Admissions Specialist (Full-Time) (Irvine, CA)

Phoenix Houses of California•Irvine, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Admissions Specialist manages administrative functions for the Admissions Department and supports assessments and intakes. Reporting to the Admissions Supervisor, the role conducts clinical assessments, completes admissions and related documentation, coordinates with prospective patients, families, clinical teams, referral sources, and governing organizations, and helps ensure compliance with applicable requirements. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Work is in-office, and travel may be required depending on location.

Requirements

For the Registered Admissions Specialist designation: high school diploma or equivalent and registration as an Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Counselor recognized by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
For the Certified Admissions Specialist designation: at least a high school diploma or equivalent and certification as an Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Counselor recognized by DHCS.
At least one year of prior experience in a related field.
Maintain a valid credential during employment if one is required for the position.
Obtain TB test clearance and update it annually.
Proficiency in MS Office systems and ability to use an electronic medical record.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment and establish and consistently enforce appropriate patient boundaries.
Ability to model positive behavior and demeanor.
Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
Ability to be flexible, solve problems, work independently, provide customer service, and collaborate.
Ability to engage and build rapport with patients and families from varied backgrounds.
Ability to actively engage clients in a substance abuse and mental health treatment environment, tolerate stress, and participate in client treatment outcomes.
Ability to adapt and learn in a constantly changing environment, with emotional intelligence including crisis intervention.
Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without assistance.
Ability to conduct First Aid and CPR in an emergency.
Undergo regular health screenings, including those such as TB testing, COVID testing, and vaccinations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Experience in substance abuse or mental health.
Experience with SAPC, DMH, Community Care Licensing, and other governing bodies.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Perform clinical assessments and evaluations for admissions to Phoenix House programs in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
Interview prospective patients and relatives to gather personal and financial information and determine eligibility and treatment appropriateness.
Complete progress notes and document provisional diagnoses and medical necessity in the client Electronic Health Record and applicable County systems.
Conduct crisis intervention sessions for families seeking treatment.
Complete the admissions process for assigned intakes, which may include transportation, with approval from authorized representatives.
Create patient Electronic Health Records and manage data for assigned County, in-network insurance, and private-pay patient charts.
Provide referrals to patients who do not meet admissions criteria.
Participate in daily admissions meetings and bi-weekly individual supervision meetings with the Program Director.
Coordinate with the Program Director regarding prospective intakes.
Establish and maintain contacts and communications with organizations and agencies to increase referrals.
Verify potential clients’ insurance benefits, including coverage scope and cost sharing.
Complete required reporting and admission paperwork for the agency, County, and other governing bodies.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal confidentiality laws and regulations.
Communicate pertinent clinical information to the clinical team assuming care for a patient.
Attend required staff training and complete training on time in accordance with Phoenix House and state licensing requirements.
Attend and participate in program and all-staff meetings.
Adhere to and promote Phoenix House’s Mission, Vision, and Values and serve as a role model.
Perform other duties as assigned.