Intake Specialist for Behavioral Health Team (Referral Navigator)

Alternative Wellness Services, Inc • Portland, ME

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Connect. Collaborate. Grow. Be the First Step in Someone’s Recovery

Are you an energetic and empathetic individual who thrives in a dynamic environment? You know that for a client, the hardest step is often the first one. As a Referral Navigator at Alternative Wellness Services (AWS), you make that step easier.
This role sits at the perfect intersection of Clinical Compassion and Administrative Excellence. It is more than a typical admin role; you are the heart of the client’s care journey. It is the ideal position for a Case Manager or Intake Specialist looking to transition into a focused, office-based environment where your assessment skills are valued every single day.

Join the "Hub" That Keeps Us Moving
As a member of our Access Team, you are the conductor of our care services. You will coordinate the flow between BHH, Outpatient Counseling, and DEEP, ensuring every client gets to the right destination. Based in Portland (with occasional visits to our Biddeford office), we need someone ready to take ownership of this process. If you take pride in being the "gateway" to recovery, this is for you. Your days will blend three key areas:

1. The Compassionate Provider
First Impressions: Serve as the vital link for new clients, using your background to screen calls and offer empathetic guidance.
Clinical Assessment: Conduct thorough Behavioral Health Home (BHH) assessments and determine eligibility.
Empowerment: Help clients make informed decisions about their care options with a supportive, client-centered approach.
2. The Administrative Pro
Workflow Master: Take ownership of the details—seamlessly coordinating with our insurance verification team, completing documentation, and managing the intake flow.
Client Experience Ambassador: Perform reception duties that contribute to a welcoming, organized, and efficient office environment.
Organization: Utilize excellent time-management skills to prioritize tasks and maintain accurate records in a fast-paced setting.
3. The Connector
Collaboration: Bridge the gap between internal clinical teams and external community partners that refer to our agency.
Coordination: Provide seamless transitional care, collaborating with interagency departments to ensure no client falls through the cracks.
We Take Care of Our Own
At AWS, we know that burnout is real in our industry. We fight it by investing in YOU so you can provide exceptional care to THEM.
Recognition: A culture where you are heard and celebrated through peer recognition platforms and regular agency gatherings.
Growth: We offer the ability to grow within our agency, support educational opportunities and offer a Tuition Reimbursement Program so you never stop learning.
? Extraordinary Benefits: We demonstrate our appreciation with unique perks—including our annual "Employee of the Year" Free Trip to Florida + Extra Week of PTO!
Generous Benefits: A robust package featuring a FREE health insurance option, competitive hourly pay, and generous paid time off.
What We Are Looking For
Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
Certification: MHRTC certification (or eligibility).
Experience: Previous intake or administrative experience in a mental health setting is highly desired.
The Mindset: A mix of organizational strength ("Type A") and a genuine desire to help others ("Type B").
Ready to Connect, Collaborate, and Grow? Don't just find a job—find a community. Apply today to schedule a conversation with our team! We value your time. To ensure your financial needs align with our pay grades, please include your salary requirements when applying.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with 1-3 years of experience in the social service field required. A.S. degree in a related field preferred.
• MHRTC required or applicant must apply and be eligible to receive it prior to start date.
• 1-2 years of experience in a social service program.
• Essential customer service skills, including empathic listening, needs assessment, program matching, and effective referral to both internal and external services.
• Proficiency in managing information with accuracy in data entry, verification, and retrieval from various sources.
• Ability to multitask across multiple computer programs while engaging with clients via phone or in person.
• For contracts with Rider D: Must pass criminal background, child protective service, and sex offender checks.
• Must not be listed on state or federal suspension and debarment lists.
• Driving may be necessary for meetings and training but is not a primary job duty.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• MHRTC certification (or eligibility).
• Previous intake or administrative experience in a mental health setting is highly desired.
• A mix of organizational strength ("Type A") and a genuine desire to help others ("Type B").
• Preferred skills include moderate typing speed with accuracy, proficiency in G-Suite, experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR), and adeptness in using internet tools for research and communication.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the vital link for new clients, using your background to screen calls and offer empathetic guidance.
• Conduct thorough Behavioral Health Home (BHH) assessments and determine eligibility.
• Help clients make informed decisions about their care options with a supportive, client-centered approach.
• Take ownership of the details—seamlessly coordinating with our insurance verification team, completing documentation, and managing the intake flow.
• Perform reception duties that contribute to a welcoming, organized, and efficient office environment.
• Utilize excellent time-management skills to prioritize tasks and maintain accurate records in a fast-paced setting.
• Bridge the gap between internal clinical teams and external community partners that refer to our agency.
• Provide seamless transitional care, collaborating with interagency departments to ensure no client falls through the cracks.

Benefits

• Recognition: A culture where you are heard and celebrated through peer recognition platforms and regular agency gatherings.
• Growth: We offer the ability to grow within our agency, support educational opportunities and offer a Tuition Reimbursement Program so you never stop learning.
• Extraordinary Benefits: We demonstrate our appreciation with unique perks—including our annual "Employee of the Year" Free Trip to Florida + Extra Week of PTO!
• Generous Benefits: A robust package featuring a FREE health insurance option, competitive hourly pay, and generous paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED