Intake Registered Nurse PRN

The Intake Clinician responds to inquiry calls, conducts initial intake assessments, provides referrals, and coordinates the admissions process in accordance with Joint Commission, Federal and State Regulations, Oceans' Mission, policies and procedures, and Performance Improvement Standards.

Responsibilities

• Respond to inquiry calls, complete inquiry forms accurately, schedule assessments promptly, and document follow‑up calls regarding pending assessments.
• Conduct assessments at the facility or other locations and complete Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Assessments (Initial Triage) thoroughly.
• Refer patients who are not appropriate for facility programs to appropriate resources.
• Coordinate pre‑certification and admissions processes for patients admitted to facility programs, including admission forms, CIAs, and documents pertinent to utilization review information.
• Deliver patient services in a respectful manner that promotes dignity and patient satisfaction.
• Identify safety needs, detect possible signs of abuse or neglect, and report them to clinical staff.
• Identify special mobility and equipment needs of patients; assess and interpret age and disability needs to determine level of care and make appropriate referrals.
• Communicate with patients and families in a manner sensitive to age, disability, and cultural needs, involving families of minors or significant others in decision‑making as appropriate.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Active Registered Nurse license in the state of practice.
• Minimum of one year experience in Mental Health/Chemical Dependency field working with an age/disability‑specific population served by this facility (preferred).

Qualifications & Skills

• Knowledge of admission criteria for varying levels of care, commonly prescribed psychiatric medications, and community resources.
• Interpersonal skills to develop rapport with patients, families, and referral sources.
• Ability to assess care needs related to age‑related and disability‑related factors and make appropriate referrals for chronically mentally ill, adult, geriatric, and chemically dependent populations.
• Understanding of growth and development principles appropriate to the patient population.
• Knowledge of mental illness, chemical dependency, and associated family dynamics.
• Basic knowledge of chronic mental illness and clinical therapy modalities.
• Excellent communication skills tailored to age‑specific patient needs.
• Strong assessment skills and ability to pass the general age/disability post‑test.
• Versatility, flexibility, and ability to perform in stressful situations.
• Good time‑management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with a range of mentally and physically disabled individuals.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and following verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of DSM‑IV‑R diagnoses.
• Successful completion of CPR certification and an Oceans‑approved behavioral health de‑escalation program.

Work Environment

• Subject to many interruptions and occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.
• High‑pace, stressful environment; must cope mentally and physically.
• Potential exposure to disagreeable odors, sights, and unpredictable patient behavior.
• Approximately 90% of time spent inside a building that offers protection from weather but not necessarily from temperature changes.