Admissions Assistant and Patient Advocate

Acadia Healthcare•Columbus, OH

About The Position

Responsible for the admission and registration of incoming patients. Support patient rights efforts through educating patients and families, guiding complaint/grievance processes and reporting unresolved threats to patient safety to appropriate staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is preferred; Social Services field is a plus.
One or more years’ experience in healthcare preferred.
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
First aid may be required based on state or facility.

Responsibilities

Greet and search new patients and those transporting patients upon arrival.
Responsible for clerical duties such as managing paperwork, handling data entry, engaging with insurance companies over claims, and answering phones.
Complete the paperwork necessary to admit the patient to the assigned program and explain forms prior to patient signing, notify the clinical lead of the patient’s arrival, and escort the patient and documentation to the appropriate location within the facility.
Efficient and accurate completion of the admission process of patients and the timely distribution of the paperwork necessary to notify staff of the arrival/transfer of each patient.
Ensure all required patient information is received and processed and necessary appointments are made with the proper behavioral or medical health personnel.
Demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers always.
When a patient’s needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.
Recognize that patient safety is a top priority. Demonstrate a sense of urgency related to the importance of patient safety and provide excellent customer service.
Ensure the well-being of patients and provide a positive, supportive, and structured environment.
Responsible for conducting safety checks and ensuring that supervision is conducted at 15-minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or in accordance with individualized supervision guidelines as needed.
Document timely, accurate, and appropriate clinical information in patients’ medical records and inpatient registration or other technology systems.
Assist in providing a safe, secure, clean and, comfortable environment for patients, significant others and, staff.
Interact routinely with patients, observe behaviors, and communicate significant observations to admissions staff.
May obtain patient's vital signs, height, and weight as assigned and document in the patient record.
Engage patients in activities and interactions designed to encourage the achievement of the treatment goals.
Assist incoming patients/family members with contraband searches, and itemizing belongings and valuables when needed.
Complete and maintain required documentation.
Assist with follow-up and paperwork as required on incidents and events that may take place in the facility.
May provide transportation for the patient, or coordinate transportation with an appropriate staff member.
Data Entry
Facilitate patient/family grievance process to include processing the complaint, forwarding to the appropriate manager and communicating the resolution to the complainant for resolution purposes.
Collaborate with appropriate staff to develop acceptable resolutions to potential complaints.
Identify process deficiencies that result in possible threats to patient rights or patient safety.
Maintain the complaint and grievance logs up to date.
Collaborate with risk department and department managers to ensure patient concerns are dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner.
May participate in new hire orientation on educating staff on patient safety and advocacy
Identify critical needs with regard to customer service and discuss with supervisor and medical staff.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.