pre-certifications, and physician collaboration.
• Manage bed availability, patient deflections, and MDT updates.
• Maintain records and confidentiality per laws and policies.

Skills

Crisis risk assessment

Clinical triage

Admissions coordination

Regulatory compliance

Multitasking

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related clinical field

Job description

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more Information, Please See https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13707308

Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital*** provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric and behavioral health support to children and teens ages 3 to 17. Guided by the highest standards of ethics and individualized care, our mission is to exceed patient expectations, instill hope in families, and meet the diverse needs of our community. We are passionate about transforming lives through quality behavioral healthcare, and we are excited to further serve our patients by expanding our partial and intensive outpatient programs through an upcoming construction project.

Job Summary

As the***Emergency Services Intake Counselor*** you will conduct crisis risk assessments and provides clinical triage for families and professionals. You will also manage the fast-paced, high-stress admissions process, ensuring compliance with mental health laws and confidentiality policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical Assessment: Conducts risk evaluations (suicide, psychosis, substance abuse) and gathers health and treatment histories.
• Admissions Management: Coordinates intake paperwork, pre-certifications, and physician care collaboration.
• Team Collaboration: Manages bed availability, patient deflections, and multidisciplinary team updates.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintains records and upholds legal and confidentiality standards.

Environment & Demands

• Fast-Paced Setting: Operates in an environment equivalent to an Emergency Room.
• High-Stress Resilience: Requires strong multitasking skills and high physical stamina to support children and families in crisis.

Work Schedule

PRN/ Flex/ Per Diem; Weekends, PM, Night shifts

*This position is not eligble for benefits*

Education

Masters Degree required in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related clinical field.

Licensure/Certification

• Licensure or eligibility for licensure (LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW) or Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois preferred.
• BLS (AHA) and CPI certifications required upon orientation completion.

Knowledge

Thorough understanding of the DSM-V criteria, psychotropic medications, and assessment skills with the ability to develop quick and strong clinical rapport. Working knowledge of Illinois Confidentiality Act, Illinois Mental Health Code, EMTALA and ILPA process. Must posses a detailed understanding of psychiatric criteria for various levels of care and insurance/benefit verifications. Have the ability to provide de-escalation techniques and crisis stabilization. Must be able to utilize CBT, Trauma Informed Care and Crisis Intervention effectively. Must be able to work cooperatively with other hospital staff and community agencies. Good organization skills, attentive to detail, thorough, as well as excellent oral and written clinical communication skills.

Language

Bilingual in both Spanish and English preferred

About Universal Health Services

One of the nations largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of Americas Largest Public Companies. Headquarteredin King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician net two and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully c