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Intake Director - Job Opportunity at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital

Marysville, US

Full-time

Senior

Posted: June 25, 2025

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance coverage with medical, vision, and dental options providing complete healthcare security

401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions to accelerate long-term financial growth

Generous paid time off policy enabling work-life balance and personal rejuvenation

Full relocation assistance package reducing financial barriers for qualified candidates

Premium life insurance coverage up to 2x annual salary at 100% company cost providing exceptional family protection

Long-term disability insurance fully paid by company ensuring income security during extended health issues

Paid holiday schedule recognizing work-life balance and personal time

On-site cafeteria with complimentary daily meal reducing daily expenses and promoting workplace community

Employee assistance program providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges

Employee recognition programs fostering career development and workplace satisfaction

Annual bonus opportunity tied to performance creating additional earning potential

Employee engagement events building team cohesion and workplace culture

Key Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and strategic planning for assessment and referral department operations driving organizational growth and clinical excellence

Direct comprehensive assessment activities across the facility ensuring quality standards and regulatory compliance

Lead and mentor team of assessment counselors in delivery of psychiatric evaluation services maximizing clinical outcomes

Oversee crisis intervention protocols and referral processes ensuring patient safety and continuity of care

Collaborate with medical staff, department heads, and administration on strategic initiatives impacting patient care delivery

Interface with external case managers and managed care organizations to optimize patient placement and reimbursement

Function as primary liaison with other hospital intake departments ensuring seamless patient flow and communication

Maintain therapeutic environment standards that promote healing and recovery for all patients

Drive implementation of evidence-based assessment practices that improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes

Requirements

Education

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, mental health or a related field preferred

Experience

A minimum of five (5) years direct clinical experience in a psychiatric or mental health setting desirable

Required Skills

RN, social work or counseling applicable license in the State of Washington Working knowledge of the Addiction & Recovery field Experience in clinical interviewing Patient assessment expertise Family motivation techniques Treatment planning capabilities Communicating with external review organizations Working effectively with people of diverse backgrounds Strong knowledge of The Joint Commission regulations CMS compliance understanding OSHA regulations knowledge Patient rights standards expertise Federal and state laws governing mental health care facilities

Certifications

RN, social work or counseling applicable license in the State of Washington Completed training of crisis management/prevention techniques

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The behavioral health industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by increased mental health awareness, reduced stigma around seeking treatment, and expanded insurance coverage for mental health services. Healthcare organizations are investing heavily in intake and assessment infrastructure to manage growing patient volumes while maintaining quality standards. Integration of technology in patient assessment and the shift toward value-based care models are reshaping how intake departments operate, requiring leaders who can balance clinical excellence with operational efficiency. Regulatory compliance requirements in behavioral health are becoming increasingly complex, with The Joint Commission, CMS, and state agencies implementing stricter standards for patient assessment, documentation, and care coordination. Organizations are seeking experienced directors who can navigate these requirements while building sustainable clinical programs that meet both regulatory demands and patient needs. The shortage of qualified mental health professionals has created intense competition for experienced clinical leaders, particularly those with both direct patient care experience and management capabilities. Organizations are offering enhanced compensation packages and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain top talent in leadership positions within behavioral health settings.

Salary Evaluation

The salary range of $90,000-$130,000 is competitive for this market and role level, positioning in the upper quartile for behavioral health director positions in the Pacific Northwest. The addition of annual bonus opportunities and comprehensive benefits package brings total compensation value to approximately $110,000-$150,000 equivalent, which is appropriate for a senior clinical leadership role requiring state licensure and specialized mental health expertise.

Role Significance

Typical team structure includes direct supervision of 8-15 assessment counselors and intake coordinators, with indirect oversight of support staff including schedulers, administrative assistants, and per diem clinical staff. The role involves matrix management relationships with medical staff, case managers, and other department heads, requiring strong collaborative leadership skills across multidisciplinary teams.

This is a senior executive role within the clinical operations hierarchy, reporting likely to the Chief Clinical Officer or Chief Operating Officer. The position carries significant responsibility for patient safety, regulatory compliance, and clinical quality outcomes. The director will have substantial autonomy in department operations while being accountable for measurable clinical and operational results that directly impact the organization's success and reputation.

