Behavioral Health Access Specialist
Compensation
Pay not listed
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting, call expectations and time off.
Job Description
The Access Intake Specialist is responsible for client admission into the agency. The Specialist will evaluate incoming referrals from outside agencies and conducting an intake for the purpose of proper placement within Bright Harbor. They work closely with the Access Coordinator to ensure proper care and linkage to services. The ideal candidate will have an Associates degree, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in a health and human services field.
- Position Title: Access Intake Specialist
- Position Type: Full Time; 35 Hours/Weekly; One evening required (*If you are pursuing a degree, hours may be flexed)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes; Full Benefits
- Location: Toms River, NJ
- Department: Access
Responsibilities
Responds to incoming calls and inquiries from prospective clients, gathers referral information, and maintains accurate documentation in the EMR.
Schedules initial client assessments (CIAP) and assists individuals with completing required applications and screenings.
Facilitates warm handoffs to billing to initiate financial eligibility and insurance determination.
Conducts brief mental health screenings and provides crisis intervention and referrals to PESS when clinically indicated.
Triages referrals and coordinates intake, psychiatric evaluation, and substance use assessment appointments based on clinical acuity and urgency.
Coordinates after-hours crisis coverage schedules, monitors documentation, tracks service utilization, and facilitates follow-up with appropriate staff.
Conducts follow-up outreach to individuals who miss, cancel, or fail to reschedule appointments and coordinates follow-up with PESS.
Participates in clinical and departmental meetings to support communication, collaboration, and continuity of care.
Participates in agency Performance Improvement initiatives to enhance access to services, operational efficiency, and quality of care.
Performs additional duties as assigned while maintaining compliance with agency policies, procedures, confidentiality, and documentation standards.
- Associate's Degree plus two years of experience
- Bachelor's Degree preferred
- Excellent communication and computer skills
- Full Benefits
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Sick Days
- Personal Days
- Days Accrued Vacation
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Company paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
- 403B Plan with Company Match
- Opportunities for training/education/Continuing Education Credits
- Opportunities for Public Loan Forgiveness
- Opportunities for Tuition Discounts from Participating Institutions
Requirements
Candidates must possess an Associate's degree and at least two years of relevant experience. A Bachelor's degree in a health and human services field is preferred.
Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor degree
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Patient Access & Front Desk Career Context
Of the 50 active Patient Access & Front Desk listings this role was benchmarked against, 22% are remote, 28% have no call, 58% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for New Jersey is 108.8 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 63.8% of New Jersey clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Listed pay | not listed | Patient Access & Front Desk median $69k (middle half $56k–$73k)10 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Cost of living | New Jersey index 108.8 | US average = 100BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Patient Access & Front Desk listings in New Jersey | 63 active | 1,315 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 22% remote · 28% no call · 58% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | loan repayment | US healthcare professional listings: 5% state a sign-on bonus (median $2k) · 6% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Patient Access & Front Desk listings | 65 in the last 30 days | 33 the 30 days before (+97%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Patient Access & Front Desk pay trend | −2.9% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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