An intake counselor is someone who takes information from a patient or client before treatment or services are administered. Intake counselors typically work for a social services agency, a hospital, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center or a mental health facility. Generally, they are responsible for creating and maintaining files and paperwork as well as evaluating clients who are seeking services.

One of the main duties of an intake counselor is filling out client paperwork and making sure it is legible, complete and accurate. This information is then placed in a file and kept in a secure area. The information taken is typically held in strict confidence because it often involves medical information.

An intake counselor also can be responsible for assessing clients and placing them into the most appropriate program. The assessment is performed in part using a questionnaire or other form that is filled out by the client. It also likely involves an interview with the client. An assessment often involves providing internal services and those offered by outside agencies. The scope of services provided can address legal, medical and social issues.

Intake counselors often are responsible for dealing with or linking clients to outside programs and services. For example, if clients are financially strained, a referral might be made to a food bank or other service. Additionally, a counselor might be responsible for fielding general questions from the public about the kind of services that are offered.

Depending on the agency, an intake counselor’s involvement with a client might end after the assessment and placement process is completed. In some situations, the counselor’s interaction with the client might be longer or span the entire length of the client’s participation in a program. For example, at a drug rehabilitation center, an intake counselor might work to stabilize a client before treatment begins. This initial phase might last 30 days or more.

Intake counselors often deal with clients who are ill or are facing some sort of life crisis. For that reason, the job can be both stressful and rewarding. The reward comes from seeing people’s lives changed for the better. Stress from the job can be caused from people who are irate or who cannot seem to overcome their problems and obstacles.

The educational requirements for being an intake counselor can range from a certification to a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the setting and the level of expertise required, an intake counselor might also be a volunteer. Professional positions likely will require a bachelor’s degree.