Phone Intake Therapist

The Emily Program • St. Paul, MN

5h • $68,000 - $73,000

About The Position

The Phone Intake Therapist provides a smooth and efficient pathway for individuals seeking eating disorder treatment at The Emily Program (TEP). As the first clinical point of contact for clients and families navigating the admissions process, this role has a meaningful impact in establishing trust, offering support, and guiding individuals through the critical first step toward recovery. The therapist conducts phone-based eating disorder assessments, gathers essential clinical information, and determines the most clinically appropriate level of care. The therapist collaborates closely with internal teams to support timely and successful admissions into higher levels of care (HLOC) programs and outpatient services within Accanto Health.
The Phone Intake Therapist also plays a key role in helping clients and families recognize the urgency of beginning treatment and the importance of moving forward with appropriate care. Using motivational interviewing techniques, the therapist supports clients in discussing and overcoming barriers to engaging in the recommended level of care. Additionally, this position fosters strong relationships between Accanto Health and referring providers to ensure continuity of care and effective collaboration.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Discipline (i.e., Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology)
• Minimum of a provisional licensure required (completing supervised experience)
• Minimum of 1-year care coordination/case management or mental health assessment experience
• Proficiency in utilizing clinical software systems and electronic medical records (EMRs).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage clients, families, and referring providers from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to clearly communicate client clinical needs to internal staff, case managers, and other teams involved in the admissions process.
• Positive, enthusiastic, and client-centered approach.
• Dependable, hardworking, and solutions focused.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and follow through on goals.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others using problem-solving, motivational interviewing, de-escalation, and mindfulness-based skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and adaptable to evolving workflows and priorities.
• Takes initiative and exercises sound judgment, including starting tasks independently, asking questions when needed, and proactively identifying and addressing concerns.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and adjust effectively to shifting demands.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to adjust to workflow pace that fluctuates.

Nice To Haves

• Active full licensure (such as LCSW, LMFT, or LPC) strongly preferred
• Eating Disorder experience is preferred

Responsibilities

• Conduct approximately 20 phone-based eating disorder assessments each week with clients, families and/or providers seeking eating disorder treatment.
• Apply eating disorder specific clinical criteria and referral guidelines to recommend the appropriate Level of Care (LOC) based on the use of Accanto Health’s Admission LOC Criteria.
• Ensure comprehensive clinical information and supporting documentation are collected and accurately recorded to support successful admissions across Accanto Health sites.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques with individuals clinically appropriate for services and support problem-solving around psychosocial and other barriers to accessing treatment.
• Complete follow-to support clients in progressing toward recommended LOC.
• Review external clinical records and collaborate with referring providers to ensure appropriate and clinically informed LOC recommendations are made.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support a positive and efficient client experience throughout the admissions process.
• Make clinically appropriate decisions regarding emergency needs, LOC recommendations, and referrals to other medical or mental health services as needed.
• Maintain a high-level understanding of all programming and levels of care offered across Accanto Health.
• Provide clients and families with a comprehensive overview of recommended programs and discuss network status.
• Work toward achieving a 40%+ conversion rate from Phone Intake to admission.
• Complete same-day referral hand-offs to Admissions Coordinators or outpatient sites when clients agree with the level of care recommendation.
• Embody Accanto Health’s culture and values while maintaining strong employee engagement and professionalism.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

• HSA and PPO insurance with HSA or FSA options (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
• Dental insurance (Delta Dental)
• Vision insurance (EyeMed)
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• 401(k) plan available two months after start date
• Company 401(k) matching for up to 50% of your contribution, up to 6% of your compensation
• Paid time off is a crucial part of maintaining work and life balance. Our generous PTO plan accrues annually and begins with your first whole pay period. Eligible employees enjoy seven paid holidays and one floating holiday in addition to their regular PTO.

What This Job Offers

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