Peer Intake Specialist

Hudson Behavioral Health•Salisbury, MD

2d•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Intake Specialist coordinates admissions, removes barriers to treatment, and provides recovery-oriented peer engagement and support to individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment. The position greets prospective patients and visitors, coordinates and documents admissions, responds to inquiries, works with referral sources and internal departments, and uses lived recovery experience to support prospective and newly admitted patients. The role collaborates with the treatment team, maintains confidentiality and appropriate boundaries, and may provide short-term coverage for other roles as needed. The position works on-site 40 hours per week and may require travel to any Hudson Health facility. Scheduled overnight, weekend, and other after-hours on-call coverage is required to respond to admission inquiries and assist with admissions. The employee must complete mandatory monthly on-site training, follow organizational policies and emergency procedures, and report unusual events or incidents.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Attention to detail and ability to analyze and report on findings.
Valid driver’s license with no more than two violations.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, including filing systems.
Ability to learn and use computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets, calendars, and email.
Knowledge of HIPAA and other confidentiality requirements, as well as COMAR and regulations, policies, and procedures governing HBH.
Willingness to obtain Peer Support Specialist Certification.
Ability to work on-site 40 hours per week and travel to any Hudson Health facility as needed.
Ability to work in a healthcare environment and assist patients in infection-control isolation using provided PPE.
Ability to proficiently use computers, telephones, fax machines, copy machines, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to stand, sit, and use a computer for prolonged periods; walk, climb steps, and operate a standard keyboard and office equipment.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing with patients, staff, and the public.
Ability to maintain ethical conduct, confidentiality, and strict boundaries between patients and staff.
Must be in generally good health, have a negative TB screen, and pass urine drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Peer Support Specialist Certification.
Experience in addiction and/or mental health treatment.
Experience with admissions processes.

Responsibilities

Greet and assist prospective patients and visitors, provide a welcoming environment, and initiate the admissions process.
Coordinate admissions, schedule appointments, maintain the daily bed schedule, and monitor census, anticipated admissions, and discharges.
Complete and maintain admission documentation from initial contact through bed assignment, including authorizations, electronic health records, patient files, and admissions logs.
Answer admissions calls, assist with telephone screenings, obtain intake information, and provide program information and referrals as appropriate.
Serve as a liaison with referral sources and coordinate with internal departments to support timely and appropriate admissions.
Verify insurance and complete required legal, registry, and other admission-related checks in accordance with established procedures.
Collaborate with the Director of Admissions and other departments to address admission barriers and prepare required reports.
Participate in scheduled overnight, weekend, and other after-hours on-call coverage to respond to admission inquiries, coordinate referrals, and assist with admissions as needed.
Use lived recovery experience appropriately to build rapport, offer encouragement, and provide recovery-oriented support to prospective and newly admitted patients.
Assist individuals who are anxious, hesitant, or uncertain about treatment by explaining the admission process, exploring concerns, and encouraging self-directed recovery goals.
Identify and communicate barriers to admission or continued treatment, provide peer support to individuals considering leaving, and involve clinical or nursing staff as needed.
Help patients identify strengths, recovery resources, and continuing-care supports, and assist with supportive transitions and appropriate referrals.
Document peer support contacts as required, maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality, and collaborate with the treatment team.
Follow organizational emergency preparedness plans, policies, procedures, handbooks, and manuals; complete mandatory monthly on-site training; and complete incident reports for unusual events or incidents that could pose a risk to patients or staff.
Provide short-term coverage for other roles as needed due to staff absence and perform miscellaneous duties assigned by the supervisor.