Admissions Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Admissions Professional Nurse serves as the clinical expert within the Admissions Department and works collaboratively with Admissions Coordinators to evaluate referrals, facilitate admissions, and support census development. This role is responsible for the clinical review of hospital and community referrals, assessment of resident care needs, coordination with referral sources, and communication with interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe and appropriate admissions.

The Admissions Professional Nurse provides clinical guidance throughout the admissions process, assists families in understanding levels of care and services, and promotes positive relationships with hospitals, physicians, care managers, and community partners. This position plays a key role in maintaining census, supporting payer mix goals, and ensuring smooth transitions into St. John's Home.

Qualifications & Education Required:

• Current New York State Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license required.
• Associate's Degree in Nursing required; Bachelor's Degree in Nursing preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years of clinical nursing experience required.
• Experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, subacute rehabilitation, case management, discharge planning, admissions, or care coordination preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, managed care plans, and insurance authorization processes preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to review medical records and assess appropriateness for skilled nursing and rehabilitation admissions.
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and admission management systems.

Core Organizational Competencies:

• St. John’s Brand Characteristics - Embrace living by being Friendly, Respectful, Responsive, Compassionate, Innovative and Fun towards elders, families and colleagues.
• Teamwork - Actively participates. Assists team members; offers encouragement. Acknowledges/welcomes elders. Keeps team members informed. Recognizes achievements and efforts of others.
• Job Knowledge - Consistently demonstrates working knowledge of all aspects of job. Remains current on job related changes and trends.
• Planning/Organization - Demonstrates initiative; plans appropriately. Uses time, materials, resources effectively. Organizes work to ensure commitment and priorities.
• Productivity - Consistently maintains high activity and efficiently produces acceptable volume of work. Consistently meets deadlines and commitments.
• Quality - Consistently produces accurate, timely work which meets required quality standards. Pays attention to detail. Sets high standards of performance for self and actively seeks continuous improvement. Provides elder-driven care.
• Reliability - Consistently delivers on commitments. Can be counted on to accomplish tasks without follow up. Available when required by elder or team and can be counted on to help or assist when needed. Responds in a timely manner.
• Demeanor (attitude) - Embraces change with optimism. Addresses concerns appropriately. Positively communicates. Good listener. Consistently maintains a positive demeanor.

Position Competencies:

• Clinical assessment and critical thinking.
• Professional communication and customer service skills.
• Relationship management with referral sources and healthcare partners.
• Compassion and empathy when interacting with residents and families.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• HIPAA compliance and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Position Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive clinical reviews of hospital and community referrals to determine admission appropriateness.
• Review medical records, diagnoses, medications, therapies, and care requirements to assess the facility's ability to meet prospective residents' needs.
• Collaborate with Admissions Coordinators throughout the admissions process.
• Communicate with hospital discharge planners, case managers, physicians, and other referral partners regarding referral status and clinical needs.
• Participate in hospital visits, referral outreach, and relationship-building activities as appropriate.
• Assist prospective residents and families in understanding levels of care, services, and admission requirements.
• Work with insurance providers, managed care organizations, Medicare, and Medicaid to facilitate authorizations and admissions.
• Coordinate with nursing leadership, rehabilitation services, social work, and other departments to ensure admission readiness.
• Provide timely communication regarding pending admissions, transfers, and readmissions.
• Support bed management and census growth initiatives through effective referral management.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data entry related to referrals, admissions, and denials.
• Assist with admission paperwork and admission-day processes as needed.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with healthcare partners and community organizations.
• Participate in departmental quality improvement and performance initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer use
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, referral sources, and team members
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Exposure to Conditions:

• May be exposed to infectious diseases. May be exposed to physical aggression.