Intake Specialist

Bilingual (English / Spanish) Intake Specialist - Substance Use Disorder Treatment Center

CRI-Help is a substance use disorder treatment center with several locations across Los Angeles County. We've been around since 1971 and are noted as an organization practicing integrity in our commitment to ethical and meaningful client care. Our mission is to improve the welfare of the community by providing first-class substance use disorder treatment to adults and families seeking freedom from the bondage of addiction, and we live out that mission everyday with our staff and clients.

As a nonprofit organization, CRI-Help is a qualifying employer affording our full-time employees the opportunity to begin, or continue, the process of seeking PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness). In addition, our benefits package for full-time employees is quite robust- especially the option for 100% employer-paid $0 deductible Platinum plan Medical insurance, including an additional 40% paid coverage for dependents, which accompanies our 401k with 4% match option nicely. Please see the full list of benefits below, especially the 12 paid holidays per year (we are a 24/7 facility, so not all employees will be able to take all 12 paid holidays off- but will still get paid for the holiday in addition to their hours worked).

CRI-Help is an amazing organization to be a part of and I strongly encourage you to consider joining the team! We opened a new facility in Lincoln Heights in January 2025 and are still hiring for all roles- keep referring back to https://crihelp.bamboohr.com/careers/ for current openings at all sites.

The Intake Specialist at our Substance Use Disorder Treatment Center conducts screenings and facilitates client admissions into CRI-Help's residential programs.

Responsibilities

• Handle inquiries from individuals seeking treatment and treatment information.

• Schedule and conduct screenings to determine individual's eligibility into the program.
• Assess applicants to determine level of care and the appropriateness of the program for the individual.
• Admit client into treatment, accurately completing all required documentation, in a timely manner.

• Utilize assessment tools (including, but not limited to, ASAM, CalOMS, Mental Status Assessment, Suicide Risk Assessment, Brief Trauma Assessment, PrePare, Tobacco Assessment, etc.) during the intake process.

• When identifying “red flags,” assess incoming clients carefully, and provide crisis intervention when necessary.
• Provide case management services, as needed.

• Utilize the Client Orientation Handbook, when coordinating new clients’ admission into our programs.
• Introduce prospective clients to Twelve Step programs.

• Work directly with other CRI-Help staff members (including Clinical Director, Nurses, Technicians, etc.) in order to provide the highest level of care for clients.
• For private insurance, verify benefits and eligibility, and conduct pre-certifications.

• Verify Medi-Cal benefits, and be able to understand Master Aid Codes.
• Assist clients applying for Medi-Cal benefits.

• Search clients’ belongings.
• Conduct client urinalysis tests.

• Provide referral sources when needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Admissions Manager.

Skills / Knowledge

• Bilingual (English / Spanish) required.
  
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must have excellent documentation skills.
• Must be diplomatic and possess a professional demeanor.
• Must be well organized and a good planner.
• Must have excellent time management skills.
• Must have excellent counseling skills.
• Must understand the nature of substance use disorders.
• Must understand the philosophies of the 12-Step programs.

Education / Training

• Substance Abuse Counselor, certified with CCAPP, CAADE or CADTP is preferred.

Experience

• Two to three years of related work experience in admissions and intake procedures is preferred.

Special Conditions

• Must be willing to undergo random drug screenings.

Working Conditions

• Frequently ascend and descend stairs.
• Frequently remain in stationary position, standing and / or sitting for 6 – 8 hours
• Frequently crouch below the waist and / or reach above shoulders.
• Occasionally lift and / or move objects up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally push and / or pull objects up to 10 lbs.
• Occasionally operate motor vehicles.

Position Reports To

• Admissions Manager

Job Type

• Full-Time, In-Person, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Pay Range

• $26.00 - $33.00 / Hour

Benefits

• 100% Paid Blue Shield Trio Plan Medical Insurance Option
• 80% Paid Blue Shield Access+ Plan Medical Insurance Option
• 80% Paid Kaiser Medical Insurance Option
• 40% Dependent Coverage on Medical Insurance Plan
• 80% Paid Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off (10 Paid Sick Days Annually, 12 Paid Holidays Annually, Paid Vacation)
• Educational Assistance Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(k)
• 401(k) 4% Employer Match
  
• 100% Paid $25,000 Life Insurance Plan
  

CRI-Help ensures that all applicants are treated with equal consideration, without regard to age, race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, ethnic / cultural identification, religion, sexual preference, or disability.