Intake Generalist

• Collects and documents initial demographic and clinical information from consumers, families, and agencies to determine appropriateness of referral on a needed basis

• Assesses appropriate needs, determines priority for service and level of care based on agency and other regulatory body policies as necessary.

• Elicits information from consumer to determine nature and seriousness of presenting problem and to determine who and what department or agency should provide service for the consumer.  Ensures all data collected is correct and accurate on all forms in compliance with appropriate regulatory bodies as necessary.

• Completes initial documentation requirements, biopsychosocial history and evaluations.  Completes required managed care forms as appropriate.  Documents on progress notes.  Obtains signatures on required release forms and obtains information from outside services.  Collects and documents data for managed care and regulatory bodies on a needed basis.

• Completes history and evaluation of each individual’s psychiatric, social, addictions and medical needs, assessing their importance, and interrelationship.  Recommends treatments alternatives and schedules appointments at appropriate treatment or assessment options on a daily basis.

• Determines appropriate clinical interventions for consumers accessing the unit.  Determines priority of admissions to CIU based on agency or unity policy.  Determines level of care.  Makes provisional diagnosis and assigns Global Assessment of Functioning score as needed.

• Schedules appointments for appropriate follow-up, psychiatric or medical appointments and/or suggests and refers to alternative services when required.

• Completes and processes all administrative forms related to assessment procedure including clinical, DAS’s, terminations/transfer, CIS, and Release of Information forms.

• Confirms appointments and conducts outreach to clients, as needed.

• Documents progress notes and treatment plans as needed.

• Assesses clients’ need for emergency services and applies for voluntary/involuntary hospitalizations and detox/rehab services.

• Secures authorizations from managed care entities when necessary.

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree from an accredited program in an area of Human Services
• MSW; licensure or certification preferred
• Two years of direct care experience in mental health or addictions
• Knowledge of mental health and addictions issues
• Must be familiar with ICD-9 and DSM-4-TR categories
• Experience with psychiatric emergencies
• Licensed staff are required to fulfill training requirements of their professional organization.  [Non-licensed mental health assessors are required to complete training requirements as defined by CBH]
• Excellent communication, writing and organizational skills 
• Must possess excellent judgment under pressure