Mental Health Intake Counselor I

Posted:
3/23/2026, 10:43:42 PM

Location(s):
New York, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

179 Sully’s Trl, Pittsford, New York, United States of America, 14534

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

910622 Psychiatry EBS

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 108 H

Compensation Range:

$24.91 - $34.87

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

The Mental Health Assistant is a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team for the patients, specifically dedicated to support our faculty practices (Behavioral Health Partners and University Mental Health) in the Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness. In collaboration with the clinical leadership team, reviews, and triages incoming referrals for scheduling and/or service and resource linkages. Also, in collaboration with clinical team, and with some latitude for independent judgement, serves as a liaison between patients/referring providers and clinical services to ensure connection to appropriate services. May also provide support through post discharge contact focused on supporting adherence to discharge plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Referral Coordination: Completes screening for eligibility and facilitates referral for patients within their scope of practice; ensures that referral is directed to the appropriate clinical services. Communicates directly with referring offices regarding outcomes or recommendations. Presents complex cases to clinical leadership team for triage/recommendations. Has detailed knowledge of UR Behavioral Health clinics and workflows. Has knowledge of community resources for services not offered at UR. 
  • Case Management & Crisis Support: Provide case management support by tracking high-risk clients, triaging incoming crisis calls and communications, providing crisis intervention and other supports as needed, tracking clinical engagement. Collaborate closely with providers to determine the next appropriate steps and ensure timely follow-up and continuity of care.  Support short-term disability process to ensure timely completion and submission of paperwork.
  • Support Primary Therapists: Assist primary therapists with caseload management tasks within scope of practice, including maintaining client lists, supporting coordination of care between therapy and medication providers, documentation for group therapy, and completing other related duties as needed.
  • Discharge Planning: Assist primary therapist with discharge planning.  Utilizes knowledge of community resources and clinical recommendations to facilitate referrals.  Maintain a comprehensive resource list. Function as person of contact if patient has questions after discharge
  • Documentation: Documents all interactions, interventions, referrals, paperwork requests, discharge plans, contacts in the patient’s chart in compliance with Division, Department and Hospital policy.
  • Cultural Respect and Administrative: Ensures Psychiatry Department, and Hospital policies and procedures are implemented with regard to professional practice, discharge planning, and patient care. Complies with Division and Departmental quality assurance and staff development activities. Timely completion of time reporting and other Hospital or Division forms; Hospital and Division mandatory in-service training programs and UHS reviews. Subscribes to the Departmental goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patient, families, trainees, and co-workers in a sensitive manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences. Participates in available cultural competence events and training appropriate to job duties.
  • Cross Coverage:  Provides back up services, within scope of practice, as requested in the absence of co-workers.
  • Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's degree and 1 year of relevant experience required or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 1 year experience in working with behavioral health population in a direct care capacity or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Work as a member of a team and also able to work independently. Understanding of psychosocial stressors, community resources and safety issues; basic crisis intervention skills; problem solving skills; well-developed listening skills; ability to communicate clearly; ability to advocate, research and collaborate on behalf of patients. Knowledge of how to use Microsoft Word products and electronic medical record; preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.