Access to Care Specialist

AltaPointe Health•Mobile, AL

About The Position

The Access to Care department is the single point of entry into the majority of AltaPointe's programs and services. Access to Care is responsible for coordinating patient care throughout our continuum, which may include facilitating hospital admissions and crisis services, making discharge arrangements following hospitalization, initializing outpatient services for new patients, as well as providing referrals and linkage to other community resources. Through a brief telephone screening, trained staff members assess an individual’s needs for care, triage any crisis that the caller is experiencing, and determine the most appropriate level of care and service. All Access to Care team members receive specialized crisis training in addition to their own experience and educational credentials which include bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees in behavioral health disciplines or related fields.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a mental health discipline or related field.
Clear communication skills.
Good customer service skills, including patience, attentiveness, the ability to use positive language.
Great work ethic and a willingness to do what needs to be done.
Knowledge of psychiatric disorders (to be attained within 6 months of employment).
Basic knowledge of the nature of addiction (to be attained within 6 months of employment).
Knowledge of crisis intervention (to be attained within 6 months of employment).
Knowledge of community resources (to be attained within 6 months of employment).
Knowledge of cultural diversity (to be attained within 6 months of employment).

Responsibilities

Screen requests for services to determine the problem(s), assess risk level, and prioritize the needs of the individual.
Provide crisis intervention and resolution, including symptomatic relief, de-escalation or resolution of the situation, and referrals to appropriate services.
Facilitate admission to program services ensuring appropriateness of level of care through use of clinical criteria.
Complete initial screenings and accurately populate EMR for potential patients, including those requesting outpatient, crisis, and hospital services.
Assist with needed follow up services regarding patient well-being, payor source information, rescheduling, etc.
Provide community resources and referral information to callers and patients.
Adhere to customer service standards and professional code of ethics.
Seek supervision and consultation as needed.
Accept and employ suggestions for improvement.
Actively work to enhance skills.
Document in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policy.
Document appropriately, completely, and comprehensively in EMR.
Document in a clear and concise manner.
Assist and treat patients with care, dignity, and compassion.
Respect patient’s privacy and confidentiality.
Be pleasant and cooperative with others.
Ensure personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the patient’s needs, expectations, and individual differences.
Maintain a gentle and calm demeanor when assisting patients and families.
Actively participate in AltaPointe committees as required.
Complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Follow AltaPointe policies and procedures.