Admissions Counselor (Days)

Greenleaf Behavioral Health Hospital•Valdosta, GA

About The Position

The Admissions Counselor facilitates admissions, clinical intake assessments, and utilization review processes to support continuity of care at the most appropriate level and appropriate use of patients’ benefits and resources. The role responds to facility inquiries, assesses referrals, coordinates admissions and transfers, and communicates recommendations and dispositions with patients, families, referral sources, and facility personnel. The counselor completes required clinical and administrative documentation, benefit eligibility checks, admission forms, and pre-authorization processes. The role also supports patient safety through safety checks and supervision at 15-minute intervals or according to individualized guidelines, and coordinates follow-up care for individuals who are not admitted. The stated day shift schedule is 7:00 AM–7:00 PM.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field, if allowed by the state.
Current licensure appropriate to the area of clinical specialty, as designated by the state in which the facility operates.
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a social services field, such as psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, health administration, or nursing, or an RN credential.
One or more years of mental or behavioral health experience working with individuals in a clinical or observational capacity.
First aid, depending on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Respond to facility inquiries within facility policy timeframes.
Develop therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
Verify benefit eligibility and communicate the results to the business office and the patient or significant other.
Collaborate with facility medical and psychiatric personnel on recommendations for pending referrals.
Coordinate admissions and transfers from referral sources and between levels of care within the facility.
Maintain knowledge of milieu management.
Communicate projected admissions promptly to designated internal representatives.
Obtain clinical information from referral sources or patients, including medical comorbidity information, before admission when possible.
Schedule and complete pre-admission assessments when applicable; consult the admitting physician and communicate disposition recommendations to the patient or family.
Prepare and maintain medical record documentation to support authorization for the requested level of care.
Complete initial pre-authorization for treatment and admission before admission when possible and within payor timeframes.
Admit patients to the registration and accounting system and complete admission and consent forms with them.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints.
Prioritize patient safety and provide responsive customer service.
Coordinate appropriate follow-up care and referrals for patients who are not admitted.
Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision at 15-minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or according to individualized supervision guidelines.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.