Behavioral Health Access Specialist

Bright Harbor Healthcare • Toms River, NJ

5d

About The Position

The Access Intake Specialist is responsible for client admission into the agency. The role evaluates referrals from outside agencies and conducts intakes to support appropriate placement within Bright Harbor. Working closely with the Access Coordinator, the Specialist helps ensure clients receive appropriate care and are connected to services. The position is full-time at 35 hours per week and requires one evening. For individuals pursuing a degree, hours may be flexed. The position is based in Toms River, New Jersey, in the Access department.

Requirements

• Associate's degree plus two years of experience.
• Excellent communication and computer skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in a health and human services field.

Responsibilities

• Respond to incoming calls and inquiries from prospective clients, gather referral information, and maintain accurate documentation in the EMR.
• Schedule initial client assessments (CIAP) and assist individuals with completing required applications and screenings.
• Facilitate warm handoffs to billing to initiate financial eligibility and insurance determination.
• Conduct brief mental health screenings and provide crisis intervention and referrals to PESS when clinically indicated.
• Triage referrals and coordinate intake, psychiatric evaluation, and substance use assessment appointments based on clinical acuity and urgency.
• Coordinate after-hours crisis coverage schedules, monitor documentation, track service utilization, and facilitate follow-up with appropriate staff.
• Conduct follow-up outreach to individuals who miss, cancel, or fail to reschedule appointments and coordinate follow-up with PESS.
• Participate in clinical and departmental meetings to support communication, collaboration, and continuity of care.
• Participate in agency Performance Improvement initiatives to enhance access to services, operational efficiency, and quality of care.
• Perform additional duties as assigned while maintaining compliance with agency policies, procedures, confidentiality, and documentation standards.

Benefits

• Full benefits.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Sick days.
• Personal days.
• Accrued vacation days.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability.
• 403(b) plan with company match.
• Opportunities for training, education, and continuing education credits.
• Opportunities for public loan forgiveness.
• Tuition discounts from participating institutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree