Mental Health Intake Specialist, Boynton Health

Position Summary

The Mental Health Intake Specialist at Boynton Health, https://boynton.umn.edu/, provides mental health screening, assessment, triage, crisis intervention, care coordination, and referral services to University of Minnesota students eligible for Boynton Health services. Using motivational interviewing and other evidence-informed approaches, the position assesses presenting concerns, behavioral health symptoms, functional impairment, subjective distress, safety risks, strengths, and available resources to determine appropriate next steps and service recommendations.

The Mental Health Intake Specialist collaborates with therapists, prescribers, case managers, medical providers, and campus and community partners to connect students with appropriate mental health, health care, and psychosocial resources. The position also provides brief supportive interventions, psychoeducation, and resource navigation within its authorized scope of practice.

Work is performed under moderate supervision and is guided by established clinical procedures, professional standards, applicable laws, and Boynton Health policies. The position exercises professional judgment in addressing moderately complex clinical and operational concerns using established assessment, consultation, escalation, and referral protocols.

Overview of Responsibilities

Mental Health Intake, Assessment, and Triage - 60%

Provide mental health intake, screening, triage, and assessment services to a diverse population of University of Minnesota students in person, by telephone, and through approved virtual platforms. Assessments do not include a formal diagnosis.

• Use motivational interviewing and other evidence-informed approaches to engage students, clarify presenting concerns, and identify needs, strengths, and goals.
• Conduct comprehensive intake interviews and collect relevant social, developmental, behavioral health, medical, and treatment history.
• Assess the nature, severity, duration, and functional impact of behavioral health concerns, including subjective distress, safety risks, protective factors, strengths, and available resources.
• Review available mental health and medical records and obtain additional information or releases when appropriate.
• Conduct 10-20 minute phone screenings to determine eligibility for the mental health clinic's brief, goal-oriented therapy model and other services and recommend appropriate next steps based on assessed needs, student preferences, available resources, and established Boynton Health procedures.
• Identify urgent or emergent concerns, including potential risk of harm to self or others, and initiate established crisis response, consultation, safety-planning, and escalation procedures.
• Provide crisis prevention, brief intervention, stabilization support, and resource navigation within the authorized scope of the position.
• Recommend and facilitate access to appropriate services, including psychotherapy, psychiatry, primary care, case management, group services, higher levels of care, and campus or community resources.
• Consult with supervisors or designated clinicians regarding complex, high-risk, or uncertain cases.
• Communicate disposition decisions, relevant clinical information, safety concerns, and recommendations to appropriate members of the care team in a timely manner.

Brief Support and Care Coordination - 20%

• Provide brief supportive interventions, psychoeducation, resource navigation, and problem-solving assistance within the employee's education, training, credentials, and authorized scope of practice.
• Assess psychosocial concerns and social determinants of health that may affect a student's well-being or ability to access care.
• Help students identify practical next steps and connect with appropriate mental health, medical, social service, academic, and community resources.
• Coordinate transitions to internal and external providers, including services for students who need a different or higher level of care.
• Follow up with students, providers, and referral resources as appropriate to support continuity of care.
• Support students in addressing barriers to accessing recommended services.
• Provide services using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and student-centered practices.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and work within applicable legal, ethical, professional, and organizational standards.

Consultation, Collaboration, and Outreach - 10%

• Serve as an active member of the Mental Health Clinic Access Team and participate in team consultation, case review, and care coordination.
• Collaborate with therapists, prescribers, case managers, medical providers, and other Boynton Health staff to support coordinated student care.
• Provide consultation to Boynton Health staff regarding student mental health concerns, service options, and referral resources.
• Consult with University faculty and staff regarding student mental health concerns and available resources, consistent with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with campus and community service providers.
• Assist in developing or presenting educational and outreach programs related to student mental health, crisis response, help-seeking, and available services.
• Participate in clinic, Boynton Health, and University committees or collaborative initiatives as assigned.

Documentation, Program Support, and Professional Responsibilities - 10%

• Complete timely, accurate, and appropriate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Maintain records in accordance with federal and state requirements, professional standards, payer requirements when applicable, and Boynton Health policies.
• Meet established expectations for productivity, access, documentation, quality, and timeliness.
• Participate in the development, implementation, evaluation, and updating of Mental Health Clinic intake procedures, programs, workflows, and policies.
• Participate in end-of-day urgent clinical coverage rotations, which may occasionally extend beyond scheduled clinic hours.
• Assist with urgent mental health response needs affecting the University community as assigned and within the position's authorized scope.
• Attend required training and continuing education to maintain and strengthen relevant knowledge and skills.
• Promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment in which concerns can be raised and addressed effectively.
• Comply with Boynton Health bylaws and policies, applicable University of Minnesota and Board of Regents policies, and federal and state requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of related experience, or a combination of related education and work experience totaling at least six years.
• Education or experience related to mental health, behavioral health, crisis services, social services, health care, student support, or a closely related area.
• Experience providing mental health screening, intake, assessment, crisis intervention, care coordination, or referral services.
• Ability to recognize urgent safety concerns and follow established consultation, escalation, and emergency response procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals experiencing emotional distress or behavioral health concerns.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable legal, ethical, professional, and organizational requirements.
• Professional certification, registration, or Minnesota licensure may be required only if necessary for specifically assigned responsibilities.
• Open and flexibile work schedule (on-site), Monday - Friday, up to 30 hours per week, between the hours of 7:45 AM - 5:30 PM.
• Must be able to meet productivity guidelines (i.e., 8-10 intake assessments per day).

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in a mental health, behavioral health, health care, crisis response, social services, or college health setting.
• Experience providing mental health intake, triage, psychosocial assessment, crisis intervention, safety planning, or brief support.
• Experience using motivational interviewing or other evidence-informed engagement and assessment practices.
• Experience working with college students, international students, or individuals from historically underserved populations.
• Experience providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed services.
• Experience coordinating referrals to mental health, medical, social service, campus, and community resources.
• Experience using an electronic health record.
• Experience delivering services by telephone or through approved virtual platforms.
• Knowledge of campus and community mental health resources.
• Strong professional judgment, communication, collaboration, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in a language that supports the needs of the University's diverse student population.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in a clinical office environment with regular use of computers, telephones, electronic health records, and virtual-service technology.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through virtual platforms.
• Ability to occasionally move throughout the clinic or between University locations.
• May occasionally need to respond to urgent situations or work beyond scheduled clinic hours as part of an established coverage rotation.
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

Hourly Pay Range: $29.00 - $33.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience. Range is non-negotiable.

Time Appointment: 75%-time Appointment (30 standard hours per week)

Position Type: Civil-Service Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.