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.

This position ensures continuity of care for individuals. The Team Lead's duties include assisting the program manager in interviewing candidates for vacant positions, training new staff on policies, procedures, workflows, day-to-day job functions and responsibilities. Reviewing and auditing staff notes and documents and giving feedback to the Program Manager and follow up with staff as directed. Reviewing audit CAPS and follow up with staff as directed. Provide guidance and support to the team. This position 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 with licensure (LCSW,LMSW,LPC,LMFT,LP)
• A minimum of 6 months' related experience required.
• Knowledge of computers and office equipment is required.
• Increased leadership responsibilities 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.
• Bilingual (Spanish, English) preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• All job specific training must be completed within 30 days of hire.
• Must maintain a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.

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

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.

• Create a welcoming and inviting environment for clients accessing services.
• Administer a thorough intake including diagnostic documentation and completion of psychosocial history packet for individual requesting services.

Assist in follow-up services with service coordination staff; completes MH intake packet for individuals requesting services; completes CANS/ANSA assessments, recovery plans and other initial ongoing paperwork (SDOH, Mental Health Consent, Advance Directive, and others)

• Schedule initial psychiatric evaluation (next available) and stand-by evals, and schedule case manager/psych rehab appointment within 10 days of intake completion.
• Monitor client walk in flow for capacity to maintain goal of seeing all walk-in's same day or scheduling them as soon as possible.
• Follows all specific written safety procedures; assesses the necessity for, and the adequate provision of, medical care and services, including utilization review.
• Assess necessity for outpatient placement or crisis services referrals to psych triage or MCOT.
• Expectation of one intake minimum daily.

Essential duties of Team Lead

• Check in with team members daily, have times available to provide one-on-one and instructions when manager is out, and provide support to team members in opportunities for growth.
• On days when there are less than 3 intakes assigned to staff, they will assign Intake Specialists other duties utilizing their credentials. This can include updating expired or soon to be expired TRR, PCRP and other bi-annual or annual paperwork needed updating for clients to continue in services.
• Provide training to all new Intake Specialists hired.
• Assist PM in developing and conducting ongoing training.
• Collaborate with other departments, programs and outside agencies to expedite the Intak Process.
• Assume some duties in PM's absence i.e. LTSS daily report, weekly and monthly trend reports and/or Intake Phone Line.
• Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative

Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources.

Ensures seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis.

Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event.

Collaborates with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.