Intake Specialist - Full Time - Mercy STL - Nights

MHM Support Services; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Mercy is seeking an Intake Specialist to perform behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, and coordinated referrals in a hospital setting. You will support patients in the Emergency Department and Intake Department, ensuring timely access to services while upholding Mercy's mission and ethics.

The role emphasizes collaboration with clinical teams, patient education, insurance verification, and documentation of outcomes in electronic records.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or another related mental health field required.
• Minimum 2-3 years of behavioral health experience.
• LCSW or LPC licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health and substance use assessments for patients in hospital settings.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during behavioral health emergencies.
• Coordinate assessments, admissions, transfers, and referrals with treatment teams.
• Educate patients and families on treatment options and resources.
• Document assessments, referrals, and outcomes; maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Behavioral health assessments

Crisis intervention

Care coordination

Communication

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy! Provides mental health and substance abuse assessments for patients presenting to the emergency department, Intake department or other areas of the hospital; pre-certification of insurance, crisis intervention and referral to community resources. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, Mercy Service Standards and NASW Code of Ethics.

Position Details

Intake Specialist (Nights) Shift: 7P-7A At Mercy, we believe in bringing compassionate care and exceptional service to every patient and family we serve. We are seeking a dedicated Intake Specialist to provide behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, referral coordination, and patient support services for individuals presenting to the Emergency Department, Intake Department, and other areas throughout the hospital.

Position Overview

The Intake Specialist serves as a key resource for patients, families, providers, and community partners by conducting mental health and substance use assessments, facilitating admissions and referrals, coordinating care, and providing crisis intervention services. This role works closely with clinical teams to ensure patients receive timely access to appropriate behavioral health services while upholding Mercy's mission, values, service standards, and professional ethical standards.

Assessment & Crisis Intervention

• Conduct mental health and substance use assessments for patients presenting to the Emergency Department, Intake Department, and other hospital settings.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for patients and families experiencing behavioral health emergencies.
• Evaluate patient needs and connect individuals with appropriate internal services and community resources.
• Follow up with high-risk individuals and families, as appropriate, to support continuity of care.

Care Coordination

• Coordinate assessments, admissions, and transfers by communicating clinical and financial information with treatment teams, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate behavioral health programs and community-based resources.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies to ensure smooth transitions of care.
• Obtain and verify insurance information, including pre-certification requirements when applicable.

Patient & Family Support

• Provide education and support to patients and families regarding treatment recommendations, available resources, and referral options.
• Communicate with patients and families in a timely and compassionate manner to identify and address needs.
• Encourage engagement with recommended services and treatment plans.

Documentation & Compliance

• Accurately document assessments, referrals, patient information, insurance details, and outcomes.
• Enter required information into departmental databases and electronic medical record systems in a timely manner.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with all regulatory and patient rights requirements.
• Adhere to infection prevention, safety, and risk management policies and procedures.

Community & Resource Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations and referral partners.
• Maintain current referral resource information, including program availability, contact information, and insurance acceptance.
• Assist callers in navigating behavioral health resources and accessing appropriate services.

Qualifications

• Required Education: Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or another related mental health field.
• Required Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of behavioral health experience.
• Preferred Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong assessment, crisis intervention, and care coordination skills.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to effectively manage complex situations and make independent decisions.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Working knowledge of behavioral health disorders, treatment programs, insurance processes, and community resources.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Proficiency with electronic documentation systems and basic computer applications.

Why Mercy?

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to patients and families during critical moments. At Mercy, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside compassionate professionals committed to improving lives every day. Mercy is an equal opportunity employer. From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period. Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

Transforming the Health of Our Communities

Our Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But our heritage goes back more than 195 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who was determined to help women and children in Dublin experiencing poverty. Though Catherine had a modest upbringing, she received an unexpected inheritance that allowed her to fulfill that dream. In 1827, she opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to women and educate children. Many volunteers came to help. A few years later, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, one of the first religious orders whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. In 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States. In 1856, they travelled to St. Louis. In the years to come, they would establish hospitals throughout the Midwest. Many of these would join together in 1986 as Mercy.