Triage Coordinator (Admissions)

Job Description

Responsibilities

POSITION PURPOSE : Supervise the triage process for Admissions and the workload assignments to ensure that phones are answered within three rings, that all callers are offered assessments or referrals appropriate to acuity, that transfers are handled according to EMTALA and facility guidelines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Receives all inquiry calls and responds to requests for information and assessments. Expert in documentation, communication, teamwork, and customer service.

Advocates for internal and external customers including the client, family, physician, medical facility, behavioral healthcare facility and manage care organizations.

• Expert in available community resources and uses this information to improve the delivery and utilization of care to best meet the clinical and financial needs of the individual.
• Communicates with Admissions Coordinators, Physician Assistant, Nursing Supervisor, Administrator on Call and Physicians on call as needed to maintain safety at all times.
• Acts as a clinical expert and knowledge resources for Admissions Coordinators.
• Coordinates implementation of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient services when indicated. Completes the admission process to the level of care ordered by the Physician.

Correctly assigns doctor and bed placement for admissions.

• Ensures that medical screens, assessments, admissions are completed.
• Liaisons with physicians, psychiatrist, other facilities and managed care organizations to promote optimal use of the continuum of care for each individual assessment.
• Gives a detailed report to the next shift of patients still in process and reports regularly to the Director of Care Management / Admissions on matters of departmental and personnel administration.
• Ensures EMTALA laws are followed with Admissions process. Completes EMTALA log.
• Completes transfer requests and coordinates care with referral sources.
• Milieu management in admissions : keeps staff members and patients safe, addresses concerns, and promotes the best in patient care and customer service.
• Supervises a team of clinicians and direct care staff to ensure the admissions process is flowing smoothly. Coordinates with nursing supervisors as needed.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS :

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES : Knowledge of psychiatric behavioral health diagnostic criteria (DSM IV), quality assessment skills, including listening and writing legibly, ability to provide customer service in a caring way, even in a high stress environment.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

EDUCATION : Masters Degree in a mental health field or graduate of an accredited nursing school.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION : Texas license as an L.P.C, R.N. or LMSW / LCSW is required.

EXPERIENCE : 3 years mental health experience and prefer 2 years prior supervisory.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Position requires sedentary work.
• Occasionally lifts and carries pounds.
• Hearing and vision sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to calmly handle crisis with patients.
• Regularly needs to bend, stoop.
• Position requires irregular hours and weekend hours.
30+ days ago