ASSESSMENT COORD (MA/MSW)- PRN

Admissions Counselor

Coral Shores Behavioral Health, a subsidiary of UHS, is a beautiful, 80-bed adolescent and adult Baker Act receiving facility, located in sunny Stuart, Florida. Our professional staff provide high quality, individualized care to uniquely fit the intensity and severity of each patient's needs and offer a continuum of mental health and addiction services in a confidential, caring environment that promotes crisis resolution, positive self-awareness, personal growth and problem-solving. Coral Shores is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Position Summary: The Admissions Counselor provides telephonic and in-person risk assessment to assist the physician in identification of appropriate level of care for potential patients. The Admissions Counselor is the initial contact with referral sources and potential patients, coordinates the referral and intake process, facilitates the admission process and maintains communication with referral sources, families, patients and unit staff. The Admissions Counselor is responsible for the verification and prior authorization of insurance benefits as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Answers telephone using the appropriate greeting and attempts to obtain all pertinent clinical, demographic and insurance information from the caller to determine caller's needs.
• Performs telephonic risk screening to determine level of suicidality/homicidality with caller in crisis.
• Demonstrates knowledge of admission criteria for inpatient and outpatient levels of care and is able to recommend appropriate service recommendations for each individual.
• Schedules assessments with potential patients and referral sources and explains the assessment/admission process.
• Promptly greets patient and family upon notification of their arrival. Informs patient and family of evaluation and admission process.
• Conducts walk-in and scheduled assessments, coordinates with the reviewing psychiatrist, and makes appropriate clinical recommendations for the individual seeking care. Conducts assessments for pre-accepted patient transfers (direct admits) coming from hospitals and other approved referral sources.
• Identifies potential problematic disposition cases, including placement problems, medical needs or developmental delays, and seeks supervision prior to acceptance.
• Accurately and thoroughly enters information into the electronic medical records system in accordance with departmental protocol.
• Accurately and thoroughly reviews and completes all admission paperwork, ensures patient signature on all required areas. All information is reviewed with patient in an understandable manner with consideration of age and ability.
• Demonstrates knowledge of voluntary admission and involuntary procedures for court commitment.
• Coordinates and arranges for emergency medical or psychiatric care in the event a patient is medically compromised or if we cannot accommodate the patient; completes Memorandum of Transfer form accordingly.
• Makes appropriate referral for alternative level of care or notifies referral source for follow up if patient is determined not to be appropriate for admission. Completes referrals and Crisis Safety Plan for patients being referred out.
• Documents in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Utilizes appropriate terminology in documentation.
• Exhibits excellent customer relations skills as evidenced by supportive and constructive communication with all contacts including coworkers, patients, visitors, families and referral sources.
• Promotes a safe work environment for self, patients and coworkers by complying with environment of care, safety, infection control and universal precaution guidelines.
• Acquires and maintains current knowledge in assessment techniques, crisis intervention, varying levels of care and available resources.
• Participates in staff meetings, hospital committees, program development and innovations which will enhance the quality of services provided to patients.

Benefits for this position include: Challenging and rewarding work environment Competitive compensation & generous paid time off Excellent medical, dental, vision and prescription drug plans 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ subsidiaries!

Qualifications: Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or Human Services field or valid Florida licensed RN. 3-5 years of experience in a behavioral health setting Valid BLS certification