Intake Specialist - Mercy STL - PRN

MHM Support Services; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition support

Matched retirement plans for team

Job summary

Mercy STL is seeking an Intake Specialist to serve as a compassionate access point for behavioral health and substance use services. You will conduct screenings, coordinate referrals, verify insurance, and connect patients with appropriate levels of care within Mercy’s integrated system.

You will collaborate with physicians, clinicians, and community resources to ensure timely access to treatment while delivering excellent service and maintaining patient confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related mental health field.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of behavioral health experience.
• Licensure such as LCSW or LPC is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral health and substance use screenings in hospital settings.
• Coordinate assessments, admissions, and referrals with care teams.
• Verify insurance information and assist with pre-certifications.
• Provide crisis support and connect patients to appropriate care.

Skills

Behavioral health knowledge

Insurance processes

Communication skills

Crisis support

Education

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

Job description

Intake Specialist / PRN / Mercy STL

Position Summary Mercy is seeking a compassionate and service-oriented Intake Specialist to serve as a key connection point for individuals and families seeking behavioral health and substance use services. In this role, you will conduct behavioral health screenings, coordinate referrals and admissions, verify insurance information, provide crisis support, and connect patients with appropriate levels of care and community resources. The Intake Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring timely access to treatment while delivering exceptional service consistent with Mercy's mission, values, service standards, and commitment to compassionate care.

What You'll Do

Patient Assessment & Intake Coordination

• Complete behavioral health and substance use screenings for patients presenting to the Emergency Department, Intake Department, and other hospital settings.


• Gather clinical, demographic, and insurance information to support treatment recommendations and care coordination.


• Assist with insurance verification and pre-certification processes.


• Evaluate patient needs and help determine appropriate treatment and referral options.

Referral & Care Coordination

• Coordinate assessments, admissions, and transfers by communicating with physicians, clinicians, treatment teams, and community providers.


• Connect patients to appropriate Mercy programs and community-based resources.


• Follow up with patients and families to support successful connection with recommended services.


• Assist in facilitating continuity of care through effective communication and coordination.

Patient & Family Support

• Provide education regarding treatment options, community resources, and recommended next steps.


• Offer compassionate guidance and support to patients and families during times of crisis or uncertainty.


• Maintain positive working relationships with community agencies and referral partners.


• Advocate for patient needs and help remove barriers to care.

Documentation & Data Management

• Accurately document patient information, insurance details, referral sources, presenting concerns, and referral outcomes.


• Maintain complete and timely records within the Access Center database and electronic medical records.


• Ensure referral resource information remains current and accurate.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, providers, and interdisciplinary team members.


• Provide thorough handoff information to ensure continuity of care during staff transitions and coverage periods.


• Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making in both routine and complex situations.


• Support patients, families, and colleagues through clear, professional communication.

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.


• Adhere to patient rights standards, infection prevention protocols, and safety guidelines.


• Follow hospital and departmental emergency preparedness procedures.


• Support quality care initiatives and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a 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 knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment programs, and community resources.


• Understanding of insurance and referral processes.


• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, and make informed decisions.


• Strong customer service and relationship-building abilities.


• Ability to listen effectively and communicate complex information in a clear, compassionate manner.


• Proficiency with electronic documentation systems and databases.

Why Mercy?

At Mercy, we believe every individual deserves timely access to compassionate, high-quality behavioral health care. As an Intake Specialist, you'll play a critical role in connecting patients and families with the resources, services, and support they need while making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.

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.

Benefits

• medical coverage


• dental coverage


• vision coverage


• paid time off


• tuition support


• matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period

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 traveled 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.