Assessment Services Coordinator

Alvarado Parkway Institute•La Mesa, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) is a behavioral healthcare organization in La Mesa, California, providing adult inpatient behavioral health and addictive disorders services, as well as Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. The Assessment Services Coordinator assesses the needs of walk-in patients and phone callers and refers them to appropriate services or resources. The role screens patients for inpatient admission and outpatient program suitability, explains treatment options, and facilitates admissions and referrals. This is a full-time position with shifts Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the posting lists 32–40 hours per week. The role requires a master’s degree in psychology or an equivalent master’s degree in a recognized mental health field. Candidates should have knowledge of abnormal psychology and mental health problems, familiarity with psychological, sociological, and medical terminology, and strong communication, analysis, problem-solving, organization, and time-management skills. Basic data-entry skills and some computer experience are preferred. Employment is subject to satisfactory background and reference checks, signing an employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement, and maintaining any required licensure, registration, or certification. A flu vaccination is required unless an eligible exemption applies; exempt employees must wear a mask during flu season and provide supporting physician documentation. Employees must also pass a drug and alcohol test, obtain a clear TB skin test or chest X-ray, and complete a satisfactory physical examination at Concentra.

Requirements

Master’s degree in psychology or an equivalent master’s degree in a recognized mental health field.
College-level reading, comprehension, writing, and mathematics skills.
Basic knowledge of abnormal psychology and mental health problems and ability to apply relevant principles.
Familiarity with psychological, sociological, and medical terminology.
Ability to analyze and evaluate information and solve problems.
Excellent oral communication skills and legible handwriting.
Ability to concentrate, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
Organization and time-management skills.
Ability to deal courteously with the public and individuals within API/BHS.
Crisis-management skills.
Persuasive skills for engaging prospective patients and family members who demonstrate denial or resistance to treatment, within appropriate clinical interventions.
Ability to use standard office equipment and access, enter, and retrieve information using a computer.
Manual and finger dexterity and wrist-finger speed sufficient for extended, efficient keyboard use.
Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone with a diverse population; give and follow detailed verbal and written instructions; perform complex mental and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies; collect, interpret, and analyze complex data; coordinate multiple tasks; reach in multiple directions; sit or stand for at least one hour at a time; walk or stand for long periods; and lift up to 15 pounds.
Satisfactory background and reference checks; execution of an employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement; and maintenance of any licensure, registration, or certification required for the position.
Pass a drug and alcohol test and obtain a clear TB skin test or chest X-ray at Concentra; complete a satisfactory physical examination at Concentra to determine ability to perform the offered position.
Receive the required flu vaccination as a condition of hire and ongoing employment, unless eligible for an exemption; exempt employees must wear a mask in API-owned or operated buildings or vehicles during flu season and provide physician documentation.

Nice To Haves

Basic data-entry skills, including some computer experience.

Responsibilities

Screen patients before admission, complete screenings promptly, and explain treatment options.
Complete the steps needed to facilitate admissions to inpatient or outpatient services for assessed patients.
Screen inpatient-unit patients for outpatient-program suitability, complete pre-admission assessments promptly, explain outpatient treatment options, engage patients, and help them understand the benefits and commitment involved.
Complete and enter required patient information into appropriate computer files.
Document calls and related information on TRIMS forms and submit documentation demonstrating medical necessity and admission criteria.
Complete required third-party notifications in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and community or legal requirements; represent the facility in legal proceedings.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity toward patients and staff.
Recognize and respond appropriately to assignment priorities.
Perform routine assignments independently and seek direction for unusual or non-routine duties when indicated.
Notify appropriate personnel when situations require additional expertise or technical follow-up.
Maintain a professional appearance representing the organization and department.
Work without interrupting patient care and support effective organizational and departmental operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.