POSITION/JOB SUMMARY:

• The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist is responsible for coordinating the intake process for individuals seeking behavioral health services. This position serves as the initial point of contact for clients, families, referral sources, and healthcare providers. The specialist supports timely access to services by gathering preliminary patient information, completing initial intake documentation, verifying insurance and eligibility, coordinating clinical assessments, managing appointments and referrals, and facilitating access to appropriate levels of care. This position does not conduct clinical assessments or make clinical determinations but ensures that relevant information is collected and communicated to qualified clinical personnel.

This position is regularly scheduled Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Complete initial intake paperwork; collect demographic, registration, and preliminary information about presenting concerns and behavioral health history, behavioral health history, current needs, and reasons for referral; and accurately document information in the electronic medical record (EMR) system for review by the appropriate clinical team.
• Verify insurance coverage, benefits, eligibility, and authorization requirements, as applicable, and collect self-pay payments and insurance copayments in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Manage appointment scheduling, cancellations, rescheduling, waitlists, and patient follow-up. Coordinate referrals to appropriate behavioral health programs, community resources, and external providers to support timely access to services and minimize barriers to care.
• Recognize urgent concerns, potential safety risks, crisis situations, and immediate clinical needs and promptly notify qualified clinical personnel in accordance with established protocols.
• Protect patient privacy and maintain the confidentiality of patient information in accordance with organizational policies, applicable laws, and HIPAA requirements.
• Perform data entry, reporting, scheduling, and other administrative duties that support efficient intake operations and quality patient care. Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance intake processes, operational efficiency, access to services, and patient experience.
• Support coworkers, share information appropriately, collaborate across departments, and contribute to a positive, respectful, and effective team environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

• Supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of Johnson Memorial Health Services.
• Demonstrates knowledge of patient and resident rights and helps maintain an environment that promotes privacy, dignity, well-being, and safety.
• Supports, cooperates with, and implements established procedures and programs related to:
  • Safety: Follows universal precautions and safe work practices; complies with fire, safety, disaster preparedness, risk management, and security procedures; and reports or helps correct unsafe working conditions and equipment maintenance needs.
  • Confidentiality: Protects confidential information, including patient, resident, employee, and organizational data.
  • Quality assurance and compliance: Supports continuous quality improvement and complies with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.
  • Workplace conduct: Helps maintain a work environment free from harassment, discrimination, and other unlawful or inappropriate behavior.
• Supports and participates in effective teamwork by:
  • Cooperating and working collaboratively with coworkers and completing assigned duties with minimal supervisory direction while exercising appropriate judgment.
  • Communicating tactfully and professionally, particularly in sensitive or emotionally challenging situations.
  • Following up appropriately with supervisors, coworkers, patients, and residents regarding reported complaints, problems, or concerns.
  • Promoting positive public relations with patients, residents, family members, visitors, and other stakeholders.
  • Completing required in-service education and annual training.
  • Maintaining acceptable attendance, complying with applicable dress code and personal hygiene standards, and completing other assigned work duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma required.
• Previous patient access experience required.
• Previous experience working in a behavioral health setting required. Experience may be gained through administrative, reception, intake, care coordination, or other relevant roles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Working knowledge of health insurance coverage, benefits, eligibility, and authorization processes.
• Computer proficiency and prior experience with EPIC or another electronic medical record system highly preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively with diverse populations, and work collaboratively in a healthcare environment.
• Ability to respond professionally and compassionately to individuals experiencing behavioral health concerns or emotional distress.

Benefits Offered for 48+ hours (.6 FTE)

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending (FSA)
• Health Savings (HSA)
• Supplemental Insurances
• Retirement (401a/457 Plan) 
• Paid Time Off 
• Employee Sick & Safety Leave
• Extended Illness Bank

 The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

JHMS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment. JHMS will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department.