Admissions Counselor Acute (Nights)

Greenleaf Behavioral Health Hospital•Valdosta, GA

11d

About The Position

The Admissions Counselor facilitates admissions, clinical intake assessments, and utilization review processes to support continuity of care, identify the most appropriate level of care, and help ensure effective use of patients’ benefits and resources. This role works with patients, families, referral sources, facility medical and psychiatric personnel, and internal representatives to coordinate admissions, transfers, referrals, and follow-up care. The position is scheduled for the night shift from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field, if allowed by the state.
Current licensure as preferred for the area of clinical specialty, as designated by the state in which the facility operates.
CPR certification 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 qualification.
One or more years of experience in mental or behavioral health working with individuals in a clinical or observational capacity.
First aid, 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 regarding 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 pre-admission assessments when applicable, complete assessments, 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 to the registration and accounting system and complete admission and consent forms with them.
Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward customers and acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints.
Prioritize patient safety and provide excellent customer service with an appropriate sense of urgency.
Coordinate appropriate follow-up care and referrals for patients who are not admitted.
Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision at 15-minute intervals, as specified in special precautions, or according to individualized supervision guidelines.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.