SUD Clinical Intake Specialist

Opportunities Abound at SOUND

SOUND Behavioral Health is growing, and we are welcoming a SUD Clinical Intake Specialist (SUDCIS) to join our team located in Seattle, WA!

The SUD Intake Specialist provides person-centered intake and assessment services for participants seeking substance use disorder treatment at Sound. Responsibilities include conducting assessments for Recovery Helpline referrals, walk-in participants, and other scheduled or assigned intakes based on program and organizational needs. The SUD Intake Specialist partners with participants to identify treatment needs, strengths, recovery goals, and service preferences while facilitating timely access to clinically appropriate care.

The SUD Intake Specialist utilizes ASAM Criteria to support level of care determinations and treatment recommendations and works to promote engagement, reduce barriers to care, and facilitate successful connection to treatment and recovery support services. 

Schedule: Monday - Friday between 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Location: In-office at our Capitol Hill Clinic (1600 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122).

Accepting applications until October 5. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

• Conduct integrated substance use disorder and mental health screenings and assessments to identify treatment needs, strengths, barriers, and recovery goals and to inform treatment recommendations.
• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments, including psychosocial history, substance use history, co-occurring behavioral health conditions, risk and safety evaluations, and determination of eligibility, medical necessity, and appropriate level of care utilizing ASAM Criteria. Assessments will incorporate collateral information, when clinically indicated and authorized, and will meet all applicable payer, regulatory, accreditation, and organizational documentation requirements.
• Utilize ASAM Criteria to support level of care determinations, treatment recommendations, and transitions across the continuum of care.
• Conduct intake assessments for Recovery Helpline referrals, walk-in participants, and other assigned referrals in accordance with program requirements, service demand, and organizational priorities.
• Promote engagement in treatment by building rapport, addressing barriers to care, coordinating referrals, and supporting participants through the intake and admission process.
• Facilitate linkage to appropriate treatment, recovery support services, and internal and external community resources based on assessed needs, ASAM level of care recommendations, and participant preferences.
• Prepare timely and accurate assessments, summaries, reports, progress notes, and related documentation in accordance with agency, regulatory, contractual, and accreditation standards.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, individual supervision, and assigned committees as required.
• Participate in ongoing program development, quality improvement, and utilization review activities.
• Complete required continuing education and maintain professional competency and applicable credentials.
• Uphold ethical, professional, and respectful relationships with participants, colleagues, community partners, and referral sources.
• Apply recovery-oriented, person-centered, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practices consistent with Sound's mission, values, and clinical standards.
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, county, contractual, and organizational requirements, policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Work closely with SUD Program Support Specialists and other internal partners to support timely access to services.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

KEY WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships across departments, engaging with team members, management and leadership in a manner that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Contributes to a respectful and inclusive work environment by practicing cultural humility, promoting equity in services and decision-making, and supporting efforts that foster a sense of belonging for all.

Other keywords: therapists, therapy, counselors, intakes, counseling, social work, case managers, MSW, MHP, MFT, associate

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree or higher in a related field, or a bachelor’s degree, required for candidates qualifying through the Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) pathway.
• Minimum of two (2) years of full-time experience in the substance use disorder field required.
• Experience conducting assessments, applying ASAM Criteria, determining level of care, coordinating referrals, and engaging participants in treatment preferred. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

• Must have a Washington State driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Candidates must meet one of the following qualification pathways:
  • Current Washington State Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) credential; or
  • Have a current active MHP-qualifying credential with DOH (i.e. LICSW, LMHC, LMFT, or an associate- level version of these credentials. 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Working knowledge of ASAM Criteria and their application to assessment, level of care determination, treatment recommendations, and care coordination.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented practices, motivational interviewing techniques, and engagement strategies that support participation and retention in treatment.
• Familiarity with substance use disorder treatment systems, recovery support services, and community referral resources.
• Familiarity working with legally involved participants and understanding court, probation, and recovery support requirements.
• Knowledge of behavioral health resources, healthcare delivery systems, funding mechanisms, and applicable clinical service requirements.
• Ability to quickly establish rapport and effectively engage participants seeking substance use disorder treatment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while responding effectively to urgent or crisis situations.
• Strong computer, keyboarding, documentation, and electronic health record skills.
• Ability to work effectively with participants from diverse backgrounds with professionalism, respect, and cultural humility. 

SENSORY/PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The requirement described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sensory:

• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms.
• Hear and understand conversations in person and over the phone in office and community SUD Clinical Intake Specialist settings.
• Read and interpret written materials, clinical documentation, policies, and electronic health records.
• Observe and assess client behavior, emotional state, and environmental safety cues during clinical interactions.
• Use visual acuity to review documentation, reports, and electronic systems.

Physical:

• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms.
• Hear and understand conversations in person and over the phone in office and community settings.
• Read and interpret written materials, clinical documentation, policies, and electronic health records.
• Observe and assess client behavior, emotional state, and environmental safety cues during clinical interactions.
• Use visual acuity to review documentation, reports, and electronic systems.

Mental:

• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and community partners in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms.
• Hear and understand conversations in person and over the phone in office and community settings. • Read and interpret written materials, clinical documentation, policies, and electronic health records.
• Observe and assess client behavior, emotional state, and environmental safety cues during clinical interactions.
• Use visual acuity to review documentation, reports, and electronic systems.

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS

All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that a team member encounters while working at Sound is considered confidential. Sound team members may encounter protected health information in the regular course of their work. This position may be exposed to and required to deal with highly confidential and sensitive material and must adhere to Sound policies, guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations at all times.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and required skills for the position. Team Members will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities necessary to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis. 

All Team Members at Sound working 40 hours per week will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Premium 100% paid by Sound for team member and child coverage to age 26, depending on plan selected. Spouse/Domestic Partner coverage available at team member’s cost.
• Life Insurance (2x annual salary + additional $25,000): paid by Sound
• Long Term Disability Insurance (60% monthly salary): paid by Sound
• Retirement Plan: Sound contributes 3% to team member’s plan; team member is 100% vested.
• Retirement Plan - 401(k) Plan, pre-tax and/or Roth: team member may contribute to their own plan.
• Health Savings Account: Sound contributes $1,133.33 (individual) or $2,266.67 (family) for eligible team members, pro-rated for new hires in first year.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: for health care and dependent day care costs (pre-tax)
• EAP: Employee Assistance Plan
• Vacation: 18 days per year, increasing with years of service
• Holidays: 9 days per year
• Sick Leave: 12 days per year
• Bereavement Leave: for death in the family
• Parking: Free at all Sound sites
• Training: Free in-house professional training and $400 annually + 3 paid days approved off-site training
• Service Award: at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 & 40 years of service

Compensation:

Bachelor's or Associate's degree with experience: $30.84 - $32.41 per hour.

Master's degree: $31.90-$34.65 per hour.