Mental Health Intake & Navigation Clinician
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Mental Health Intake & Navigation Clinician to serve as the first point of clinical contact for new clients. In this role, you will play a critical part in facilitating timely access to care by assessing presenting concerns, identifying diagnostic and psychosocial needs, and guiding individuals toward the most appropriate services within or outside our system.
You will conduct comprehensive intake assessments, make initial treatment recommendations, identify care coordination needs, and provide high-quality clinical handoffs that set the stage for successful engagement in services. This is an excellent opportunity for a licensed clinician who values collaboration, enjoys variety in their work, and thrives in a fast-paced, client-centered environment.
Role responsibilities and duties include:
- Rapidly build trust and therapeutic rapport with clients during initial contact—often during times of high stress or uncertainty.
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and mental health screenings to gather clinical history, assess symptoms, and determine diagnostic clarity in alignment with DHS requirements for a Brief Diagnostic Assessment.
- Evaluate risk, acuity, and psychosocial factors to guide treatment recommendations and triage decisions.
- Make clinically appropriate referrals to internal or external providers based on diagnostic needs, level of care, cultural fit, and availability.
- Assess client care coordination needs (e.g., housing, transportation, benefits, system navigation) and connect them to the appropriate level of internal care coordination or external support services to ensure continuity and wraparound care.
- Coordinate with internal teams (case management, peer support, psychiatry, etc.) and external systems (county agencies, primary care, crisis response) as needed.
- Provide clear and thorough clinical documentation that meets licensing standards and internal policy requirements.
- Participate in case consultation, care planning, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Contribute to ongoing process improvements within intake and triage workflows.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
- Current, unrestricted independent licensure in Minnesota (LICSW, LPCC, LMFT, or LP).
- Minimum of 2 years post-licensure clinical experience preferred, especially in outpatient, crisis, or intake settings.
- Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
- Familiarity with Minnesota mental health resources and systems of care.
- Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Computer skills including using Microsoft Office products and healthcare software
- Willingness to learn and adapt to the availability of new technology and software
Skills for Success in This Role
We’re looking for a clinician who brings a strong clinical foundation, collaborative spirit, and thrives in dynamic, client-centered work. The following skills are especially well-suited for this role:
- Strong clinical judgment and diagnostic acumen, with experience developing effective, individualized treatment plans
- Confidence in building rapport quickly, particularly during high-stress or first-contact client encounters
- Curiosity and adaptability—comfortable assessing a wide range of presenting concerns across diverse populations
- Ability to assess care coordination needs (e.g., social determinants, system involvement) and connect clients to the right level of wraparound support
- Excellent verbal communication skills for collaboration across departments and with external providers
- Clear and timely documentation that reflects sound clinical reasoning and meets professional standards
- Comfort working in a fast-paced setting with frequent client variation and shifting needs
- Effective time management and the ability to prioritize tasks independently
- Commitment to inclusive, nonjudgmental care and cultural responsiveness
- A team-oriented mindset—eager to contribute to shared goals, support colleagues, and engage in quality improvement efforts
- Healthy professional boundaries and commitment to self-care to support sustainability in your work
Why Choose Minnesota Mental Health Clinics?
As a Clinical Intake Clinician at MMHC, you’ll be supported in doing high-impact, meaningful work at the front end of care—where access, connection, and clinical insight make a real difference.
- Meaningful impact from day one: You’ll play a central role in connecting individuals to the right care at the right time, helping shape their treatment path from the very first contact.
- Team-based collaboration: Work alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes case managers, peer support, psychiatry, and care coordination—you’re never doing this work alone.
- Clinical variety and challenge: Every day brings different clients, presentations, and systems. If you enjoy fast-paced, dynamic work with a wide range of clinical needs, you’ll thrive here.
- Focus on what matters: We handle billing, scheduling, and administrative details so you can focus on the clinical work you’re trained for and passionate about.
- In-house psychiatry and specialty services: Seamlessly connect clients to internal providers for medication management or specialized care without long wait times.
- Flexibility and balance: Hybrid work options and flexible scheduling help you manage your time, energy, and workload in a sustainable way.
- Support for growth: You’ll have access to training, clinical consultation, and leadership opportunities as we continue to grow our intake and access services.