Clinical Assistant/Behavioral Health Screener

Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization, and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

The Center for Recovery and Wellness is part of Educational Alliance (EA), which brings together diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multigenerational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. One of New York City’s original settlement houses, EA was founded in 1889 to offer educational, social, and cultural services to Jewish immigrants arriving to the Lower East Side. Today, EA partners with diverse communities throughout Lower Manhattan. Across our network of community centers, we empower people of all backgrounds to flourish, recognizing the intrinsic value within each individual and the importance of building community.

We are seeking a Clinical Assistant/Behavioral Health Screener who will serve as the primary point of access and first point of contact for individuals seeking behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services at the Center for Recovery and Wellness.  This role will combine front desk operations, initial screening and triage, appointment coordination, insurance verification, and admissions support to ensure timely connection to the appropriate level of care. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Front Desk & Client Reception

•    Serve as the primary greeter and first point of contact for all clients, families, and visitors arriving at CRW.

•    Provide a welcoming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive reception experience.

•    Manage the reception area to maintain a professional, organized, and welcoming environment.

•    Coordinate with security staff on client entry protocols and building safety procedures.

•    Direct walk-in clients and visitors to appropriate staff or departments.

•    Manage the sign-in/sign-out log and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.

Intake Phone Screening & Walk-In Screening

•    Conduct initial telephone screenings for individuals seeking admission to the CRW continuum Outpatient, Residential, OASAS 820/ 822) and prevention Programs, gathering demographic, clinical, and insurance information.

•    Perform walk-in screenings using standardized intake screening tools.

•    Collect presenting concerns, substance use history, referral source, and insurance/benefits information in a sensitive, non-judgmental manner.

•    Document screening information in the EHR and/or scheduling system and route to appropriate clinical staff for follow-up.

•    Schedule intake appointments for outpatient services.

•    Maintain current working knowledge of CRW’s levels of care, eligibility criteria, and referral pathways.

•    Communicate wait times, next steps, and program information to prospective clients and referring parties.

•    Collaborate with admissions staff on screening and admission eligibility.

•    Assist individuals with obtaining documentation necessary for admission.

Insurance Verification & Benefits Coordination

•    Verify client insurance coverage prior to and at intake, including Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance.

•    Confirm Medicaid active enrollment status using NYS eMedNY and other applicable portals.

•    Check agency participation and network status with commercial insurance carriers.

•    Identify co-pays, deductibles, authorizations, and benefit limitations, and communicate these to clinical and billing staff.

•    Coordinate with billing on insurance-related questions, eligibility discrepancies, and prior authorization requirements.

•    Document insurance verification activities in the EHR and administrative systems.

•    Maintain current knowledge of accepted insurance plans, Medicaid managed care organizations, and value-based care requirements relevant to OASAS-licensed programs.

Administrative & Office Support

•    Answer and route multi-line telephone calls; take and relay accurate messages.

•    Maintain and update client scheduling in the EHR/scheduling system.

•    Prepare, photocopy, scan, and file documents per agency record-keeping policy.

•    Support clinical and administrative staff with scheduling, copying, data entry, and general office tasks.

•    Assist with preparation of reports and meeting materials as directed by the Operations Manager.

•    Maintain confidentiality of client and agency records in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and agency policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

•    1-2 years of experience as a receptionist, administrative assistant, or medical/behavioral health receptionist required.

•    High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Health Administration, Psychology, or a related field strongly preferred. CASAC Trainee status a plus.

•    Bilingual in Spanish or Polish strongly preferred; other languages reflective of CRW’s client communities a plus.

•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and general computer literacy required.

•    Experience with an electronic health record (EHR) system required; familiarity with AURA or a similar behavioral health EHR helpful but not essential.

•    Ability to navigate web-based insurance eligibility portals (e.g., eMedNY, Availity, or insurer-specific portals).

•    Experience in a medical, behavioral health, substance use disorder, or social services setting strongly preferred.

•    Experience conducting telephone or in-person intake screenings in a healthcare or social services environment a plus.

•    Familiarity with insurance verification processes, Medicaid eligibility, and/or managed care preferred.

•    Experience working in an OASAS-licensed, Joint Commission, or CARF-accredited program a plus.

•    Understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction principles, and person-centered service delivery.

•    Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to engage individuals at all stages of recovery with respect, empathy, and professionalism.

•    Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

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