Intake Therapist, Youth Recovery

Jefferson Center for Mental Health • Lakewood, CO

6d • $62,700 - $84,920

About The Position

The Intake Therapist is responsible for admissions for Jefferson Center’s Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) program. The role implements an efficient admissions process in coordination with referral sources, parents, and youth; reviews medical records to determine medical necessity under ASAM criteria; and determines the appropriateness of the level of care. The Intake Therapist works professionally and respectfully with outside agencies and YRR team members.

The position conducts intake and admission activities, clinical and diagnostic assessments, risk evaluations, treatment and discharge planning, case management, and care coordination. It also supports documentation, census reporting, waitlist management, insurance and funding requirements, and communication among stakeholders. The position is an awake role for the entire shift and may involve cross-functional support for qualified and credentialed teams as determined by leadership.

The posted salary ranges are $62,700–$70,400 for Salary Grade 51 (Master’s Unlicensed Clinician) and $77,000–$84,920 for Salary Grade 52 (LCSW, LMFT, LPC). These ranges include a 10% differential for working with youth in a 24/7 residential setting and are based on 1.0 FTE or 40 hours per week; compensation is prorated for less than 40 hours. Pay depends on factors including education, licensure, relevant experience, and internal equity. The posting also describes a Youth Residential Recovery bonus totaling $5,000, paid in installments at the one-month, six-month, and one-year anniversaries, subject to the stated eligibility and continuous-employment conditions.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited university or college, plus two years of relevant experience and/or training.
• CAS or LAC credential required, or must be obtainable within 18 months of hire.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license and driving record meeting agency requirements.
• Staff working with youth must be in good medical, mental, physical, and emotional health, free from communicable diseases, and current on immunizations routinely recommended for adults.
• Ability to remain awake for the entire shift.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds; in rare and extreme CSU situations, assist in safely holding a youth for up to 60 seconds.
• Must complete required paperwork and documentation in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.
• Skills or experience in integrated health approaches preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred, or obtainable within two months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Greet clients and visitors arriving for intake.
• Coordinate transportation for intakes with referral sources as needed.
• Coordinate and facilitate YRR client admissions to the unit and maintain the waitlist tracker, ensuring priority-population clients receive preferential placement.
• Serve as an admissions liaison among stakeholders to support efficient, professional communication and problem-solving.
• Enter incoming client information accurately into electronic medical record systems.
• Assemble client charts and distribute intake information to YRR team members.
• Complete the end-of-shift Census Report accurately and concisely.
• Provide clinical team members with ongoing admissions status updates to coordinate intake and admission efforts.
• Conduct ASAM assessments and evaluate referrals for the appropriate level of care.
• Identify risk factors, including risk of suicide, homicide, or grave disability; complete involuntary mental health holds (27-65) according to Center protocol when appropriate and assist the Supervisor with involuntary commitment protocols.
• Provide behavioral and diagnostic assessments; complete initial engagement strategies, treatment and discharge planning, and case management or wraparound services.
• Assess ASAM level of care and make referrals as needed to meet client needs and fulfill insurance or payor requirements.
• Work with clients toward agreed-upon outcomes and coordinate care with internal and external providers.
• Obtain collateral information from family members and other providers as appropriate.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Participate in weekly interdisciplinary team meetings to review consumer treatment and discharge planning.
• Liaise with community agencies and referral sources regarding consumer needs.
• Maintain professional and ethical behavior and follow Jefferson Center policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Attend mandatory in-services and comply with an individualized training plan when required.
• Participate in supervision, prepare an agenda, report high-risk or problem cases, use a problem-solving approach, and attend at agreed times and intervals.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.
• Submit 90% of Progress-to-Date forms before the end of the shift and complete 95% of paperwork by its due date.
• Maintain effective, respectful interpersonal relationships and respond promptly to consumer needs, phone calls, emails, and other requests.
• Develop therapeutic alliances and work effectively and with cultural competence with consumers from diverse backgrounds.
• Participate in staff development and other activities that support professional growth.
• Address consumers’ whole-health needs, including ensuring appropriate releases for physical health providers and making referrals when significant physical health needs are a consideration.
• Assess individuals with disorders within the scope of the employee’s expertise and use appropriate clinical and recovery-focused interventions.
• Apply understanding of trauma and trauma-informed care to reduce the possibility of re-traumatization; participate in related training and educational programs.
• Ensure service delivery is guided by trauma-informed care, addiction-treatment principles, and ASAM Criteria.
• Complete required substance-use treatment licensing and billing paperwork for Medicaid and other funding sources, including Substance Abuse ROI and Discharge Plan forms.
• Support the Center’s stated use of drug testing as a potential therapeutic tool, safety measure, and support for abstinence.
• Promote a positive, supportive, and cooperative team environment.
• Remain awake throughout the entire shift.
• Provide cross-functional or contingency support, including deployment to another qualified and credentialed adult or youth unit or team as determined by leadership.
• Maintain good medical, mental, physical, and emotional health; be free from communicable diseases and current on routinely recommended adult immunizations.
• Lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds when required; in rare and extreme CSU situations, assist in safely holding a youth for up to 60 seconds.

Benefits

• Youth Residential Recovery bonus totaling $5,000, paid as $1,500 at the one-month anniversary, $1,500 at the six-month anniversary, and $2,000 at the one-year anniversary, subject to eligibility and continuous-employment conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level