Admissions Counselor- Day Shift 7 am - 7 pm

Acadia•Chicago, IL

8d•$26 - $34

About The Position

Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking an Admissions Counselor to facilitate admissions, clinical intake assessments, and utilization review processes. The role supports continuity of care by helping determine the most appropriate level of care for patients and supporting effective use of their benefits and resources. The schedule is three 12-hour day shifts, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with rotating weekends. Compensation is $26–$34 per hour. The Admissions Counselor responds to inquiries, develops therapeutic relationships with patients and families, verifies benefit eligibility, coordinates referrals, admissions, and transfers, and works with medical and psychiatric personnel on recommendations. The role includes completing pre-admission assessments, consulting with the admitting physician, preparing documentation for payor authorization, obtaining pre-authorization when possible, and completing admission registration and consent forms. The counselor also supports patient safety through required safety checks and supervision intervals, and coordinates follow-up care and referrals for individuals who are not admitted. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a social services field or be an RN, as well as current licensure appropriate to their clinical specialty. CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification are required; training is available upon hire. First aid may be required depending on state or facility requirements. One or more years of mental or behavioral health experience in a clinical or observational capacity is preferred.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a social services field (psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, health administration, or nursing) or RN.
Current licensure required for the area of clinical specialty, such as a current RN license, CAC, or other clinical counseling or therapy license designated by the state.
CPR certification required; training is available upon hire.
De-escalation/restraint certification required; training is available upon hire.

Nice To Haves

One or more years of mental or behavioral health experience working with individuals in a clinical or observational capacity is preferred.
First aid may be required depending on state or facility requirements.

Responsibilities

Respond to inquiries about the facility within facility policy timeframes.
Develop therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
Verify benefit eligibility and communicate eligibility information to the business office and the patient or their significant other.
Collaborate with 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 with the admitting physician, and communicate disposition recommendations to patients or families.
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 in the registration and accounting system and complete admission and consent forms.
Respond to unmet patient needs and complaints professionally and empathetically, with patient safety as a priority.
Coordinate follow-up care and referrals for patients who are not admitted.
Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision at 15-minute intervals or according to individualized supervision guidelines.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.