RN Behavioral Health Intake Supervisor

Sierra Vista Hospital; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Vista Hospital in Sacramento is seeking a Supervisor for the Assessment & Referral (Intake) Department to lead a team of clinicians and coordinate admissions, assessments, and referrals in a behavioral health setting.

The role requires an active RN license, a BSN preferred, and 2–4 years of psychiatric nursing experience with supervisory exposure, along with current BLS/CPR and CPI certification. This on-site leadership position focuses on quality care and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Active RN license in the state of practice.
• BSN degree heavily preferred.
• 2–4 years of psychiatric nursing experience, with 1–2 years in supervisory/intake roles.
• Current BLS/CPR and CPI certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise admissions: oversee evaluation of incoming patients for appropriate placement.
• Crisis de-escalation: handle high-risk situations in intake lobby.
• Medical screening oversight: ensure thorough initial physical assessments.
• Department leadership: oversee intake RNs, psych techs, and coordinators.
• Utilization review: coordinate with insurers for pre-authorizations and medical necessity.
• Bed management: work with nurses and CNO to manage capacity and transfers.
• Legal/regulatory compliance: ensure compliance with 5150/72-hour holds and Joint Commission requirements.

Skills

RN supervision

Team leadership

CPI certification

BLS/CPR

Psych triage

Education

RN license (state)

BSN degree

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Responsibilities

Sierra Vista Hospital is seeking a Supervisor for our Assessment & Referral (Intake) Department. If you're passionate about working in the behavioral health setting and have the desire to lead a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to serving our patients, we want to hear from you!

The supervisor of Assessment & Referral must be able to demonstrate knowledge of title 9, CMS and other criteria for various hospital services (inpatient psychiatric, inpatient detox, partial hospitalization & intensive outpatient services); the supervisor is responsible for assisting with management of daily activities in Assessment and Referral in the “off-shifts”. Responsible for assisting with the coordination of training & education of new clinicians, RN and social workers; coordination of assessments, referrals & admissions to facility; coordination of ensuring insurance pre-certifications are completed in a timely manner. Assists with administrative activities at the facility in concert with administration, medical staff, and other hospital departments (nursing, outpatient services, business development, etc.).

Qualifications

Licensure: Active and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice

Education: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is heavily preferred.

Experience: 2 to 4 years of psychiatric nursing experience, with at least 1 to 2 years in a supervisory, charge nurse, or intake-specific role.

Certifications: Current BLS/CPR and certification in advanced behavioral de-escalation protocols (such as Crisis Prevention Intervention [CPI]

Clinical Assessment & Triage Oversight

Supervise Admissions: Oversee the evaluation of incoming patients to ensure appropriate placement based on psychiatric acuity, medical stability, and diagnostic criteria

Crisis De-escalation: Handle high-risk situations involving individuals experiencing active psychosis, severe suicidal ideation, or behavioral outbursts in the intake lobby

Medical Screening Oversight: Ensure intake nurses perform thorough initial physical assess

Departmental Leadership & Administration

Staff Management: Schedule, train, and evaluate a team of intake RNs, psych technicians, and behavioral health coordinators

Utilization Review: Collaborate with insurance companies and utilization management teams to secure pre-authorizations and verify medical necessity for inpatient stays

Bed Management: Coordinate with unit charge nurses and the Chief Nursing Officer to manage hospital capacity, tracking discharges and facilitating safe transfers

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with emergency psychiatric hold legal mandates (e.g., 5150, 72-hour holds, forensic court orders) and Joint Commission requirements