Intake Specialist at Roots Through Recovery in Long Beach, CA

Introduction Roots Through Recovery has been providing comprehensive, trauma-focused addiction and mental health services in the Long Beach community since 2017.

What our patients say: Roots is the most welcoming, supportive program they’ve ever attended. Many have tried multiple treatment programs before but haven’t felt understood, or their underlying issues weren’t addressed. Treating SUD and co-occurring disorders through a trauma-focused lens helps patients heal and find long-term recovery in a community of peers who care.

What our staff say: Roots has allowed them to flourish in their careers and given them the opportunity and support to learn who they are, professionally and personally. They value the creativity and autonomy they’re given in their roles.

We are actively seeking an Intake Specialist within our substance use and co-occurring disorder treatment intensive outpatient program. As an essential member of our team, the Intake Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals as they take the first step toward treatment and recovery.

Position Overview The Intake Specialist serves as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking services, whether through phone calls, website inquiries, or referral sources. This role is responsible for guiding prospective clients through the intake process with clarity, compassion, and efficiency, ensuring a smooth transition into our intensive outpatient (IOP) and outpatient (OP) programs.

This position is multi-faceted and includes conducting clinical screenings, verifying insurance eligibility, completing all required intake documentation, and coordinating next steps in alignment with State and County requirements. The Intake Specialist works closely with the clinical team to ensure each client is appropriately supported from first contact through program entry and may carry a small caseload as needed.

The Intake Specialist role is both challenging and rewarding. By providing thoughtful, organized, and empathetic support during the intake process, this position plays a key role in helping individuals access care and begin their recovery journey.

Key Responsibilities

Client Screening & Assessment: Conduct thorough screenings of prospective clients to determine appropriateness for services. Gather information related to demographics, substance use history, mental health concerns, and other relevant background details.

Insurance Verification: Verify insurance eligibility and benefits, with a strong understanding of Medi-Cal guidelines and requirements to support accurate billing and access to care.

Intake Coordination: Complete comprehensive intake assessments and all required documentation in a timely and accurate manner. Ensure each interaction is conducted with empathy and professionalism so clients feel supported and understood.

Care Coordination: Collaborate with internal teams and external partners—including referring agencies, insurance providers, and other treatment programs—to ensure a smooth and coordinated start to services.

Treatment Support: Work alongside the clinical team to support the development of individualized treatment plans based on intake information, client needs, and regulatory requirements.

Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of all client interactions and intake activities in accordance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.

Regulatory Adherence: Stay current with State and County regulations, licensing requirements, and best practices related to substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder treatment.

Qualifications and Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or related field preferred
• Valid C-Number with Los Angeles County to access SAGE/PCNX EHR preferred
• Certification or registration as a drug and alcohol counselor in California (CADC, CAADC, RADT, etc.) preferred
• Experience conducting intakes within a substance use disorder or behavioral health setting preferred
• Knowledge of Medi-Cal guidelines and procedures related to intake and eligibility
• Familiarity with co-occurring disorders and trauma-informed care
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Compassionate, empathetic, and culturally responsive approach to client care
• Bilingual in Spanish or Khmer preferred