Crisis Continuum of Care Intake Specialist

Overview

The Crisis Continuum of Care Intake Specialist is a key member of the Crisis Continuum of Care Program and serves as one of the first points of contact for individuals, families, hospitals, schools, law enforcement, referral sources, and community partners seeking behavioral health crisis services.

The Crisis Continuum of Care Program provides coordinated crisis response through Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), the Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP), and the 590 Crisis Program, ensuring timely assessment, stabilization, and linkage to ongoing behavioral health services.

Basic Function

The MRSS Intake Specialist coordinates crisis referrals, completes intake activities, provides exceptional customer service, maintains accurate documentation, and supports efficient communication across the Crisis Continuum of Care.

The Crisis Continuum of Care Intake Specialist role is fluid and may function interchangeably across Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS), the Crisis Stabilization Program (CSP), and the 590 Crisis Program based on operational needs, staffing, and client care requirements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for crisis referrals.
• Answers 988 referral line, 590 crisis hotline and coordinate incoming MRSS referrals.
• Complete intake screenings and gather demographic and clinical information.
• Coordinate referrals to Crisis Continuum of Care services Crisis Workers, Crisis Continuum of Care services Peer Support Specialists, and Crisis Stabilization Program.
• Initiate / continue behavioral health bed searches and coordinate endorsements.
• Monitor referral status and support timely dispatch.
• Collaborate with hospitals, emergency departments, schools, law enforcement, and community partners.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Compile reports from all intake shifts.
• Send required communications to referral partners.
• Monitor call volume and prioritize referrals.
• Maintain compliance with Illinois Medicaid, Rule 132/140, DHS requirements, and agency policies.
• Perform other duties in support of the Crisis Continuum of Care Program.

Program Flexibility

The Crisis Continuum of Care Program is designed to provide seamless access to crisis services across multiple levels of care. As operational needs evolve, the Crisis Continuum of Care Intake Specialist may perform intake, coordination, scheduling, referral management, and administrative functions across MRSS, the Crisis Stabilization Program, and the 590 Crisis Program. Staff are expected to maintain competency across these service lines and work collaboratively to ensure timely access to behavioral health crisis services.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain timely and accurate electronic health record documentation.
• Complete documentation within agency-established timelines.
• Maintain compliance with Medicaid, IDHS, HFS, agency policy, and professional standards.
• Participate in supervision, quality improvement, and required trainings.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma 
• One Year Experience in a related field.
• Experience providing organizational and administrative support in behavioral health, non-profit, or social service required
• Experience working with Illinois Medicaid programs, IL Rule 132/140, or DHS State grant programs, preferred
• Knowledge and utilization of electronic medical record systems
• Previous experience as a direct service treatment provider encouraged

Compensation: 

FT $21.00 1hourly

Benefits 

• Paid vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 403(b) Plan  
• Life Insurance
• Long-term & short-term disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Family medical leave
• Tuition reimbursement
  

Benefit options and eligibility vary by Fulltime and Part-time positions. Compensation within the posted salary range varies based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and performance at the time of the offer.

Mental/Physical Demands:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  The ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions:

This position requires on‑site presence and is not a remote role.

This description documents the general contents and requirements of the job.  It is not to be construed as an exhausted statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.  The principal duties and responsibilities shown are all essential job functions except for those indicated with an asterisk (*). The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.