Behavioral Health Intake Therapist (LPCC or LISW)

Description

SUMMARY:    The Behavioral Health Intake Therapist is a licensed clinician (LPCC or LISW) responsible for conducting comprehensive Mental Health (MH) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) assessments, initiating individualized service plans (ISPs), and ensuring compliance with OhioMHAS, COA, and HRSA standards. This role supports therapists by managing intake workflows, maintaining documentation compliance, and ensuring all required paperwork is completed accurately and on time.

SUPERVISOR: Director of Behavioral Health or Designee

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Intake & Assessment

• Perform MH and SUD biopsychosocial assessments for new and returning patients
• Administer standardized screening tools: PHQ-9, GAD-7, AUDIT/DAST, ASSIST, C-SSRS etc.
• Establish preliminary diagnoses and level-of-care recommendations per DSM-5 and payer requirements.
• Provide brief interventions, safety planning, and warm handoffs to therapy, MAT, psychiatry, or primary care.

Treatment Planning & Documentation

• Create and update Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) per OMHAS timelines and COA standards.
• Ensure completion of all FQHC-required paperwork (consents, releases, SDOH screenings, UDS measures).
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the EHR to meet Medicaid, Medicare, and HRSA compliance.

Compliance & Operational Support

• Monitor therapist caseloads; assist with triage and scheduling to maintain access and balance.
• Run compliance and productivity reports (e.g., overdue ISPs, unsigned notes, screening completion).
• Follow up on outstanding tasks and documentation to keep therapists compliant with OMHAS and COA standards.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and audit preparation.

Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with medical providers, care managers, and external partners for integrated care.
• Educate patients on services and address barriers to engagement (transportation, insurance, SDOH needs).
• Uphold trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented practices.

Core Competencies

• Compliance & Detail Orientation
• Clinical Judgment & Risk Assessment
• Team Collaboration & Communication
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Patient-Centered Care

Performance Metrics

• Documentation compliance: Notes within 24–48 hours; ISPs updated per OMHAS/COA timelines.
• Screening completions: rates at intake and intervals.
• Audit readiness: 95% compliance with OMHAS, COA, HRSA standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Duties and Responsibilities above represent the most significant duties of this position, but do not exclude other assignments that would be within the qualification and responsibility levels of this position.  

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Master’s degree - counseling or social work
• Experience conducting MH and SUD assessments and using standardized screening tools.
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to meet agency requirements for driving insurability
• American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Certification
• Computer competency: Must include use of work processing, e-mails and internet.
• Knowledge of OhioMHAS, COA, and HRSA compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and clinical documentation standards.
• Preferred: Experience in FQHC, Community mental health, or integrated care settings.
• Preferred: Familiarity with UDS reporting and value-based care metrics.
• Preferred: Training in evidence-based interventions (CBT, MI, SBIRT)

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Unrestricted LPC/LPCC or LSW/LISW license to practice in the State of Ohio
• Unrestricted State of Ohio driver’s license

COMPLIANCE: 

This position requires compliance with AFS’ written standards, including its Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

Failure to comply with AFS’ Written Standards, which may include the failure to report any conduct or event that potentially violates legal or compliance requirements or AFS’ Written Standards or, for managers and supervisors, fails to detect non-compliant conduct where reasonable efforts