Behavioral Health Admissions Coordinator - Behavioral Health Adult - PT - Weekends

Stormont-Vail HealthCare•Topeka, KS

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Admissions & Nurse Navigator serves as a central coordinator for patient access, admission, and navigation across the behavioral health continuum of care. This role functions as a liaison among patients, families, providers, and internal teams to ensure timely, appropriate placement and seamless movement through inpatient and outpatient services. This position integrates clinical assessment, care coordination, and navigation support to improve access, enhance patient experience, and ensure high-quality, efficient care delivery. The role requires expertise in psychiatric assessment across the lifespan and strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Requirements

Master's Degree Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field. A Required or Licensed Registered Nurse may be substituted for this educational requirement.
1 year Psychiatric experience or Acute Care experience Required
Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric services, or a related clinical setting. Preferred
Experience in intake, admissions, care coordination, or navigation strongly. Preferred
Strong psychiatric assessment skills across diverse populations. Required
Knowledge of behavioral health levels of care and admission criteria.
Ability to coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and crisis management skills.
Proficiency in electronic health records
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of healthcare regulations, safety standards, and quality practices.
Regular interaction with patients experiencing acute behavioral health needs, including occasional exposure to combative behaviors.
Requires strong focus, organization, and ability to work under pressure, including emergency situations.
Registered Nurse - KSBN A licensed Registered Nurse able to practice in Kansas or an appropriate educational degree with ability to practice. Required or Licensed Masters Social Worker - KSBSRB Required or Licnesed Masters Level Psychologist - KSBSRB Required or Licensed Professional Counselor - KSBSRB Required or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - KSBSRB Required or Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist - KSBSRB Or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) Required or Licensed Psychologist - KSBSRB Required or Licensed Clinical Psychologist - KSBSRB Required or Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker - KSBSRB Required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree of Science in Nursing (BSN) Preferred
Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric services, or a related clinical setting. Preferred
Experience in intake, admissions, care coordination, or navigation strongly. Preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and streamline the behavioral health admission process, including a “one call/one number” access model.
Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments (child, adolescent, adult, geriatric) to determine level-of-care appropriateness.
Facilitate admissions to inpatient and outpatient services based on clinical criteria.
Coordinate alternative placements when admission is not appropriate or capacity is limited.
Identify and address barriers to admission, patient placement, and access to care.
Ensure all intake and admission documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with regulatory standards.
Guide patients and families through the healthcare system from intake through episode of care.
Initiate and maintain communication regarding treatment processes, procedures, and available resources.
Coordinate services with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, case managers, and community providers.
Connect patients to community resources, support services, and educational programs.
Track patient progress, interventions, and outcomes across the continuum of care.
Triage incoming calls and referrals; conduct initial intakes including clinical and insurance information.
Collaborate with Patient Placement, unit staff, and leadership to ensure efficient patient flow.
Oversee appointment scheduling and maintain timely throughput.
Verify insurance benefits, obtain prior authorizations, and coordinate financial clearance as needed.
Utilize Electronic health record and other systems to document patient interactions and maintain accurate records.
Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational policies, and the Kansas Nurse Practice Act (if applicable).
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and process optimization efforts.
Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including referral sources.
Escalate risks, concerns, or barriers to appropriate leadership.
Provide a professional, responsive, and patient-centered experience.
Complies with all policies, standards, mandatory training and requirements of Stormont Vail Health.
Performs other duties as assigned.