Intake Clerk

SUN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Intake Clerk arranges orderly admissions for inpatients and patients entering Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. The clerk gathers and enters patient information, explains hospital policies and procedures, and distributes relevant information to other departments. The role also participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. The position coordinates referrals and admissions, preregisters patients, checks insurance eligibility, obtains admission forms and consents, and helps patients and representatives understand their rights and hospital processes. It involves coordinating with clinical and business office staff, monitoring assessment and transfer queues, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting a safe, collaborative, and compassionate care environment. Other duties may be assigned by the Director.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
CPR certification and certification in a hospital-selected de-escalation technique.
One year of experience in a behavioral health setting.
Maintain education and professional development appropriate for the position.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Science.

Responsibilities

Accept admissions for hospital services and coordinate referrals and admissions from physician offices, local emergency rooms, and community sources.
Pre-admit patients and preregister patients for scheduled admissions and outpatient programs; check insurance eligibility.
Interview patients or their representatives to obtain or verify personal, emergency contact, and insurance information.
Obtain signatures on Conditions of Admission and other admission forms and consents, and initiate the advance directive process.
Communicate with Nursing Services when no advance directive is available.
Start Q15 checks on all patients.
Explain the complaint process, patient rights, HIPAA, and visiting hours to patients or representatives, and distribute hospital literature.
Ensure patients’ valuables are taken home by a family member or secured in the safe.
Communicate clearly with supervisors, nurse managers, coworkers, and physicians, and consult other departments to support an interdisciplinary approach to patient needs.
Coordinate with the Business Office to collect and record payments when required, and refer patients there when financial arrangements are needed.
Maintain tracking of pending transfers and contact the Telehealth Clinician within 15 minutes when at least two patients are waiting for assessments.
Monitor on-site assessments that are unlikely to begin within 15 minutes and contact the telehealth clinician to complete the assessment.
Understand and support the clinical collateral process, including obtaining clinical information for transfers and responding to fax requests.
Follow safety rules, report near misses, errors, accidents, and workplace hazards, correct minor hazards, and attend required safety programs.
Participate in quality projects and support safety and quality initiatives.
Work cooperatively with colleagues and build collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
Retrieve, communicate, and present information verbally and in writing; demonstrate listening and communication skills and adhere to Standards of Behavior.
Follow established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws; apply the organization’s mission and values and demonstrate service excellence.
Use supplies and facility resources responsibly, complete required training, maintain professional attendance and attitude, and document activities appropriately.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and staff information in accordance with HIPAA and other privacy laws and applicable federal and state guidelines.
Demonstrate accountability for high-quality patient care, compassion, willingness to help, and acceptance of cultural diversity.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.