Central Intake Clinician Days PRN

About the role

The Central Intake Clinician responds to inquiry calls, emails, and faxes. Conducts initial intake assessments, provides community referrals when appropriate, and coordinates admissions processes. Manages all aspects of patient flow from initial inquiry, assessment, documentation, internal and external communication, and coordinates admission or referral to the appropriate level of care based on the patient’s clinical presentation. Complies with Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and Performance Improvement Standards.

Responsibilities

• Responds to inquiry calls, completes inquiry forms accurately, and documents follow-up calls regarding pending assessments.
• Makes every effort to honor all patient facility preference requests.
• Inputs all initial referral requests into the EMR system to initiate the insurance verification process.
• Conducts phone assessments and completes Intake Screening and Assessment Part 1 thoroughly on all appropriate accepted patients.
• Uploads all pertinent referral documentation into the EMR system.
• Refers patients who do not meet criteria for facility programs to appropriate community resources.
• Refers patients meeting outpatient criteria to the nearest outpatient program available.
• Communicates professionally with patients, families, referral sources, and internal personnel, sensitive to age, disability, and cultural needs.
• Delivers patient services in a respectful manner, promoting dignity and patient satisfaction.
• Identifies safety needs, including detecting signs of abuse or neglect, and reports them to the Supervisor on duty.
• Contacts emergency services for patients in crisis, keeping the patient engaged until help arrives.
• Identifies special mobility, equipment, and interpreter service needs prior to admission.
• Assesses and interprets age and disability needs to determine the appropriate level of care and facility placement.
• Communicates professionally with providers to relay pertinent patient information for acceptance or denial decisions.
• Maintains real-time progress of referrals and updates facilities as necessary.
• Requests assistance from facility Clinical Liaisons to obtain further collateral information when needed.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• RN, LPN, Paramedic, or EMT licensure.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in the Mental Health/Chemical Dependency field preferred.

Skills

• Understands admission criteria for varying levels of care, medications commonly prescribed for psychiatric illness, and community resources.
• Interprets medical clearance and discerns acutely inappropriate medical values for admission consideration.
• Possesses interpersonal skills to develop rapport with patients, family members, and referral sources.
• Able to assess and interpret data about patient status to identify needs and provide appropriate referrals, including age-related and disability-related care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of mental illness, chemical dependency, and family dynamics.
• Excellent communication skills related to age-specific patient needs.
• Proficient assessment skills.
• Versatile, flexible, and able to perform in stressful situations.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Able to work with an array of mentally/physically disabled persons.
• Able to read, write, and follow verbal and written instructions.

Work Environment

• Subject to many interruptions and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.
• High-paced and potentially stressful environment; must cope mentally and physically with the atmosphere.
• May experience disagreeable odors, sights, and unpredictable patient behavior.
• Spends approximately 90% or more of the time inside a building protected from weather but not necessarily from temperature changes.