Intake Counselor

Hour House

place Charleston, 61920

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Counseling, Social Work, Other Behavioral, Mental, or Healthcare Field

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Internship

local_atm $20USD/HOUR

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Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance

We are seeking to hire an Intake Counselor to join our team.

Job Title: Intake Counselor

The Intake Counselor serves as the first point of contact for individuals seeking substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. This role is responsible for handling incoming calls, conducting preliminary screenings and assessments, providing treatment recommendations, and ensuring a compassionate, professional experience for all callers. The Intake Counselor also collaborates with internal teams, external providers, and legal entities to coordinate appropriate care and facilitate timely admissions.

Key Responsibilities:

Respond to inbound calls, emails, and online inquiries from potential clients, families, referral sources, and community partners
Conduct initial screenings and biopsychosocial assessments to determine client needs, substance use history, and level of care appropriateness
Provide informed recommendations for treatment services (e.g., detox, residential, outpatient, medication-assisted treatment) based on clinical criteria and organizational offerings
Deliver exceptional customer service by demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and active listening in all interactions
Verify insurance benefits and explain coverage, costs, and financial options clearly to clients or responsible parties
Coordinate admissions by gathering required documentation and scheduling intake appointments or assessments
Communicate with legal entities (e.g., courts, probation officers, attorneys) regarding client status, compliance, and treatment recommendations, in accordance with confidentiality regulations
Collaborate with clinical, medical, and administrative staff to ensure smooth transitions into care
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic health records (EHR)
Follow up with prospective clients to support engagement and admission completion
Stay informed on available resources, referral networks, and levels of care to ensure appropriate placement
Adhere to all ethical standards, privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA), and organizational policies

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field
Experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health intake, or crisis response preferred
Knowledge of ASAM criteria and levels of care strongly preferred
Strong communication, interpersonal, and de-escalation skills
Ability to handle high call volumes while maintaining quality and empathy
Experience working with insurance verification and healthcare systems is a plus
Familiarity with legal and criminal justice systems related to treatment referrals preferred
Proficiency with EHR systems and standard office software

Core Competencies:

Empathy and client-centered approach
Clinical judgment and decision-making
Organization and attention to detail
Multitasking and time management
Professional communication (verbal and written)
Collaboration and teamwork

Salary:$20.00 Hourly

Why Join Hour House?
Be part of a committed team working to make a positive impact in our communities. We offer a supportive work culture and the opportunity to contribute to a long-standing organization that values integrity, compassion, and service.

Hour House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.