The Intake Specialist serves as part of a team of three Intake Specialists that are the primary access point for students seeking services at the Student Counseling Center. This role is responsible for conducting phone triage, structured risk screening, and initial appointment scheduling for student clients, including individuals experiencing active distress or crisis. This position evaluates the acuity and urgency of presenting concerns using established screening protocols and determines appropriate response pathways in coordination with clinicians and clinical leadership. The Intake Specialist facilitates timely access to care through scheduling, resource navigation, and coordination of referrals from campus partners. The role also supports program operations through accurate documentation, data tracking, and analysis to ensure efficient service delivery and continuity of care. Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to respond calmly in high-acuity situations are essential.

Multiple positions are available.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience in a fast-paced, customer service environment. Previous knowledge/experience through either educational training or work experience with standards of confidentiality in mental health or medical settings.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with students in distress, clinical staff, campus partners, and external providers.
  • Skill in accurate documentation, data entry, and records management.
  • Proficiency with standard office technology and software systems.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience either providing administrative support specifically in mental health or medical setting or in entry level case management or mental health support roles (case manager, etc.); Experience working in higher education; Experience with deescalation, crisis response, mental health or suicide phone screenings.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of confidentiality standards and privacy regulations including FERPA, HIPAA, and other relevant standards in mental health.

Knowledge of electronic health record systems, scheduling platforms, and data management practices.

Knowledge of office administration practices, customer service standards, and workflow coordination in a healthcare or student services setting.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: commensurate with education and experience
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 3, 2026.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The Division of Student Life and the Student Counseling Center

The Division of Student Life is comprised of an outstanding group of professionals who create student-centered opportunities that contribute to a transformative Volunteer Experience. These opportunities allow students to grow their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. From health and wellness to service and engagement, we provide opportunities where students exemplify the Volunteer Spirit, inspiring others to learn, lead, and serve.

Our departments provide essential services that support student success and future growth, fostering engagement, leadership, and wellness while enhancing belonging. Together, they create transformative experiences that help students achieve both academic and personal goals.

The Student Counseling Center is a multidisciplinary clinical team dedicated to supporting the mental health, wellbeing, and academic success of students through responsive mental health services. The center provides a range of clinical offerings including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, outreach and prevention programming, consultation, and training for graduate trainees and campus partners. Staff collaborate closely with university departments to promote a holistic, community-based approach to student care. The Student Counseling Center values clinical excellence, innovation, and a strong commitment to student development within a dynamic campus environment.

• This role is responsible for conducting phone triage, structured risk screening, and initial appointment scheduling for student clients, including individuals experiencing active distress or crisis. This position evaluates the acuity and urgency of presenting concerns using established screening protocols and determines appropriate response pathways in coordination with clinicians and clinical leadership.
• The Intake Specialist facilitates timely access to care through scheduling, resource navigation, and coordination of referrals from campus partners. The role also supports program operations through accurate documentation, data tracking, and analysis to ensure efficient service delivery and continuity of care. Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to respond calmly in high-acuity situations are essential.
• Facilitates referral coordination with campus partners such as Student Health Center, Center for Care and Resilience, Title IX, and other campus and community partners.
• Manages daily front desk operations for a high-volume university counseling center, including client check-in, appointment scheduling and rescheduling, and management of departmental email and voicemail systems. Serves as a welcoming and professional point of contact for students, families, and campus partners while responding to urgent operational needs.
• Maintains security and organization of lobby, front office, staff lounge, and shared spaces. Coordinates meeting room scheduling and assists with departmental meeting preparation and logistics.
• Processes clinical records requests in accordance with confidentiality and privacy standards. Scans, uploads, and maintains documentation within the electronic health record (EHR) system. Ensures accurate and timely documentation of triage encounters and administrative processes. Supports operational reporting and program effectiveness through data tracking, documentation accuracy, and adherence to established procedures.
• Provides administrative coordination supporting counseling center operations, including managing departmental mail, maintaining procedural manuals and shared resources, coordinating supply requests and ordering with the Operations Manager, and facilitating communication among staff regarding time-sensitive operational needs.