Intake Counselor: Hoag Addiction Treatment Center

Hoag•Newport Beach, CA

About The Position

The Intake Counselor coordinates patient admissions to Hoag Addiction Treatment Center (HATC) across all levels of care. This role involves conducting comprehensive assessments of potential patients via phone, in person at the Emergency Department, and on hospital floors to determine clinical needs and provide crisis intervention. The counselor maintains communication with referral sources, families, and patients, promptly handles incoming calls, and collaborates with the Medical Director for admissions. They educate staff on insurance, reimbursement, billing, and utilization practices, and refer inquiries to appropriate external agencies. Key responsibilities include maintaining open communication with the team about anticipated admissions and patient needs, scheduling clients for admission, and preparing written reports of pre-admission assessments adhering to ASAM criteria. The role also includes conducting group counseling sessions and family group information sessions, collecting payments for co-pays and fees, and demonstrating proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems like Epic and KIPU. Participation in lunch and learn sessions for networking and information exchange is also expected, along with performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

High School Graduate or equivalent required.
Two years minimum experience in addiction/behavioral health required.
Working knowledge of CARF and/or JCAHO accreditation standards required.
Knowledge of the 12-step, Smart Recovery and other treatment models required.
Knowledge of HIPPA required.
CATC II - Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor II. Or CADC II - Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor II, or CADC III - Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor III, or LAADC - Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor.
BLS - AHA Basic Life Support

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Behavioral Science or Allied Mental Health preferred.
Three years of experience in addiction/behavioral health environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinates patient admissions to HATC (all levels of care).
Conducts comprehensive assessments of potential patients (phone, ED, hospital floors) to determine clinical needs and provide crisis intervention.
Maintains communication with referral sources, families, and patients.
Promptly handles incoming calls.
Collaborates with the Medical Director to facilitate admissions.
Educates staff on insurance information, reimbursement/billing issues, and utilization practices.
Refers inquiries to appropriate external agencies.
Maintains open communication with the team regarding anticipated admissions, patient needs, and admission schedules.
Effectively maintains appointments and schedules clients for admission, coordinating schedules with other staff.
Prepares written reports of pre-admission results, adhering to ASAM criteria, and includes recommendations for the required level of care and treatment.
Conducts group counseling sessions.
Facilitates family group information sessions, if needed.
Collects payments for co-pays, cash payments, and MD fees.
Demonstrates a working knowledge of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), Epic and KIPU, and ensures the activity report is completed in a timely and concise manner.
Participates in lunch and learn sessions for networking and information exchange.
Performs other duties as assigned.