Intake Specialist Behavioral Health

Intake Specialist Behavioral Health

Join a team that connects people to the care they need, when they need it most. We're looking for an experienced Intake Specialist to serve as a vital first point of contact for individuals seeking behavioral health services. In this role, you'll conduct clinical screenings, coordinate access to care across the lifespan, and help ensure that every person who reaches out is met with professionalism, compassion, and a clear path forward. This position sits at the intersection of clinical judgment and operational excellence. You'll triage complex calls, guide colleagues through urgent situations, and work to keep our access systems running smoothly—all while upholding the standards that make high-quality behavioral health care possible.

Key Responsibilities

Lead daily access operations — Manage scheduling, referral processing, and waitlist coordination to ensure timely service delivery. Monitor workflows, implement updates, and adjust processes to improve efficiency and the client experience. Conduct clinical screenings — Assess callers' presenting needs and risk levels to determine the appropriate level of care, whether that's a diagnostic intake, crisis services, outpatient therapy, or a specialty program. Support your team in real time — Serve as a resource for other Intake Specialists during escalated, complex, or emotionally charged calls. Provide guidance and decision support when it matters most. Ensure compliance and quality — Verify insurance eligibility, maintain accurate documentation, and apply payer, licensing, and accreditation standards (including BHDDH, DCYF, and Joint Commission requirements). Collaborate across the organization — Act as the primary contact for internal and external stakeholders on access-related questions. Participate in quality improvement efforts and recommend process enhancements.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience in behavioral health intake, triage, call center operations, or client-facing screening within healthcare or social services
• Proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (NextGen experience preferred)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information in accordance with HIPAA

Core strengths we're looking for:

• Calm, professional communication skills—especially with individuals in crisis or distress
• Sound clinical judgment and problem-solving ability in urgent or ambiguous situations
• Strong attention to detail in documentation, scheduling, and workflow execution
• Adaptability to changing priorities, regulations, and departmental needs
• Reliability and accountability in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

• Background in behavioral health, emergency services, or community health access
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff in a client-service setting

Work Environment: This is an on-site role involving extended computer-based work and telephone communication. You'll interact regularly with clients and staff across the facility. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, bend, and move within the building, and to lift up to 25 pounds. Why This Role Matters: Access is where care begins. When someone reaches out for behavioral health services, the person who answers that call shapes their experience—and often, their willingness to follow through. As an Intake Specialist, you'll play a direct role in reducing barriers, speeding access to treatment, and supporting a system designed to meet people where they are. If you're ready to bring your clinical instincts, operational skills, and genuine care for others to a role where they'll make a real difference, we'd like to hear from you.

Benefits

For Full-Time Employees Working 40 hours per week, EBCAP offers: Subsidized, comprehensive medical (BCBSRI) and dental (Delta Dental) insurance plans Supplemental vision insurance (Delta Dental) Voluntary medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts Up to 3% matching 403(b) retirement plan Employer-paid life insurance Generous paid time off including 15 vacation days, 12 holidays, 2 personal days, and 6 sick days Mileage reimbursement Tuition reimbursement Employer-paid professional development Employee assistance program

About East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides high-quality, comprehensive, and accessible health and human services to people across eastern Rhode Island. Founded as part of President Johnson's War on Poverty in 1965, EBCAP now serves ten communities with over 20 distinct programs — including primary medical and dental care, behavioral health services, early childhood education, and community support programs for children, youth, families, adults, and seniors. Our 521 employees work across more than ten locations, addressing everything from immediate needs like food and housing to long-term health and wellness. If you are looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Rhode Islanders, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. EBCAP is a federal contractor subject to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). We take affirmative action to employ, advance in employment, and otherwise treat qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans without discrimination in all employment practices. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact People Operations at [email protected] (401) 431-9870 x1615.