Admissions Specialist

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 programs, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

About the role

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.

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 the treatment site.
• Follow up with treatment site and referral source on all confirmed admissions to SCADP/VOALA program, including admit date and anticipated stay.
• Other duties as directed to accomplish program goals.

An essential function of this position requires incumbents to report to the office. 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.

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 individuals, including those with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, or recent incarceration.

Qualifications

• 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.
• One year of experience in SUD Treatment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a 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.

Pay

$23.51 - $24.75 per hour.

Benefits

VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.