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Behavioral Health Intake Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MultiCare

Behavioral Health Intake Specialist

Spokane, WA · On-site

$31.32 - $45.09/hr

Mental Health Professional Join a team that shares your calling. At MultiCare, you're more than just a job title -- you're part of a team built on trust that cares for each other, our patients and ...

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How much do behavioral health intake specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health intake specialist in the United States is $27.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health intake specialist?

A Behavioral Health Intake Specialist is a professional who serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health or substance abuse services. They conduct initial assessments, gather relevant patient information, and determine the appropriate level of care or resources needed. These specialists work in settings such as hospitals, clinics, or community mental health centers and play a critical role in connecting clients to the right support services. Their responsibilities may also include verifying insurance, coordinating with clinicians, and maintaining accurate documentation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a behavioral health intake specialist?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Intake Specialist, you need a background in psychology or social work, strong assessment abilities, and often a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, clinical documentation, and sometimes crisis intervention certifications are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you build rapport with clients and handle sensitive situations. These skills are crucial for accurately evaluating client needs, ensuring appropriate care coordination, and supporting individuals in crisis.

What are some common challenges behavioral health intake specialists face when assessing new clients, and how can they effectively manage them?

Behavioral Health Intake Specialists often encounter challenges such as clients in crisis, incomplete information, or resistance to sharing personal details. Effectively managing these situations requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Building rapport quickly, using trauma-informed approaches, and collaborating closely with clinical staff can help streamline the intake process and ensure clients receive appropriate care. Ongoing training and support from supervisors and peers are also valuable for navigating complex or high-stress scenarios.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Intake Specialist vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectBehavioral Health Intake SpecialistMental Health Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, mental health facilities, outpatient centersHospitals, residential facilities, inpatient units
Job FocusAssessing patient needs, collecting intake information, coordinating servicesSupporting patient care, assisting with daily activities, monitoring patient behavior
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral health clinics, outpatient centers, hospitalsInpatient and residential mental health settings

The main difference is that Behavioral Health Intake Specialists focus on initial assessments and coordinating care, while Mental Health Technicians primarily support ongoing patient care and daily activities. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related settings, but their responsibilities differ based on patient interaction stage and job focus.

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Behavioral Health Intake Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Intake Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,657 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Behavioral Health Intake Specialist

Rapid City, SD • On-site

Great Plains Tribal Leaders' Health Board
Public Health Programs Administration • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Great Plains Tribal Leaders' Health Boardexternal

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Behavioral Health Intake Specialist
Division: Behavioral Health
The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist serves as a licensed, non-clinical access point for patients seeking behavioral health services. This position performs comprehensive intake assessments, administers standardized behavioral health screenings, and coordinates timely access to appropriate services. The role requires professional judgment consistent with bachelor's-level licensure while maintaining clear escalation pathways to licensed clinical providers.
This position operates within the scope of a bachelor's-level licensed Social Worker (SW) in South Dakota. The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist does not diagnose mental health conditions, provide psychotherapy, or establish clinical treatment plans. Clinical services are provided by appropriately licensed clinicians.
The following functions are fundamental to the position and are required of all incumbents, with or without reasonable accommodation. These functions define the role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.
  • Conduct comprehensive non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for behavioral health services
  • Apply independent professional judgment within scope to assess risk, urgency, and service routing
  • Administer, score, and document standardized behavioral health screening tools per protocol
  • Identify safety concerns and coordinate immediate escalation to licensed clinicians when indicated
  • Coordinate referrals, service access, and warm handoffs to internal and external providers
  • Provide patient education, care navigation, and follow-up support to ensure continuity of care
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient access and flow
Authorized Scope of Practice
  • Conducting non-clinical intake and biopsychosocial assessments for service planning
  • Collecting psychosocial histories and demographic information
  • Administering and documenting standardized screening tools (without diagnosing)
  • Assessing eligibility, risk factors, and service needs
  • Care coordination, case management, and referrals
  • Crisis screening and triage with appropriate escalation
  • Documentation, care navigation, education, and advocacy
Prohibited Activities
  • Diagnosing mental health or substance use disorders
  • Providing psychotherapy or counseling as treatment
  • Conducting clinical assessments for diagnosis
  • Independently determining clinical treatment plans
  • Billing for clinical behavioral health services
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
  • Current, unrestricted Social Worker (SW) license in South Dakota
  • Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral health systems, screening tools, and referral pathways
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment within defined non-clinical scope
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in behavioral health intake, access, or care coordination
  • Experience working in healthcare or integrated care settings
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed and culturally responsive care practices

Physical and Work Environment
Work is primarily performed in a healthcare and office setting and may involve frequent interaction with patients experiencing behavioral health needs. The role requires sustained attention, effective communication, and the ability to respond appropriately in high-stress situations.
Compliance Statement
The employee must comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. This position is subject to background checks, health requirements, and Native Preference where applicable.

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