Admissions Specialist - Full Time - Day

Admissions Specialist

The Admissions Specialist completes initial triage via a face-to-face interview for all incoming patients to the Access/Admissions Department. Assists with gathering clinical information. Reviews patients for Admission Physician/Nurse Practitioner/LIP. Collaborates with LIP and assists with patient admission to HMH Carrier Clinic or Blake Recovery Center, or helps make proper referrals and/or transfers if and when appropriate. Manages case pre-admission, including requests for medical records and other clinical information as required prior to evaluation.

A day in the life of a Admissions Specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Performs triage of all incoming patients and assists with gathering clinical information for LIP.
• Enters patient data (demographics, insurance, and clinical information) into a computer system.
• Performs computer processes relating to admissions, referrals to outpatient centers, and edits changes in existing computer files.
• Provides a comprehensive assessment, inclusive of evidence-based, validated outcome measurements of the patient's psychosocial needs and develops treatment plans and treatment plan reviews based on findings and according to department policy; communicates patient problems and difficulties with Admission LIP and assists with arriving at a clinical determination recommendation using admission criteria.
• Notifies units of pending admissions.
• Provides comprehensive case management services and psychosocial assessment.
• Performs POCT testing as ordered by Admissions LIP.
• Provides instruction to patients and families related to illness and expectations of treatment, addressing their learning needs and learning styles.
• Functions collaboratively with treatment team members to enhance service to patients.
• Tends to the care and comfort needs of patients and their families. Meets and exceeds expectations by responding promptly with tact and sensitivity.
• Assists other mental health professionals in expediting emergencies and/or functions as a co-therapist in special situations.
• Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing, and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.).
• Delivers and documents all care in an efficient and productive manner.
• Performs all assigned duties relative to the processing of patients through the Carrier system.
• Serves on hospital committees as appointed.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university in social work, psychology, nursing, or a related field.
• Previous experience in an inpatient, psychiatric, or substance abuse facility or hospital.
• Knowledge of psychopathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office platforms.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) or in Counseling or related fields.
• Experience working as an NJ screener or in a psychiatric admissions department.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification or completed in the first 60 days of employment.