Intake Clinician

BRIDGES TO CHANGE INC•Portland, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This full-time Intake Clinician position is responsible for managing all aspects of Bridges to Chage (BTC) participant intake process including communicating directly with participants and their stakeholders. They guide participants through the intake process, gather necessary information, schedule appointments, and ensure a smooth handoff to clinical teams. The Intake Clinician is responsible for supporting participant access to services including assisting participant in obtaining required eligibility documentation, as appropriate, and verifies appropriateness of engagement including risk mitigation and triage support. Additionally, this role screens and assesses for services, developing a preliminary treatment plan, and collaborating with clinical supervisors and/or clinical operations team to assign new clients to their treatment providers.

Requirements

Master's degree in counseling, social work or similar field, required
QMHP credential, required
CADC-R or equivalent documented SUD training/CEUs, required
State ORCHARDS BCU background check clearance, required
Basic computer literacy, including proficiency with Word, Outlook, and the ability to learn and maintain documentation within an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in compliance with agency, state, and federal standards
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain clear professional and therapeutic boundaries while engaging participants with empathy, respect, and clinical intention
Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage participants using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and motivational interviewing approaches
Skilled in conducting individual and group counseling, rapport building, and facilitating client engagement in alignment with evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices
Ability to recognize clinical concerns, including co-occurring mental health symptoms, substance use patterns, and risk factors, and respond within scope of practice through appropriate intervention, safety planning, or referral
Experience with crisis prevention, de-escalation, and intervention strategies, including the ability to remain calm, regulated, and exercise sound clinical judgment in high-stress situations
Well-developed clinical documentation skills, with the ability to produce accurate, concise, and timely records that meet Medicaid, regulatory, and internal quality standards
Ability to manage multiple clinical priorities in a fast-paced behavioral health environment while maintaining attention to detail, participant safety, and compliance requirements
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and external providers to support coordinated, high-quality care
Knowledge of at-risk and marginalized populations, with the ability to provide services using evidence-based, person-centered, and culturally responsive approaches
Strong commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and adherence to professional standards and regulatory guidelines applicable to the role and level of credentialing

Nice To Haves

CADC-I preferred
Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, strongly preferred
Demonstrated competency in supporting participants from diverse genders and communities, including understanding how social determinants, systemic inequities, and cultural factors influence engagement, safety needs, and recovery goals

Responsibilities

Serve a diverse population effectively, through trauma informed, culturally responsive and evidenced-based approaches to care.
Deliver behavioral health services to participants, dedicating at least 65% of scheduled time to direct client services and ensuring all eligible services are accurately documented and successfully billed.
Conduct initial mental health and substance use disorder screenings and assessments to determine participant needs and appropriate levels of care.
Develop preliminary individualized treatment plans to support client engagement in immediate access to care, providing resources and referrals, as needed.
Support case management and care coordination needs of participants in alignment with BTC values and clinical philosophy.
Complete documentation of services, progress notes, and client interactions in accordance with organizational standards within 24 hours, not to exceed 72 hours.
Coordinate intake with individuals seeking treatment, complete necessary intake paperwork with participant and support smooth transitions to care.
Schedule appointments, consultations and follow-up sessions with participants.
Verify insurance coverage and coordinate authorization for services.
Contact third party payers and verify coverage.
Complete financial agreement paperwork and payment arrangements with each participant.
Coordinate utilization review, as required by third party payers.
Assist in the development and implementation of intake protocols.
Maintain fidelity to the evidence-based treatment models and interventions adopted by BTC.
Complete all required trainings in a timely manner and participate in assigned seminars, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance clinical skills and competencies.
Uphold organizational and credentialing ethics, including professional boundaries, confidentiality, and trauma-informed communication standards.
Respond to participant crises with a trauma-informed approach, utilizing de-escalation strategies, administering Narcan in overdose situations, and activating emergency and supervisory support in accordance with BTC procedures.
Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and training as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive participant information in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 and organizational policies.
Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, confidentiality regulations, and all applicable federal and state behavioral health standards.