Job Details

SUD Intake Specialist

General Description

This position works under the direction of the Program Manager of Substance Use Services and within federal, state, and local guidelines. Work involves assessing and treating individuals in substance use services. The intake specialist is responsible for providing assessment, follow-ups, connecting clients to more intensive services, individual counseling, family counseling, and group therapy. This position works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independentjudgment while following the Center's Guiding Principles.

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a human service field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• A minimum of two (2) years prior experience in the mental health/substance use services field is required.
• Licensure as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) or as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern (LCDC I) who can become a fully licensed LCDC within 6 months of being in the position is required.
• Master's Degree in a human services field and previous Crisis experience preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure or Other Qualifications

• Must hold and maintain an active and unrestricted LCDC or LCDC-Intern unrestricted in good standing.
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
  • Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of chemical dependency and alcohol use disorder, addiction, co-dependency, and related disorders; of counseling techniques; and of recovery processes.
• Skill in interviewing, in listening, in counseling clients and patients, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to screen and evaluate clients, to counsel and instruct clients, to implement rehabilitative and chemical dependency treatment programs, to maintain records, to prepare reports, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to effectively present information in a one-on-one and small group situation.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and be able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
• Computer skills required for both clinical and clerical programs.
• Ability to make decisions based on education and our clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center's guiding principles, policies, procedures and Standards of Care.
• Ability to display regular and reliable in-person attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Manages Substance Use Department (SUD) Access, Intake, and Referral Flow

• Serves as the primary point of contact for all incoming substance use disorder referrals, internal and external.
• Reviews referral documentation for completeness and eligibility prior to scheduling.
• Schedules all initial SUD intake assessments in accordance with HHSC timeliness standards and Center expectations.
• Conducts comprehensive substance use assessments to determine the least restrictive and most clinically appropriate level of care.- Coordinates admissions to Center SUD services including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and detoxification (detox)/rehabilitation (rehab) placements.
  • Substance use assessments and intakes will take place at a location accessible to the individual served including all Center locations and community locations, including private residences.
• Facilitates referrals to higher levels of care, including inpatient detoxification, residential treatment, or community providers when clinically indicated.
• Completes 24-hour follow-up contacts for individuals receiving detox bed days or referred to another level of care.
• Tracks referral outcomes to ensure linkage to services and minimize gaps in care.
• Maintains an organized intake and referral tracking system to monitor throughput, timeliness, and service engagement.
• Communicates scheduling updates and referral status to treatment team members in a timely manner.

2. Provides Direct Clinical Services

• Provides substance use assessments, follow-up appointments, and individual, family, and group counseling.
• Facilitates intensive outpatient groups if needed.
• Documents all services in accordance with HHSC, TAC, and Center standards within two business days.
• Meets with clients individually or with families to address substance use concerns and documents clinically appropriate interventions.

3. Develops and Maintains Recovery Plans

• Develops Recovery Plan goals and objectives in collaboration with all assigned clients.
• Ensures all individuals with a substance use diagnosis have a goal addressing substance use needs.
• Ensures objectives are individualized, measurable, and clinically relevant.
• Reviews and updates Recovery Plans as goals are met or new needs are identified.

4. Provides Screening, Referral, and Discharge Coordination

• Provides information, screening, referrals, and emergency support to individuals requesting assistance for substance use.
• Assists individuals with facilitating admission to treatment programs.
• Coordinates discharge planning up to four weeks prior to discharge from SUD services.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team to ensure continuity of care.

5. Ensures Compliance with TAC, HHSC, and Center Standards

• Maintains familiarity with applicable Texas Administrative Code, HHSC contract requirements, fidelity tools, and Center policies.
• Ensures documentation includes required fidelity language when applicable.
• Ensures all documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant.
• Responds to chart audits by assigned deadlines.
• Ensures documentation is signed with credentials and date per policy.

6. Supports Data Tracking and Reporting

• Maintains accurate tracking documentation.
• Updates required trackers with timely and accurate information.

7. Community Engagement and Marketing

• Networks with local and surrounding SUD providers to expand referral partnerships.
• Shares community resource information with Center staff.
• Conducts outreach visits and presentations to community organizations to increase awareness of Center SUD services.

8. Participates in Meetings and Team Collaboration

• Attends and participates in all scheduled team meetings.
• Signs in to acknowledge participation and review of information.
• If a meeting is missed, meets with supervisor within one week to review updates.
• Works collaboratively in a team setting and provides support to team members as needed.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently while seeking guidance when appropriate.

9. Professional Conduct and Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintains professional boundaries at all times.
• Interacts with staff, clients, and community members in a respectful and professional manner.
• Enters time worked accurately each day and submits timesheets by required deadlines.
• Complies with Center policies, laws, regulations, and confidentiality requirements.

10. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative

• Supports individuals experiencing crisis by facilitating immediate connection to appropriate services such as MCOT, Psychiatric Triage, or Crisis Prevention.
• Remains with individuals when deemed safe to ensure stabilization until crisis staff or emergency personnel assume care.
• Participates in post-crisis debriefings to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

11. Additional Duties

• Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisor within designated timeframes.