Intake Specialist - Part Time - Mercy STL- Nights/Evenings

MHM Support Services; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition support

Matched retirement plans

Job summary

Mercy is seeking a compassionate Intake Specialist to serve as a key connection point for individuals seeking behavioral health and substance use services. You will conduct screenings, coordinate referrals and admissions, verify insurance, and provide crisis support.

The role emphasizes timely access to treatment, compassionate care, and collaboration with Mercy's Access Center and community resources. This is a part-time position in the Mercy STL system.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field.
• 2–3 years of behavioral health experience required.
• Licensure: LCSW or LPC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral health screenings and coordinate referrals.
• Verify insurance information and assist with pre-certifications.
• Coordinate admissions/transfers with care teams and community providers.
• Educate patients and families about treatment options and resources.
• Document patient information and outcomes in EMR/EHR systems.

Skills

Behavioral health knowledge

Insurance processes

Communication skills

Crisis decision‑making

Documentation proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

EMR/EHR software

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 / Part-Time / 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 Required

Required 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.

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.

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