Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator

Job Description

Location: Richmond, VA (Greater Metro Area)

We are seeking a Intake Coordinator to manage the patient admission process for inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use disorder programs. This frontline role requires clinical sensitivity, strong assessment skills, and the ability to navigate insurance authorization while ensuring patients receive timely access to appropriate levels of care.

You will be the first clinical touchpoint for individuals seeking help, often during the most difficult moment of their lives. This role demands empathy, composure, and the ability to make rapid clinical assessments that connect people with the right level of care without unnecessary barriers or delays.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial clinical screenings and psychosocial assessments for individuals seeking behavioral health services
• Determine appropriate level of care recommendations based on clinical presentation and ASAM or LOCUS criteria
• Verify insurance benefits, obtain prior authorizations, and communicate coverage information to patients and families
• Coordinate admission logistics including bed availability, transportation, and documentation requirements
• Maintain accurate intake records in the electronic health record and ensure all consent and compliance forms are completed
• Serve as a liaison between referral sources, clinical teams, and utilization management during the intake process
• Provide crisis de-escalation support and warm handoffs to clinical staff as needed
• Track intake volume, conversion rates, and referral source data for program development purposes
• Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency departments, and crisis teams on involuntary and emergency admissions
• Screen for co-occurring medical conditions that may impact level of care placement
• Communicate with families about program expectations, visitation policies, and discharge planning timelines
• Maintain knowledge of state mental health parity laws, Marchman Act/Baker Act procedures (as applicable), and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements
• Support census management by tracking bed availability and coordinating admissions across program locations
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to intake efficiency, patient satisfaction, and access to care metrics

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related behavioral health field required
• Minimum 2 years of experience in behavioral health intake, admissions, or crisis services
• Knowledge of DSM-5, ASAM criteria, and behavioral health insurance authorization processes
• Experience with electronic health record systems in a behavioral health setting
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact with patients in acute psychiatric or substance use crisis
• Familiarity with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and behavioral health confidentiality regulations
• Crisis intervention training or certification preferred
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Schedule:

• Full-time position
• Standard business hours
• Standard full-time hours per pay period

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is approximately $44,000 – $56,000 annually ($21.15 – $26.92 per hour), based on experience and qualifications. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Interview Process:

• Selected candidates will participate in a multi-step interview process, including an initial screening with TalentLNX followed by interviews with department leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer: TalentLNX is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are dedicated to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive work environment where all employees and candidates are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law. We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply for our job opportunities.