Mental Health Intake Specialist III

Under direction of the Program Manager of Intake Services and within federal, state and local guidelines performs moderately complex social service or case management work. Work involves collecting, preparing, and reviewing cases to facilitate access to medical, educational, social, and other services, and providing intervention and frequent contact with individuals, facilities, and service providers. 

This position is responsible for completing Mental Health (MH) Intake Assessments for individuals requesting MH Services which includes determining a diagnosis using DSM-IV/V Classification.  This position is required to complete all client-related paperwork within agency guidelines. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Master's degree in a human services field and a current license. 
• A minimum of 6 months' related experience required.
• Must qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) and be familiar with the DSM IV/V.)
• Knowledge of computers and office equipment is required. 
• Excellent communication skills required, both oral and written.  Contact with the public may be in person, by correspondence or by telephone. 
• Prefer experience in a variety of treatment settings, e.g., in patient care, etc.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Active license through the state of Texas as a: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is required.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.
• Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.
• Become a certified Qualified Mental Health Provider(QMHP) within 30 days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems; of case guidelines, regulations, and policies; of interviewing techniques; of mental illness and the emotional components of physical illness; of rehabilitation methods; of individual needs associated with disabilities; and of community welfare resources.
• Skill in interviewing and in conducting individual needs assessments.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

•  Create a welcoming and inviting environment for clients accessing services.
•  Administer a thorough intake including diagnostic documentation and completion of psychosocial history packet for individual requesting services.

o Assist in follow-up services with service coordination staff; completes MH intake packet for individuals requesting services; completes CANS/ANSA assessments, recovery plans and other initial ongoing paperwork (SDOH, Mental Health Consent, Advance Directive, and others)

•  Schedule initial psychiatric evaluation (next available) and stand-by evals, and schedule case manager/psych rehab appointment within 10 days of intake completion.
•  Maintains membership in a Center committee of their choice, approved by program manager.
•  Monitor all clients walk in flow for capacity to maintain goal of seeing all walk-in's same day or as soon as possible.
•  Follows all specific written safety procedures; assesses the necessity for, and the adequate provision of, medical care and services, including utilization review.
•  Assess necessity for outpatient placement or crisis services referrals to psych triage or MCOT.
•  Expectation of minimum 3 intakes daily. On days when there are not 3 minimum intakes assigned to staff, they will assist in other assigned duties utilizing their credentials. This can include updating expired or soon to be expired TRR, PCRP and other bi-annual or annual paperwork needing to be updated for clients to continue in services.
•  Under supervision of the Program Manager of Intake Services, when competency has been confirmed, review assessments completed by other staff. Allotted discretion to consult and make diagnostic decisions with other staff.
•  Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources.

Ensures seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention. 

Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts.  Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation. 

Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event.

Collaborates with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.