Pre-Admission Triage Nurse

TITLE: Pre-Admissions Triage Nurse (RN)
DEPARTMENT: Intake Division
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Chief Growth Officer


I. POSITION SUMMARY:

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.

II. PRIMARY DUTIES AND 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

III. ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A. Education and Experience:
• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license required
• 3+ years of clinical nursing experience required; experience in behavioral health, detox, or substance use disorder treatment strongly preferred
• Experience in clinical triage, emergency services, or admissions preferred
• Demonstrated ability to perform clinical assessments and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams

B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• 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

C. Physical Requirements:
• 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

D. Other Requirements:
• 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