Intake Specialist - Greater Seattle - Multiple Locations

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage

Health Savings Account

Retirement plan with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off and holidays

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

Longevity bonuses

Training and supervision for licensure

Clinical supervision toward licensure

Paid training days

Job summary

Valley Cities is hiring an Intake Specialist to screen and disposition service requests across Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, Renton and Rainier Beach clinics. As the first clinical contact in our CCBHC model, you will assess, triage, and coordinate handoffs to MDT and Care Coordinators to ensure timely access to care.

The role requires an MA in Behavioral Sciences or full licensure (LICSW/LMHC/LMFT), WA MHP designation, and 2+ years in mental health.

Qualifications

• MA degree in Behavioral Sciences Field or full licensure (LICSW/LMHC/LMFT).
• WA MHP designation upon hire.
• Two years of mental health experience or MSW.
• Data entry skills; speed and accuracy.
• Pass required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Screening, assessment, and level of care based on clinical screening and JCAHO criteria.
• Provide client placement at appropriate level of care.
• Obtain consent for services and explain client rights.
• Conduct NDA crisis assessments when NDA crisis unavailable.
• Perform initial screening and suicide risk screening (C-SSRS).
• Collaborate with Front Desk, Care Coordinators and intake staff.
• Assist Access Specialist for Intakes in program development.
• Provide information to public on Valley Cities services and procedures.
• Meet client access standards and achieve billable services targets.
• Participate in Quality Improvement processes.
• Attend required trainings and meetings; ongoing professional development.

Skills

Data entry skills

Two years of mental health experience

Education

MA Degree in Behavioral Sciences Field

Full licensed as LICSW LMHC or LMFT

Washington State MHP designation upon hire

Job description

Intake Specialist | Multiple Locations: Auburn. Federal Way, Kent, Renton, and Rainier Beach Clinics | FULL-TIME | NON-EXEMPT | MA level $27.77 - $35.87 / Fully Licensed $31.31 - $41.01 | SIGNING BONUS - $3,000 / $5000

About Valley Cities

Valley Cities has recently been selected to lead efforts in Washington State to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), reflecting compliance with stringent national standards in behavioral health care. This status enables broader service availability, improved integration of mental health and substance use treatment, enhanced crisis intervention capabilities, and ensures services are accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.

SUMMARY

Responsible for screening and disposition requests for services from Valley Cities (VC). Perform as crisis counselor, as needed. Gathers information for referral to our programs and for statistical purposes

As a first clinical point of contact in Valley Cities’ Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, the Intake Specialist ensures timely access to care for every person who requests services, regardless of ability to pay or place of residence. This includes preliminary screening and risk assessment at first contact, initial and comprehensive evaluation within CCBHC timeframes, and a coordinated handoff to the clinic multidisciplinary team (MDT) and Care Coordinator.

What You'll Do (Essential Functions)

Screening, Assessment, and Level of Care

• Conduct diagnostic mental health assessments with skill and compassion.
• Provide client placement at an appropriate level of care based on clinical screening and JCAHO criteria.
• Ensure consent for services and understanding of client rights for individuals requesting services.
• Perform NDA crisis assessments when primary NDA crisis is unavailable.
• Complete preliminary screening and risk assessment at first contact, including suicide risk screening (C-SSRS).

Access, Engagement, and Care Coordination

• Work collaboratively with Front Desk, Care Coordinators and other staff involved in intake process.
• Assists Access Specialist for Intakes in the overall program development.
• Provides information to public on VC services and application procedures.

Quality, Documentation, and Productivity

• Attain client satisfaction goals, as specified.
• Meet client access standards of 60% billable services per full FTE.
• Participate in Quality Improvement process.

Training and Professional Development

• Attends scheduled VC staff meetings and training.
• Attend required in-service training and meetings.
• Complete CCBHC-required training at orientation and at least annually, including risk assessment, suicide prevention and suicide-specific interventions, cultural competency, person- and family-centered care, recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed care, and primary care/behavioral health integration.

What You'll Bring (Required)

• MA Degree in Behavioral Sciences Field OR Full licensed as LICSW, LMHC, or LMFT.
• Washington State Mental Health Professional (MHP) designation upon hire.
• Two years of experience in mental health field or MSW
• Data entry skills: Speed and accuracy
• Pass required background checks.

Nice To Have (Preferred)

• Crisis assessment skills, prior experience with severely, emotionally disabled clients
• Active progress toward independent clinical licensure (LMHC, LICSW, LMFT).
• Experience using standardized screening and risk assessment tools (e.g., C-SSRS, PHQ-9, AUDIT-C) and ASAM criteria.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills reflect the diverse communities served across King County.

Join Our Team!

Be a part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference every day. Meaningful work, and comprehensive benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage available for employees and eligible family members and dependents
• Health Savings Account, $2,000 contribution annually, prorated monthly.
• Agency sponsored retirement plan, up to 6% employer contributions, and pre-tax/Roth available
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources
• Comprehensive paid time off, paid holidays, and extended sick leave options
• Access to Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
• Annual longevity bonuses
• Recognition programs and incentives
• Access to training, supervision, and consultation for professional certification and licensure
• Clinical supervision provided toward licensure, if applicable
• Paid training days and yearly training fund

We are excited about the future ahead! We’re looking for people who want to make a real difference in behavioral health while growing alongside a mission-driven team. Employees joining Valley Cities at this time will become part of an impactful organization dedicated to advancing community behavioral health, that is grounded in compassion, equity and community impact. Join us to make significant contributions during pivotal moments in the lives of others!

We are dedicated to Equal Opportunity Employment & embrace the contributions of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans and does not unlawfully discriminate under federal, state, or local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.