What are the responsibilities and job description for the Admissions Counselor position at Northbound Treatment Services?
TITLE: Admissions Counselor
REPORTS TO:Director of Admissions
SUPERVISES:N/A
JOB SUMMARY: The purpose of this position is to assist patients and their families in the healing of the body, mind, and spirit through the leadership of exceptional addiction treatment. The twelve step principles of recovery will be modeled and utilized as the foundation of recovery. All major duties and responsibilities of this position will be performed in accordance with current Federal, State, CARF and ASAM standards, as well as Northbound Treatment Services established policies and procedures.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Understanding/Awareness –
The Admissions Counselor must demonstrate a clear understanding of the disease of alcoholism, chemical dependency and the Northbound Treatment Services treatment philosophy. They must be able to demonstrate knowledge of State, Federal regulations, CARF, ASAM and Northbound Treatment Services standards as they pertain to the job expectations. All required patient documentation must be completed in compliance with all state, federal, CARF, ASAM and Northbound Treatment Services policies by the end of each shift.
Admissions Staff are responsible for upholding all departmental policies, procedures, and plans, and responsible for attending required meetings and/or training sessions during and outside of working hours, as designated. Responsibilities include attendance and participation in continuing educational programs designed to keep abreast of changes in profession and in the field of chemical dependency. Admissions employees will perform other reasonably related business and/or duties as assigned by their direct supervisor.
• Skilled Communication
Admission Staff must demonstrate customer service skills with the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers. They are responsible for providing tours to prospective patients and referents and participating on teams in relation to quality improvement efforts, as needed. They are also responsible for accepting assignments between appropriate departments and/or temporary assignments to other sites, and must be willing to work beyond normal (corporate office) working days/hours of Monday thru Friday (8:00am until 5:00pm).
• Client Confidentiality – Admissions Counselors must maintain confidentiality of all pertinent patient care information to assure patient rights are protected.
• Administrative – Admissions Counselors are responsible for assisting with admission monthly reports, and compiling incoming call reports using the phone contact sheet, regarding where referrals are coming from and sending reports to supervisor. This position requires computer skills associated with being proficient in daily job functions. This position is responsible for assisting the Admissions Director and Marketing Manager when necessary. Admissions Counselors must be responsible for maintaining current and accurate records in patients’ clinical charts.
• Intake and Assessments – Responsibilities include: assisting with Daily Roster and Admission and Discharge Log maintenance, pre-intake assessment for all potential patients over phone, in office, at medical facilities and in custody, performing initial assessments to determine whether a prospective patient is appropriate for admission, using the ASI and admission guidelines, clearing medications and obtaining admitting orders and admission approval from the Medical Director, conducting preadmission review with Clinical Director and securing approval for admission.
• Insurance
Admissions Counselors are responsible for obtaining preadmission financial approvals and signatures, and verifying insurance eligibility prior to admission. After initial insurance verification and authorization, they are responsible for providing the appropriate information to the Northbound treatment Services primary therapist for future insurance updates.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The minimum qualifications include a High School Diploma or equivalency test, familiarity with the twelve step recovery program, and if in recovery, a minimum one year continuous sobriety, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.
REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Current Adult CPR certification
Current Adult First Aid certification
Valid California Class C Driver’s License
RADT-I or equivalent certification or higher
SKILLS/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Must have sensitivity to and ability to embrace individuals of different genders, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religions, physical abilities and those with diversified cultural backgrounds.
2. Attendance in an appropriate support group is required, as directed by their direct supervisor, in order to gain a better perception of the disease they will be working with on a daily basis.
3. Possess the ability to make independent decisions when the circumstance warrants such action.
4. Possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors and the general public.
5. Willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
6. Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle patients based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.
7. Possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.
8. Must demonstrate a variety of clinical and management skills. Ethical and Professional Behavior as stated and will demonstrate the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines with respect to patient care.