Provides mental health and substance abuse assessments for patients presenting to the emergency department, Intake department or other areas of the hospital; pre-certification of insurance, crisis intervention and referral to community resources. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, Mercy Service Standards and NASW Code of Ethics.
Location: Mercy South
Schedule: Full-Time, 12-Hour Shift, Days
Mercy South is seeking a compassionate and skilled Intake Specialist to provide behavioral health and substance use assessments for patients presenting to the Emergency Department, Intake Department, and other areas of the hospital. This role serves as a critical first point of contact for individuals and families in crisis, providing assessment, crisis intervention, referral services, insurance pre-certification, and coordination of care.
The Intake Specialist works collaboratively with patients, families, physicians, behavioral health clinicians, and community partners to ensure timely access to appropriate treatment and support services while upholding Mercy’s mission, values, service standards, and professional ethical guidelines.
Conduct mental health and substance use assessments for patients presenting for behavioral health services.
Provide crisis intervention and support for patients and families experiencing emotional, psychiatric, or substance use concerns.
Assess presenting concerns and determine appropriate levels of care and referral recommendations.
Facilitate referrals to internal programs and community-based resources based on patient needs.
Coordinate behavioral health assessments and admissions by communicating clinical and financial information to treatment teams, assessment clinicians, and admitting providers.
Assist with insurance verification and pre-certification processes.
Coordinate patient transfers and ensure appropriate follow-up communication with receiving facilities and providers.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions of care.
Provide education and guidance regarding treatment options, community resources, and recommended next steps.
Support patients and families in understanding diagnoses, treatment recommendations, and available services.
Maintain timely communication with patients and family members to identify needs and facilitate access to care.
Conduct follow-up outreach for high-risk individuals and families who may not follow through with referrals or treatment recommendations.
Accurately document patient demographics, assessment information, insurance details, referral sources, presenting concerns, and referral outcomes.
Enter information into designated databases and electronic systems in a timely and accurate manner.
Maintain comprehensive and organized records to support continuity of care and regulatory compliance.
Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies, behavioral health providers, and referral partners.
Maintain current and accurate referral resource information, including contact information, services offered, and insurance participation.
Serve as a resource for patients, families, and healthcare professionals regarding behavioral health services and community supports.
Protect patient confidentiality and comply with all privacy regulations.
Follow infection prevention, patient safety, and hospital safety protocols.
Adhere to patient rights standards and organizational policies.
Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in both routine and complex situations.
Ensure effective communication and handoff of patient information to covering staff and on-call team members.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, or a related mental health field required.
Minimum of 2–3 years of behavioral health experience required.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to effectively assess, understand, and communicate complex behavioral health situations.
Strong crisis intervention and problem-solving abilities.
Working knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment programs, insurance processes, and community resources.
Ability to provide compassionate support while maintaining professional boundaries.
Proficiency with telephone communication, documentation systems, and data entry.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred.
At Mercy South, you'll play an essential role in helping individuals and families access critical behavioral health services during some of their most vulnerable moments. Join a collaborative team dedicated to compassionate care, clinical excellence, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.
Our Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But our heritage goes back more than 185 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who wanted to help the poor women and children of Dublin. Though Catherine had a modest upbringing, she received an unexpected inheritance that allowed her to fulfill her dreams. In 1827, she opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to poor women and educate children. Many volunteers came to help. A few years later, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, the first religious order not bound to the rules of the cloister, whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. By the time Catherine died in 1841, there were convents in Ireland and England, and in 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States. In 1871, they traveled to St. Louis and from there throughout the Midwest, beginning what would, today be known as Mercy.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.