Behavioral Health Intake Specialist

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Position Title: Behavioral Health Intake Specialist

Division: Behavioral Health

The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist serves as a licensed, non-clinical access point for patients seeking behavioral health services. This position performs comprehensive intake assessments, administers standardized behavioral health screenings, and coordinates timely access to appropriate services. The role requires professional judgment consistent with bachelor’s-level licensure while maintaining clear escalation pathways to licensed clinical providers.

This position operates within the scope of a bachelor’s-level licensed Social Worker (SW) in South Dakota. The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist does not diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, or establish clinical treatment plans. Clinical services are provided by appropriately licensed clinicians.

• The following functions are fundamental to the position and are required of all incumbents, with or without reasonable accommodation. These functions define the role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.
• Conduct comprehensive non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for behavioral health services
• Apply independent professional judgment within scope to assess risk, urgency, and service routing
• Administer, score, and document standardized behavioral health screening tools per protocol
• Identify safety concerns and coordinate immediate escalation to licensed clinicians when indicated
• Coordinate referrals, service access, and warm handoffs to internal and external providers
• Provide patient education, care navigation, and follow-up support to ensure continuity of care
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient access and flow

• Authorized scope of practice
• Conducting non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for service planning
• Collecting psychosocial histories and demographic information
• Administering and documenting standardized screening tools (without diagnosing)
• Assessing eligibility, risk factors, and service needs
• Care coordination, case management, and referrals
• Crisis screening and triage with appropriate escalation
• Documentation, care navigation, education, and advocacy

• Prohibited activities
• Diagnosing mental health or substance use disorders
• Providing psychotherapy or counseling as treatment
• Conducting clinical assessments for diagnosis
• Independently determining clinical treatment plans
• Billing for clinical behavioral health services

• Required qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
• Current, unrestricted Social Worker (SW) license in South Dakota
• Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral health systems, screening tools, and referral pathways
• Ability to exercise independent judgment within defined non-clinical scope

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral health intake, access, or care coordination
• Experience working in healthcare or integrated care settings
• Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive care practices

Physical and work environment

Work is primarily performed in a healthcare and office setting and may involve frequent interaction with patients experiencing behavioral health needs. The role requires sustained attention, effective communication, and the ability to respond appropriately in high-stress situations.

Compliance statement

The employee must comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. This position is subject to background checks, health requirements, and Native Preference where applicable.