Key Projects

Implementation of electronic health record optimization for streamlined assessment workflows and improved documentation quality Development of crisis intervention protocols that reduce emergency department utilization while ensuring patient safety Creation of community partnership programs with law enforcement, schools, and social services to expand referral networks Design and execution of staff competency programs ensuring clinical excellence and regulatory compliance Leadership of accreditation preparation and survey processes for The Joint Commission and state licensing bodies

Success Factors

Clinical expertise combined with business acumen to balance quality patient care with operational efficiency and financial sustainability Strong regulatory knowledge and attention to detail ensuring consistent compliance with evolving healthcare standards and requirements Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders including medical staff, administrators, patients, families, and external partners Change management capabilities to lead organizational transformation and implement new clinical programs or technologies Data-driven decision making skills to analyze clinical outcomes, operational metrics, and quality indicators for continuous improvement Crisis management expertise to handle emergency situations while maintaining team morale and organizational stability

Market Demand

High demand exists for experienced intake directors in behavioral health as healthcare systems expand mental health services and face increasing regulatory requirements. The combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and regulatory knowledge required for this role creates a limited candidate pool, giving qualified professionals significant leverage in the job market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

State licensure as RN, social worker, or counselor is absolutely essential as it provides the clinical credibility and legal authority necessary to oversee clinical staff and ensure quality patient care. Without proper licensure, the individual cannot legally supervise clinical activities or make decisions about patient care protocols. Regulatory compliance knowledge including The Joint Commission, CMS, and OSHA requirements is critical because behavioral health facilities face intense scrutiny and significant financial penalties for non-compliance. Directors must ensure all operations meet or exceed these standards to protect both patients and the organization's operating license. Crisis management and intervention expertise is essential given the nature of behavioral health emergencies and the need to make rapid decisions that impact patient safety. The ability to remain calm under pressure while coordinating multiple resources can literally be a matter of life and death in psychiatric emergency situations.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced certification in healthcare administration or business management would enhance the director's ability to optimize operational efficiency and financial performance while maintaining clinical quality Bilingual capabilities, particularly Spanish fluency, would be valuable given the diverse patient population in the Pacific Northwest and could help reduce health disparities in mental health access Experience with electronic health record systems and healthcare technology would accelerate implementation of digital initiatives and data-driven quality improvement programs that are becoming standard in modern healthcare delivery

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to shape intake operations at a facility serving patients regardless of financial ability, creating meaningful social impact beyond typical healthcare roles

Leadership role in an organization emphasizing evidence-based treatment approaches, providing exposure to cutting-edge clinical practices and research opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package including full relocation assistance demonstrates organizational commitment to attracting top talent from national candidate pool

Annual bonus opportunity tied to performance creates direct financial incentive for achieving clinical and operational excellence

Interface with diverse external stakeholders including managed care organizations, case managers, and community partners providing broad professional network development

Career Growth

Career advancement to executive leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing directors who demonstrate measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and team development. Progression may be accelerated through additional education, specialized certifications, or successful completion of major organizational initiatives.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Clinical Officer positions overseeing multiple clinical departments within behavioral health systems Regional Director roles managing intake operations across multiple facility locations Vice President of Clinical Operations in larger healthcare organizations Chief Operating Officer positions in mid-size behavioral health facilities Consultant roles helping other organizations develop or improve their intake and assessment programs

Company Overview

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital operates as a specialized behavioral health facility in the competitive Pacific Northwest healthcare market, focusing on comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment services. The organization positions itself as a community-focused provider offering both inpatient and outpatient services with emphasis on evidence-based treatment approaches and accessibility regardless of patients' financial circumstances.

As a dedicated behavioral health facility, SPBH operates in a growing market segment with increasing demand for specialized mental health services. The organization competes with both large health systems and specialized behavioral health providers, differentiating itself through comprehensive care offerings and community integration.

Located in Marysville, Washington, the facility serves the greater Puget Sound region, benefiting from proximity to Seattle while serving communities with limited access to specialized behavioral health services. The location provides access to a diverse patient population and enables recruitment from the broader Seattle metropolitan area's talent pool.

The organization emphasizes collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on patient outcomes and community service. The emphasis on working with patients regardless of ability to pay suggests a values-based environment that prioritizes clinical excellence and social responsibility over purely financial metrics.

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Intake Director - Job Opportunity at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Certifications

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Salary Evaluation

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence