Patient Intake Specialist Mental Health

Sailor Health, an organisation dedicated to transforming mental healthcare for older adults, is seeking a compassionate and organised Patient Intake Specialist to join their remote team. This role is pivotal in ensuring that clients receive timely and appropriate support as they embark on their journey with Sailor Health's innovative mental wellness programmes.

About the Role

As a Patient Intake Specialist, you will be the first point of contact for individuals seeking mental health support through Sailor Health. Your primary responsibility will be to guide prospective clients through the initial stages of engagement, making the process as smooth and reassuring as possible. This involves collecting essential information while demonstrating empathy and professionalism, setting the stage for effective and personalised care. You'll be working in a dynamic, remote environment, contributing directly to Sailor Health's mission of empowering older adults to achieve better mental well-being.

The Patient Intake Specialist plays a crucial role in the patient care pathway, undertaking a variety of key tasks to facilitate a seamless transition into Sailor Health's services. Your day-to-day duties will include:

• **Conducting Comprehensive Intake Assessments:** You will engage with new clients to understand their needs, history, and goals, gathering vital information relevant to their mental health journey.
• **Information Gathering and Documentation:** Accurately collecting and recording patient details, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and organised for review by the clinical team.
• **Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals:** Working closely with doctors, therapists, and other members of the Sailor Health team to ensure that patient intake information is effectively communicated, contributing to a holistic care plan.
• **Providing Exceptional Patient Support:** Offering a high level of customer service and emotional support to patients and their families throughout the intake process, addressing concerns and answering queries with patience and understanding.
• **Maintaining Confidentiality:** Upholding the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive patient information, in line with healthcare regulations.
• **Utilising Telehealth Practices:** Effectively employing remote communication tools and platforms to conduct assessments and interact with clients.

What They're Looking For

Sailor Health is seeking an individual with a strong sense of empathy, excellent organisational abilities, and a commitment to providing outstanding service within the mental health sector. Ideal candidates will possess the following attributes and experience:

• **Experience in Mental Health or Healthcare Settings:** Previous work experience in a related field is highly valued, providing a foundational understanding of healthcare environments and patient care.
• **Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills:** The ability to communicate clearly, empathetically, and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, exhibiting excellent listening skills.
• **Organisational Prowess:** Strong attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple tasks, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all aspects of the intake process.
• **Confidentiality and Discretion:** A demonstrated understanding of the importance of privacy and the ability to handle sensitive personal information with the utmost care and professionalism.
• **Familiarity with Telehealth:** While not always essential, prior experience or a comfort level with telehealth platforms and remote client interaction will be advantageous.

In South Africa, roles focused on patient intake and administration within the healthcare sector, especially those involving mental health, can offer a broad salary range depending on experience and the specific organisation. Entry-level positions might start around R10,000 to R15,000 per month, with more experienced individuals potentially earning R18,000 to R25,000 or more. Common employers include private hospitals, specialist clinics, and increasingly, telehealth providers and NGOs focusing on specific healthcare needs. Career progression could lead to supervisory roles in patient services, administrative management, or specialisation in client relations within healthcare.

• Experience in mental health or healthcare settings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Familiarity with telehealth practices is a plus.