Admissions Counselor

Delta Specialty Hospital•Memphis, TN

14d

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 effective use of patient benefits and resources. The role responds to inquiries, assesses referrals, coordinates admissions and transfers, completes admission documentation, and helps ensure patients receive appropriate care and follow-up. The counselor collaborates with medical and psychiatric personnel, maintains a professional and empathetic approach, and prioritizes patient safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field is required if permitted by the state.
Current licensure as preferred for the area of clinical specialty, as designated by the state where the facility operates.
CPR certification required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.
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 RN.
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.

Responsibilities

Respond to inquiries about the facility within facility policy timeframes.
Develop therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
Verify benefit eligibility and communicate it 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.
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 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.
Demonstrate a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints.
Prioritize patient safety and provide excellent customer service with a sense of urgency.
Coordinate care and appropriate follow-up referrals for patients who are not admitted.
Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision at 15-minute intervals, as indicated by special precautions, or according to individualized supervision guidelines.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.