Admissions Treatment Advocate (Full-time 3p-11:30p)
AAC offers a progressive culture that values work/life balance, invests in employee education, and fosters trust and respect for all individuals. Exceptional compensation and strong benefits include 401K, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Join a team dedicated to providing quality, compassionate, and innovative care to adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
About the role
The Admission Treatment Advocate (ATA) welcomes clients into the treatment facility and assists in their admission process. The ATA collaborates with the Intake team to ensure a smooth, safe, and compliant transition into care, including patient orientation, intake paperwork, safety searches, and coordination of information handoff to the Treatment Team. The ATA also operates the company vehicle to transport clients when assigned.
Responsibilities
- Client Admissions & Onboarding
- Welcome new patients, orient them to program rules, schedules, and expectations.
- Complete and explain admission paperwork, obtain signatures, and assign treatment teams.
- Assist with the intake process, ensuring smooth and supportive transition into treatment.
- Provide encouragement and reassurance to patients during admission.
- Safety & Security
- Conduct belongings and safety searches, including change of clothing when appropriate.
- Identify contraband, document, and handle according to chain of custody and facility policy.
- Perform visual security checks while patients are in intake.
- Intervene in crisis situations using approved de-escalation techniques; maintain certification in crisis intervention.
- Clinical & Interdisciplinary Support
- Collaborate with Nursing and Clinical staff on patient support as assigned.
- Encourage patient participation in group, individual, and family counseling services.
- Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and families using clear written and verbal skills.
- Participate in monthly staff and inter-departmental meetings to ensure coordinated care.
- Documentation & Compliance
- Enter accurate admission information and progress notes in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Ensure compliance with State standards, facility accreditation requirements, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and AAC policies.
- Report potentially harmful situations promptly to the Admissions Manager, Clinical Leadership, or Executive Director.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
- Transportation & Logistics (As Assigned)
- Safely transport clients to and from the facility as needed, complying with traffic laws and safety protocols.
- Assist clients entering and exiting vehicles and answer orientation questions during transport.
- Maintain cleanliness and safety of assigned vehicles.
- Professionalism & Work Ethic
- Demonstrate dependability, adaptability, and compassionate demeanor in patient interactions.
- Maintain respectful and professional boundaries with patients and families.
- Uphold AAC’s values and commitment to patient-centered, ethical care.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required from an accredited institution.
- Associates or Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Behavioral Sciences (social sciences, human services, counseling, or psychology).
- Valid Driver’s License required with insurable driving record.
- Working knowledge of vehicle safety and control systems.
- Minimum of 1 year experience in a behavioral healthcare field preferred.
- Knowledge of utilizing electronic health record software and documentation preferred.
- Ability to read, write, and interpret written information, type documentation, present information to groups, and participate in meetings.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Must be able to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and flexible hours.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, talk or hear, and smell continually.
- Ability to stand, walk, and reach frequently.
- Ability to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch occasionally.
- Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
- Close vision required to see computer monitor, read documents, and operate copy and fax machine.
- Distance vision required to drive an automobile, if driving is a requirement of the job.
- Work environment is indoors and climate controlled.
- Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
- Moderate noise levels as found in a business office with computer printers, households with TVs and dishwashers, and driving light traffic.
Benefits
- 401K
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance