1

Intake Worker Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Intake Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Summary Responsible for managing all aspects of the patient intake process including managing the ... working relationships with current and potential referral sources. 5. Ensures seamless transition ...

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Intake Specialist establishes rapport with members of the foster care team to ensure ... Experience working in at risk communities to engage with children and families * Knowledge of ...

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Intake Specialist establishes rapport with members of the foster care team to ensure ... Experience working in at risk communities to engage with children and families * Knowledge of ...

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL

$19.25 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Intake Specialist establishes rapport with members of the foster care team to ensure ... Experience working in at risk communities to engage with children and families * Knowledge of ...

Foster Care Intake Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Intake Specialist establishes rapport with members of the foster care team to ensure ... working foster parents.Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect ...

Hospice Referral/Intake Specialist

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Hospice Referral/Intake Specialist Reports To : Executive Director/Administrator Summary ... working relationships with current and potential referral sources. 4. Ensures seamless transition ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Intake Worker information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$22

$35

How much do intake worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for intake worker in Illinois is $22.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an intake worker?

Intake workers are professionals who serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance or services from organizations, such as social services, healthcare, or legal aid. They are responsible for gathering initial information, assessing client needs, and determining eligibility for programs or services. Intake workers play a critical role in ensuring that clients are referred to the appropriate resources and receive the support they require. Their work often involves interviewing clients, maintaining records, and collaborating with other service providers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intake worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intake Worker, you need strong interviewing, assessment, and documentation skills, typically supported by a background in social work, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, data entry systems, and sometimes specialized intake forms or databases is common in this role. Excellent communication, empathy, and organizational skills help Intake Workers build rapport with clients and coordinate services effectively. These competencies are crucial for accurately identifying client needs, ensuring timely support, and maintaining efficient service delivery in social service environments.

What are some common challenges intake workers face when managing high caseloads, and how can they be addressed?

Intake Workers often encounter high caseloads, which can lead to time management challenges and increased stress. To address these issues, effective prioritization, clear communication, and strong organizational skills are essential. Many organizations provide training, mentorship, and supportive supervision to help Intake Workers manage workload demands. Additionally, collaborating with team members and using case management software can streamline processes and improve efficiency, ensuring that each case receives appropriate attention.

What is the difference between Intake Worker vs Case Manager?

AspectIntake WorkerCase Manager
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires certification or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentFrontline, initial contact with clients, often in social service agenciesOngoing client support, case planning, and resource coordination
Employer & Industry UsageSocial service agencies, healthcare, nonprofitsSocial service agencies, healthcare, community organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, initial client contactClient management, ongoing support, case planning

Intake Workers primarily handle initial client contact and gather basic information, while Case Managers provide ongoing support and coordinate services. Both roles are essential in social services but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Intake Worker jobs in IL?

For Intake Worker jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Intake Worker job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,184 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Intake Social Worker Behavioral Health Full Time Nights

Palos Hospital

Palos Heights, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

The Intake Social Worker reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Intake Social Worker is responsible for enhancing the psychosocial care of the psychiatric patient and his/her family and considering the specific needs and behaviors of specific age groups.  The Intake Social Worker assists in the assessment of patients entering the Palos Community Hospital system for mental health/chemical dependency services, taking into consideration the special needs and behaviors of the specific age of the unit population.

Responsibilities:

  • Provides and/or supervises crisis intervention to the family of the psychiatric patient.
  • Provides psychosocial consultation to hospital personnel in dealing with psychiatric patients and to the psychiatric patient in the general hospital as is necessary.
  • Provides screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment services to patients identified as possibly engaged in high risk drinking or alcohol abuse.
  • Facilitates the appropriate disposition of patients in need of mental health/chemical dependency services.
  • Provides comprehensive shift to shift reporting on the status of intake.
  • Organizes intake data in an appropriate manner.
  • Reports all significant concerns/patient issues to the 2 North Director of Nursing/Assistant Vice President of Nursing
  • Consults with the physicians in order to obtain the appropriate disposition for mental health/chemical dependent patients.
  • Communicates with Insurance Coordinator /Insurance Nurse to provide appropriate disposition of mental health/chemical dependency patients.
  • Assesses appropriateness of admissions for patients in need of mental health/chemical dependency services.

This position is full-time, 72 hours per pay period, 12-hour night shift, 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. with alternating weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree from accredited school of social work
  • Registered in the state of Illinois
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Current CPR certification through the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Providers) required.

Preferred:

  • N/A

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Master's degree from accredited school of social work
  • Registered in the state of Illinois
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Current CPR certification through the American Heart Association (BLS for Healthcare Providers) required.

Preferred:

  • N/A
Education:Licensed Patient Care GiverEmployment Type: Full-time