Intake Specialist, Behavioral Health Urgent Care - Decatur, IL

Heritage Behavioral Health Center•Decatur, IL

57d•$23 - $27

About The Position

The Intake Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring timely access to behavioral health services and community resources. As a key point of entry into Heritage Behavioral Health Center, this position focuses on behavioral health triage, rapid assessment, and connection to appropriate care and services. Operating within our Behavioral Health Urgent Care Hub, the Intake Specialist provides a welcoming and supportive first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance, ensuring they receive the necessary support, resources, and referrals promptly and compassionately.

Requirements

Ability to engage and build rapport with individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner.
Expertise in behavioral health triage, crisis intervention, and service coordination.
Knowledge of healthcare and community resources or ability to research and identify appropriate supports.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Exceptional customer service skills with a focus on person-centered care.
Proficiency in electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications.
Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing client needs.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.
Mental Health Professional as defined by:
Five years’ experience in behavioral health, OR
Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), OR
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, human services, or related field, OR
Bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of experience in a human services or related field.

Nice To Haves

2–3 years of experience providing crisis intervention and behavioral health triage.
Experience working in high-volume behavioral health settings or urgent care models.
A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance are required.

Responsibilities

Conduct behavioral health triage to assess immediate needs and determine appropriate levels of care and intervention.
Provide a warm, hospitable welcome to individuals seeking behavioral health services and support.
Complete comprehensive needs assessments to identify medical, behavioral health, and social service needs (mental health, substance use, housing, food security, transportation, employment).
Rapidly connect individuals to appropriate behavioral health services, crisis intervention, and other essential supports.
Educate clients and families on available community resources and assist with referrals (e.g., shelters, food pantries, medical care, transportation).
Develop and implement individualized crisis safety plans in collaboration with clients.
Administer assessments and screening tools (suicide risk assessments, IM-CAT, PHQ-9, GAD-7, SDOH screening).
Coordinate and facilitate access to care by scheduling intake appointments and assisting with transportation arrangements when necessary.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all services provided.
Provide advocacy and feedback regarding client and program needs to enhance service delivery.
Attend required training and team meetings to stay current with best practices in behavioral health triage and care coordination.
Perform other duties as assigned or required by the supervisor.

Benefits

Every other Friday off – paid wellness days
Competitive salaries aligned with state and national benchmarks
Loan forgiveness eligibility through NHSC
Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, retirement)
Professional development and training opportunities
Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off paid, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance. Health insurance includes substantial agency contributions toward the cost.
Retirement: 401k and Roth
Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities
Loan Forgiveness: Eligible through the National Health Service Corps