Admissions Counselor PRN

Acadia•Nashville, TN

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 patient benefits and resources. The role responds to inquiries, develops therapeutic relationships with patients and families, coordinates referrals and admissions, and works with medical and psychiatric personnel on recommendations for pending referrals. The counselor gathers clinical information, completes pre-admission assessments, consults with the admitting physician, communicates disposition recommendations, and prepares documentation to support payor authorization. Responsibilities also include completing pre-authorization and admission paperwork, entering patients into registration and accounting systems, coordinating follow-up care for people who are not admitted, and maintaining a strong focus on patient safety and customer service.

Requirements

Current licensure, as preferred for the area of clinical specialty, as designated by the state in which the facility operates.
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required; 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.
One or more years of experience in mental or behavioral health working with individuals in a clinical or observational capacity.
First aid certification, 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 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.
Promptly communicate projected admissions 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 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 into 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 excellent customer service with a sense of urgency.
Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision occurs at 15-minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or according to individualized supervision guidelines.
Coordinate appropriate follow-up care and referrals for patients who are not admitted.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.