Pre-Admission Triage Nurse

ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, LLC•Birmingham, AL

14h

About The Position

The Pre-Admissions Triage Nurse (RN) is responsible for conducting clinical pre-admission assessments and facilitating the medical clearance process for prospective patients seeking treatment for substance use disorders. This role ensures appropriate clinical review, timely medical determinations, and accurate documentation to support safe and efficient admissions across all levels of care. The Triage Nurse collaborates closely with admissions teams, referring providers and internal medical staff to drive clinically appropriate placement decisions.

Requirements

Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license required
3+ years of clinical nursing experience required
Demonstrated ability to perform clinical assessments and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
Strong knowledge of substance use disorders, withdrawal management, and appropriate levels of care (ASAM criteria preferred)
Ability to conduct thorough clinical assessments and make sound triage decisions in a fast-paced environment
Effective verbal and written communication skills with referral sources, providers, and internal teams
Ability to escalate appropriately and collaborate with medical staff for complex case review
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality, including a working knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and 42 C.F.R. Part 2
Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation
Proficient in EMR and CRM systems
Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining urgency and accuracy
Be an example of core values and adhere to company policies and procedures
Able to sit for extended periods while performing clinical reviews and documentation
Ability to communicate effectively via phone and electronic platforms for extended durations
Ability to remain alert and responsive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
Must maintain a professional demeanor and appearance; demonstrate clear, coherent communication at all times
If in recovery, must meet company sobriety policy requirements
Regular attendance required, including evenings, weekends, and on-call rotation as needed
Ability to work collaboratively with admissions staff, medical providers, and leadership
Pass a criminal background check
Maintain any required certifications and licensure

Nice To Haves

Experience in behavioral health, detox, or substance use disorder treatment strongly preferred
Experience in clinical triage, emergency services, or admissions preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive pre-admission clinical screenings, including review of medical history, substance use patterns, withdrawal risk, and co-occurring conditions
Review all incoming medical documentation (labs, hospital records, prescreens) to determine clinical appropriateness for admission
Perform RN-to-RN clinical reviews with referring facilities, hospitals, and external providers to validate patient condition and care needs
Identify cases requiring escalation and coordinate medical review with providers (MD/NP/PA) for final clinical approval
Apply established triage protocols (e.g., red/yellow/green pathways) to determine level of care and urgency
Ensure rapid turnaround on medical reviews in alignment with organizational response time expectations
Collaborate with admissions teams to support “one call to close” by enabling timely clinical decision-making
Accurately document all clinical assessments, RN reviews, escalations, and final determinations in designated systems
Serve as a clinical liaison between admissions, facility leadership, and medical teams to ensure alignment on patient placement
Maintain knowledge of substance use disorders, detoxification protocols, and co-occurring mental health conditions
Support quality assurance initiatives and continuous improvement of clinical intake processes
Other duties as assigned