Inpatient Counselor - Admission Specialist/Utilization Review

Job Summary

The Admissions Specialist is the first point of contact for individuals and families seeking help for substance use and co-occurring disorders. This role requires an empathetic, highly organized professional who can guide prospective patients through the intake, screening, and verification processes. You will turn inquiries into admissions by providing compassionate support, clear information, and efficient coordination with our clinical and financial teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Inquiry Management: Respond immediately to all incoming calls, web forms, and chat inquiries from individuals, families, and treatment providers.
• Pre-Admission Screening: Conduct initial telephone screenings to assess the appropriateness of fit for our facility’s level of care.
• Crisis Intervention: Provide empathetic, calm, and supportive phone communication to individuals in high-stress or crisis situations.
• Insurance & Financial Coordination: Gather insurance information and collaborate with the billing department to verify benefits and communicate financial responsibilities to families.
• Logistics & Scheduling: Coordinate admission dates, arrival logistics, transportation, and intake documentation.
• CRM Tracking: Document all communications, follow-ups, and lead statuses accurately in our electronic health records (EHR) and CRM database.
• Outreach Support: Maintain relationships with alumni, local hospitals, therapists, and community partners to support a strong referral network.
• Authorization Management: Complete initial pre-certifications and manage ongoing concurrent reviews for medical and residential levels of care

Qualifications

• The individual must be able to work the hours specified.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds.

Benefits

• PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
• Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement.
• Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law.