Job Summary
The Intake Counselor serves as the first point of contact for referral sources and potential patients to schedule assessments and/or admissions. Responds to incoming calls to the hospital to accommodate coordination for referrals/admissions. Will provide assessment of patients, psychiatric and medical status. Responsible for making sure all inquiries, referrals, and admissions are documented accurately in the computer system and that notes regarding referrals and upcoming admissions are documented on proper forms. Responsible to ensure all referral patient medical record information is completed and nursing and clinical staff are adequately apprised of the patient’s condition/history. Assesses, direct and intervene in crisis situations. Provides leadership and direction to mental health technicians.
Essential Duties:
· Conduct quality mental health assessments to determine inpatient or outpatient criteria.
· Assess patient behavior during assessment and notify the RN if PRN medication is needed to address patient needs.
· Ensure all mental health assessments are properly documented and legible.
· Properly conduct CSSRS assessment for all patients.
· Obtain a supervisor’s review and authorization when conducting unfunded patient assessments.
· Ensure concurrent chart audit is completed by supervisor prior to patient leaving admissions.
· Use the approved admission criteria and make decisions concerning the level of care for treatment using the least restrictive level appropriate. The plan for episode of care is initiated at admission to all levels of care.
· As a clinician, assists administration, physician, and clinical staff in the assessment of pending admits
· Plans, coordinates, and evaluates direct and indirect facility assessments and client admissions
· On call doctor is notified and assists with patient interview
· Administrative approval obtained for all admissions
· Admission paperwork is completed in accordance with hospital policy
· Follow up calls are made to those failing to show up for appointments
· Pre-certification is obtained in accordance with insurance requirements
· Administration is notified of problems or significant events
· Safety problems are identified and corrective actions taken
- Participates in activities which enhance professional growth and development.
- Upholds the Organization's ethics and customer service standards.
Requirements
Job Requirements
Education – Bachelor’s Degree required.
Experience – Inpatient healthcare experience preferred
Required Licenses – LMSW, LCSW, LPC, or LPC-A licensure in the state of Texas.
Additional Requirements: Must possess or obtain a valid CPR certification and SAMA training within 30 days of hire.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
· Familiarity with continuum of care. Equivalent level reading, writing and mathematical skills.
· Outstanding oral communication skills.
· Assessment and intervention skills.
· Persuasive manner and skills in overcoming denial and resistance to treatment.
· Ability to concentrate on task in high traffic areas. Familiar with clinical terminology. Knowledge of DSM III-R diagnostic criteria.
· Ability to deal with crisis and potentially combative patients while maintaining personal and emotional equilibrium. Ability to empathetically relate to people.
· Ability to maintain information as highly confidential.
· Be able to meet deadlines.
· Basic data entry skills required, and preference for basic computer skills.
· Time management and sound organizational skills.
· Skills in dealing courteously with the public and individuals within the organization.
· Knowledgeable of patient rights and laws pertaining to mental health.
· Basic personnel management or supervisory skills helpful.
· Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing i.e. legible handwriting and ability to read and understand written instructions.
- Ability to handle confidential information with great sensitivity.
· Well-developed verbal and written communication skills in English. Skill to communicate effectively in order to exchange and/or provide information, build and/or maintain cooperative relationships.
· Ability to effectively interact with persons of widely diverse roles, backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic classes, those in crises or resistant or negative toward organization.
Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions
Perform the following with or without reasonable accommodations:
· Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, and be able to perceive the attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, and/or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips.
· Ability to express and exchange ideas via spoken word during activities in which they must convey detail or important spoken instructions to others accurately, sometimes quickly and loudly.
· Hearing to perceive the nature of sound with no less than 40 db loss @ Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction; ability to perceive detailed information orally and make fine discriminations in sound.
· Perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers. Individual must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and to be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
· Work requires a minimum standard of visual acuity with or without correction that will enable people in the role to complete administrative and clerical tasks, as well as inspect and analyze.
· Must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversation and foot traffic; ability to handle interruptions often and be able to move from one task to another
· While worker may possibly be subjected to temperature changes, the worker is generally not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions as the work is predominantly inside.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- 401K Retirement Plan
- Healthcare Spending Account
- Dependent Care Spending Account
- PTO Plan with Holiday Premium Pay
- Life Insurance (Supplemental Life, Term, and Universal plans are also available.)
- Short and Long-Term Disability (with additional buy-in opportunities)
