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AH
Alium Health
SMI Intake Specialist
Career Insights for Mental / Behavioral Health Counselor
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Based on Arizona data
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What they do
A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
$38,870 / year median in Arizona
+21% projected growth
Job Description
Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented SMI Intake Specialist to join our healthcare team. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of behavioral health, and patient assessment processes. As an integral part of our organization, the SMI Intake Specialist will coordinate initial patient evaluations, facilitate access to services, and ensure seamless communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers. This role requires a proactive approach to managing complex cases within a fast-paced clinical environment, emphasizing patient-centered care and community resource coordination. Duties Complete comprehensive intake assessments for new patients in accordance with Alium Health, Mercy Care, and AHCCCS requirements. Verify and update patient demographics, including address, telephone number, insurance information, and transportation needs. Obtain, review, and upload guardianship or Health Care Decision Maker documentation when applicable. Complete and document the Comprehensive Assessment using the appropriate EHR template. Develop or update an individualized Patient Safety Plan with the patient. Complete the Vocational Assessment Profile (VAP) and ensure paper assessments are scanned into the EHR when the electronic template is not used. Administer and document the PRAPARE social determinants of health screening. Identify social, behavioral, medical, vocational, housing, transportation, and other service needs during the intake process. Obtain a valid Release of Information for the patient's current psychiatric provider and any additional individuals or organizations authorized by the patient. Develop the Individual Service Plan (ISP) in collaboration with the patient and, when applicable, the guardian, Health Care Decision Maker, family, or treatment team. Ensure the ISP reflects the patient's assessed needs, personal vision, strengths, preferences, and treatment goals. Write individualized, measurable objectives with clear timeframes for completion. Identify the specific services, interventions, responsible team members, and anticipated frequency of services needed to address each goal. Confirm that ISP goals and interventions align with the findings of the Comprehensive Assessment and other completed screenings. Review the completed ISP with the patient and document the patient's agreement or disagreement with the plan. Obtain all required signatures, including the patient's signature, clinical team signatures, and guardian or Health Care Decision Maker signatures when applicable. Complete the Service Plan Rights Acknowledgement and other required consent or rights documentation. Scan and upload completed paper forms into the correct location in the EHR. Review the intake record for completeness, accuracy, and internal consistency before closing the intake. Coordinate with providers, case managers, clinical leadership, and other members of the treatment team to address identified needs and arrange follow-up services. Schedule or facilitate appropriate follow-up appointments and communicate transportation or accessibility needs to the care team. Complete documentation within Alium Health's required timeframe and respond promptly to requests for corrections. Protect patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable regulatory and payer requirements. Participate in supervision, training, chart audits, and quality-improvement activities related to intake documentation and service planning. Requirements Proven experience working within hospital settings such as Level I Trauma Centers or Level II trauma centers is highly desirable. Strong background in acute care environments including ICU, emergency medicine, or inpatient psychiatric units. Familiarity with hospital medicine principles, post-acute care processes, outpatient clinics, and managed care systems. Knowledge of behavioral health assessments, mental health counseling techniques, addiction counseling, and social work practices. Proficiency in EMR/EHR management systems along with understanding of medical records documentation standards. Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required; additional certifications in mental health or substance use treatment are advantageous. Experience working with diverse populations including children, individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions, and those from various cultural backgrounds. Excellent client communication skills coupled with the ability to work collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams. Strong organizational skills for case management tasks such as utilization review, diagnostic evaluation, discharge planning, and community resource coordination. Join our team as an SMI Intake Specialist to make a meaningful impact on patient care by facilitating access to vital services while supporting recovery journeys through compassionate case management and clinical assessment expertise!