Before treatment or services are provided, an intake counselor gathers information from a patient or client. A social services agency, a hospital, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, or a mental health facility are common employers of intake counselors. In general, they are in charge of creating and maintaining files and paperwork, as well as evaluating potential clients.
One of an intake counselor’s main responsibilities is to fill out client paperwork and ensure that it is legible, complete, and accurate. This data is then saved in a file and kept in a safe location. Because it frequently involves medical information, the information gathered is usually kept in strict confidence.
In addition, an intake counselor may be in charge of assessing clients and assigning them to the most appropriate program. Part of the assessment is done with the help of a questionnaire or other form that the client fills out. It will almost certainly include a client interview. Providing internal services as well as those provided by outside agencies is a common part of an assessment. Legal, medical, and social issues can all be addressed through the services provided.
Intake counselors are frequently in charge of dealing with clients or connecting them to outside programs and services. If a client’s finances are tight, a referral to a food bank or another service might be made. A counselor may also be in charge of answering general questions from the public about the services that are provided.
An intake counselor’s involvement with a client may end after the assessment and placement process is completed, depending on the agency. In some cases, the counselor’s interaction with the client may be longer or span the duration of the client’s program participation. An intake counselor at a drug rehab center, for example, might work to stabilize a client before treatment begins. This initial phase could last up to 30 days.
Clients who are ill or going through a life crisis are frequently seen by intake counselors. As a result, the job can be both demanding and rewarding. The satisfaction comes from seeing people’s lives improve. People who are enraged or who cannot seem to overcome their problems and obstacles can cause workplace stress.
An intake counselor’s educational requirements can range from a certification to a bachelor’s degree. An intake counselor may also be a volunteer, depending on the situation and the level of expertise required. A bachelor’s degree will almost certainly be required for professional positions.