Admissions Counselor Acute

North Tampa Behavioral Health•Wesley Chapel, FL

11d

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, evaluates referrals, coordinates admissions and transfers, completes patient intake and admission documentation, and supports patient safety and follow-up care. The counselor works with patients and families to develop therapeutic relationships and collaborates with facility medical and psychiatric personnel on referral recommendations. The role also conducts safety checks and ensures supervision at required intervals or according to individualized guidelines. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social services field required 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 required.
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/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 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 supporting 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; acknowledge and work to resolve unmet patient needs and complaints.
Prioritize patient safety, respond with urgency, and provide excellent customer service.
Coordinate appropriate follow-up care and referrals for patients who are not admitted.
Conduct safety checks and ensure supervision at 15-minute intervals, as noted in special precautions, or according to individualized supervision guidelines.
Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.