Mental Health Intake Specialist: Part time, 24 hours a week

San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living:

Nestled in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood on a nine-acre campus, the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (SFCJL) is a center of excellence in providing a continuum of care. This includes the Frank Residences, offering luxurious assisted living and memory care services; the Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center, featuring long-term skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and an acute psychiatric unit specialized in mental healthcare for older adults over age 55; and the Jewish Home and Senior Living Foundation.

Grounded in the Jewish values of dignity, compassion, and community, the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, fondly referred to in the past as "the Jewish Home," was founded in 1871. Today, 150 years later, it continues to build upon its legacy of enriching the lives of older adults.

Position Overview:

The Mental Health Intake Specialist is a detail-oriented and compassionate professional who manages the intake and referral process for the Acute Psych Unit. Responsibilities include screening referrals, verifying insurance, securing authorizations, and supporting admissions. This role also provides administrative and clerical support to ensure operational efficiency and a welcoming environment for patients and families.

Essential Functions:

Referral and Intake Management: Receive, screen, and process all patient referrals. Collect, verify, and input patient information, including demographics and medical history, into pre-screening intake forms. Communicate with referral sources professionally. Insurance Verification and Authorization: Verify insurance eligibility and obtain authorizations. Coordinate with the business office on financial responsibilities. Obtain necessary prior authorization from insurance companies. Communicate with patients regarding insurance status and any required information. Administrative and Clerical Support: Manage patient admissions, discharges, and transfers. Maintain and update patient records in compliance with regulations. Prepare and organize patient charts, reports, and assist with data collection. Quality Improvement and Unit Support: Participate in unit improvement projects. Assist with staffing coordination, scheduling, and timecard management. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree, master's or clinical credential preferred Experience with insurance processing in a healthcare setting, preferably in an administrative or intake role. Knowledge of insurance eligibility and benefits desired. CPI certification or other Assaultive Behavior Management program certification or within 3 months of hire Must have current BLS certification Position Specific Duties: Adhere to all hospital, department, and safety protocols Strong verbal, written, and reading communication skills. Exceptional customer service and interpersonal abilities. Knowledge of psychiatric/medical terminology and intake procedures Proficient with Microsoft Office and electronic health records. Verify insurance eligibility, explain benefits, and confirm financial responsibilities. Register admissions and maintain accurate records Well-organized, adaptable, and able to manage shifting workloads Assist visitors, family members, and orient them with the unit safety protocols. Understanding of Title 22, CMS standards, and EMTALA regulations Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across clinical and administrative functions. Answer calls, triage inquiries, and respond to emails professionally Support medical recordkeeping, data collection, audits, and report preparation. Ensure discharge charts are complete and ready for medical records Perform additional administrative and unit support duties as assigned.