General Description

Denton County MHMR Center employees are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Denton County MHMR Center defines diversity broadly to include race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, and other groups. Denton County MHMR Center employees are to strive to maintain a trauma sensitive workplace, to embrace trauma sensitive and informed practices, and to foster a supportive and welcoming environment of care. Under the direction of the Intake Supervisor and within federal, state and local guidelines performs moderately complex social service or case management work. Work involves collecting, preparing, and reviewing cases to facilitate access to medical, educational, social, and other services, and providing intervention and frequent contact with individuals, facilities, and service providers. This position is responsible for completing Mental Health (MH) Intake Assessments for individuals requesting MH Services which includes determining a diagnosis using DSM-IV/V Classification. This position is required to complete all client-related paperwork within agency guidelines. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Master's degree in a human services field and a current license (LPC, LCSW, or LMFT).
• A minimum of 6 months' related experience required.
• Must qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional) and be familiar with the DSM IV/V.)
• Knowledge of computers and office equipment is required.
• Excellent communication skills are required, both oral and written. Contact with the public may be in person, by correspondence or by telephone.
• Prefer experience in a variety of treatment settings, e.g., in patient care, etc.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Active license through the state of Texas as a: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is required.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and current 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.
• Become a certified Qualified Mental Health Provider (QMHP) within 30 days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community and government service delivery systems and case management delivery systems; of case guidelines, regulations, and policies; of interviewing techniques; of mental illness and the emotional components of physical illness; of rehabilitation methods; of individual needs associated with disabilities; and of community welfare resources.
• Skill in interviewing and in conducting individual needs assessments.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

Please note, this list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Leadership

• Provide day-to-day operational support to intake team members, including conducting daily check-ins, offering guidance and instruction, particularly in the absence of the Intake Manager.
• Oversee incoming referrals for intake services by reviewing, triaging, and completing referrals directly or assigning them to appropriate intake staff to ensure timely access to services.
• Ensure appropriate lobby coverage and a positive client experience by coordinating staff support and assisting individuals with intake paperwork as needed to maintain a welcoming and efficient intake environment.
• Monitor intake operations across locations and ensure each center maintains an adequate supply of welcome folders and other intake-related materials necessary for client onboarding.
• Maintain flexibility to travel between center locations and community partner sites as needed to ensure adequate intake coverage and continuity of services.
• Monitor team productivity and assign additional responsibilities to staff who have not met the minimum requirement of three intakes per day to maintain workflow efficiency and service delivery standards.
• Maintain and coordinate care for individuals on the intake standby list.
• Assist with waitlist management in the absence of the waiting list coordinator.

Intake

• Create a welcoming and inviting environment for all clients accessing services.
• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments, including diagnostic documentation and completion of the psychosocial history packet.
• Assist in follow-up services with service coordination staff.
• Complete all necessary intake documentation, including:
  • MH Intake Packet
  • CANS/ANSA Assessments
  • Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
  • Mental Health Consent
  • Other required paperwork

Care Coordination

• Request initial psychiatric evaluations (including stand-by evaluations).
• Request initial case manager and/or psychosocial rehabilitation appointments within 10 days of intake completion.
• Monitor daily walk-in flow to ensure goal of seeing all walk-in clients the same day or as soon as possible.
• Complete triages to determine level of risk and refer to crisis services or inpatient hospitalization as needed.

Documentation and Administrative Support

• Maintain a minimum of 2 intakes per day. If not met, assist with:
  • Updating expired or soon-to-expire documentation (e.g., TRR, PCRP, bi-annual/annual forms)
  • Other tasks appropriate to credentials, as assigned
• Under supervision, and upon demonstrated competency, review assessments completed by other staff.
• Exercise discretion in diagnostic decision-making and consultation with peers, as appropriate.
• Approve YES Waiver Clinical Eligibility (CE) and Individual Plans of Care (IPC) as needed.
• Act as support for staffing clinical diagnosis when intake staff request a review.

Crisis Response and Safety

• Follow all written safety procedures, including assessing medical care needs and participating in utilization review.
• Assess the necessity for outpatient placement or crisis referrals (e.g., Psychiatric Triage or MCOT).
• Support individuals in crisis by:
  • Connecting them with the appropriate services (MCOT, Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention, etc.)
  • Remaining with them when safe, to provide support and de-escalation until specialized staff or emergency personnel arrive
• Participate in post-crisis debriefing sessions with supervisor or designated staff.
• Collaborate on incident reviews and ensure compliance with HHSC guidelines and Center policies.
• Actively participate in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.