Job Purpose:
The Patient Intake Specialist serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health and substance abuse services. This role is responsible for coordinating the intake process, verifying insurance and eligibility, collecting required documentation, and ensuring a welcoming, trauma-informed experience for clients and families. The Intake Specialist plays a critical role in access to care, scheduling, and accurate data collection to support clinical and billing operations.
Duties:
- Serve as the first point of contact for new clients via phone, email, and referral portals, or in person
- Conduct intake screenings and collect demographic, insurance, and required documentation
- Explain clinic services, intake requirements, and next steps clearly and compassionately
- Schedule initial assessments and ongoing appointments with appropriate providers
- Verify insurance coverage, eligibility, and authorizations for mental health services
- Enter and maintain accurate client information in the electronic health record (EHR)
- Track intake status and follow up on missing or incomplete documentation
- Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and state regulations
- Collaborate with clinical, billing, and administrative staff to support smooth access to care
- Communicate urgent concerns or risk indicators according to clinic protocols
· Conduct REMINDER calls to patients about upcoming appointments when necessary.
· May be required to call hospitals, social workers, case managers, clinical personnel, and other facilities to obtain information relevant to the patient and patient care.
· Attends bi-weekly Team and/or Treatment Planning Conference Meetings, as required, with clinical staff to ensure patient goals are being met per Care Plan Goals.
· Uses clinically appropriate professional terminology to complete forms and records accurately and timely
· Maintains knowledge of laws and regulations surrounding the confidentiality of patient charts.
Skills/Qualifications:
- Trauma-informed, client-centered communication style
- Ability to manage high call volumes and multiple referrals simultaneously
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
- Professional handling of confidential and sensitive information
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, team-based environment
· Should be comfortable using a computer, its software, and all other office equipment.
· Must possess excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Required Degree or Certification:
· High school diploma or GED and 12 credit hours of college education in substance abuse counseling and/or other human services area (required).
· Associate, BA, or BS Degree in a related field (preferred).
Minimum experience required:
- Experience in a mental health, substance use, or behavioral health setting
- Familiarity with Medicaid, managed care, or public behavioral health systems
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.81 - $24.90 per hour
Expected hours: 32 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 4% Match
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
Experience:
- Intake: 1 year (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60643
