Admissions Specialist

Admission Specialist Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans' services, homeless facilities, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. PAY RATE: $23.51 - $24.75 Per Hour VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits. JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE The Admission Specialist supports the Admissions Coordinator as a Liaison between hospitals and other referral sources for clients who may need Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment at one of various SCADP or VOALA facilities, programs or shelters. This includes overseeing resources and coordinating the efforts of community partners, and conducting ongoing outreach to serve participants and leverage SCADP and community assets. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Communicate with Hospital, Court, and other agency Social Services representatives, Discharge Planners, Court Officers, Probation officers, Parole Officers and other referral sources to coordinate admissions to SCADP and VOALA programs. Assist the monitoring of Daily Bed Count at all SCADP/VOALA Substance Use Disorder sites, maintain correct availability considering scheduled admits, daily intake, and input from referral sources. Request, obtain, and review medical records, ASAM triage, and other relevant documents from referrers. Perform triage on referrals and documentation for appropriateness of admission to SCADP/VOALA programs Research MediCal status of referrals for active status and county of record, make appropriate SAGE entries. Send required records to treatment sites, referral sources, state and county officials and MediCal, as required Note follow up with any required mental health, physical health or detox/psychiatric treatment needed. Confirm any pharmacy information needed, and communicate with treatment site Follow up with treatment site and referral source all confirmed admission to SCADP/VOALA program, including admit date and anticipated stay. Other Duties as directed to accomplish program goals. ESSENTIAL ABILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Ability to work and deal with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as VOALA serves the neediest of the needy in our programs, which may include clients with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration, and other challenges. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: An essential function of this position requires incumbents to report to the office. LIAISON: Communicate with Hospital, Court, and other agency Social Services representatives, Discharge Planners, Court Officers, Probation officers, Parole Officers and other referral sources to coordinate admissions to SCADP and VOALA programs RECORD REVIEW AND TRIAGE: Request, obtain, and review medical records, ASAM triage, and other relevant documents from referrers. Perform triage on referrals and documentation for appropriateness of admission to SCADP/VOALA programs COORDINATION OF SERVICES: Monitor Daily Bed Count at all SCADP/VOALA Substance Use Disorder sites, maintain correct availability considering scheduled admits, daily intake, and input from referral sources. ADMINISTRAION: Research MediCal status of referrals for active status and county of record, make appropriate SAGE entries. Send required records to treatment sites, referral sources, state and county officials and MediCal, as required. Note follow up with any required mental health, physical health or detox/psychiatric treatment needed. Confirm any pharmacy information needed, and communicate with treatment site Other duties as required and may be subject to change MANDATED REPORTER As service providers to the underprivileged and vulnerable in our community, all employees are considered Mandated Reporters, and must report any instance of physical or sexual abuse to proper authorities. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications Ability to perform under circumstances of possible emotional stress and conflicts dealing with difficult, uncooperative, and potentially aggressive clients as SCADP serves the neediest of the needy in our programs which may include clients with homelessness, mental-illness, substance abuse, recently released from incarceration and other challenges. EDUCATION: Alcohol and Drug Counseling Registration by an approved accrediting organization (CCAPP, CADTP or CADEE) Completed modules 1 and 2 of ASAM within 2 weeks of hire EXPERIENCE: One year of experience in SUD Treatment PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or discipline related to Program services Experience connecting clients to community and government resources. Experience serving the target community Bilingual in English and Spanish. Well informed of organizational priorities and procedures. Knowledge of Los Angeles area community resources Knowledge of Housing First Model and Harm Reduction Model Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This employer participates in E-Verify as required by the federal government and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment.