Intake Clinician (social worker)

First Choice Health Centers • East Hartford, CT

5d • $62,000 - $80,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

First Choice Health Centers is seeking an experienced Behavioral Health Intake Clinician (Social Worker) to perform initial clinical assessments for individuals seeking behavioral health services. This role serves as a key access point to care by completing psychosocial assessments, determining level of care, making treatment recommendations, and facilitating timely linkage to appropriate services. The Intake Clinician must have a license to practice social work in the state of Connecticut. This position is located at 92 CT Blvd, East Hartford, CT with opportunity for hybrid work. Why First Choice? We are committed to you! We offer great training, great benefits, career growth and employee well-being! For more than 25 years First Choice Health Centers has been a leading nonprofit human services organization that breaks down barriers to care helping individuals and communities live healthier lives. To learn more about First Choice Health Centers, visit us at firstchc.org.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or in counseling or psychology or related mental health field from an accredited program.
• CT Licensure in Behavioral Health Discipline (i.e. LCSW, LMSW, LMFT, or LPC)
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in behavioral health, mental health, or social services preferred.
• Experience conducting clinical assessments and working with diverse populations.
• Experience in outpatient behavioral health, community mental health, or integrated care settings.
• Experience with crisis intervention and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with electronic health records and managed care requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish/English highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial and mental health intake assessments for children, adolescents, adults, and/or families.
• Complete risk assessments, including suicide and safety evaluations, and implement appropriate interventions as needed.
• Determine medical necessity and appropriate level of care based on clinical presentation and regulatory requirements.
• Provide brief clinical interventions, crisis stabilization, and psychoeducation during the intake process as appropriate.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary behavioral health and primary care teams to coordinate care and ensure smooth transitions to ongoing services.
• Develop initial treatment recommendations and facilitate referrals to internal and external providers, community resources, and support services.
• Accurately document assessments, diagnoses, and recommendations in the electronic health record in compliance with agency, payer, and regulatory standards.
• May carry a caseload and provide direct patient care responsibilities
• Maintain knowledge of insurance requirements, utilization management criteria, and authorization processes related to intake services.
• Participate in case consultations, team meetings, supervision, and required trainings.
• Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and organizational policies at all times.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for employees working 30 hours or more
• 20 days of Vacation, 8 Paid Holidays, and 2 Floating Holidays per year
• Company paid Life insurance
• Voluntary Term, Whole Life, Accident and Critical Care Insurance
• Retirement savings program, including a safe harbor 401k with up to a 4% company match after 6 months of employment
• Complimentary premium Calm Health membership (1 mental health app)
• Formal recognition programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees