Admissions Counselor

Park Royal Hospital•Fort Myers, FL

About The Position

The Admissions Counselor facilitates admissions, clinical intake assessments, and utilization review processes to support continuity of care, determine the most appropriate level of care for patients, and manage benefit and resource utilization. The role coordinates with patients, families, referral sources, and facility personnel throughout intake, admission, transfer, and follow-up processes. Patient safety, appropriate documentation, and responsive customer service are central to the position.

Requirements

Must hold an active, unrestricted Florida license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification are required; training is available upon hire and offered by the facility.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree in a social services field, including psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, health administration, or nursing, or an RN credential is preferred.
One or more years of experience in mental or behavioral health working with individuals in a clinical or observational capacity is preferred.
First aid may be preferred depending on the 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 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 information about medical comorbidities, 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 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 excellent customer service with an appropriate sense of urgency.
Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision 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.