INTAKE SPECIALIST at Westchester Medical Center – Poughkeepsie, New York

On a daily basis conducts initial telephone screening of prospective clients wishing to enter patient units. Makes appropriate referrals to other agencies when needed. Verifies insurance coverage. Completes admission process to patient units, assessing medical, social and emotional needs. Appropriately provides a preliminary treatment plan for clients entering Rehab Unit. Informs clinical staff of admission pertinent patient data and referent’s needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• On a daily basis answers telephones within three rings and conducts telephone screenings for prospective clients seeking admission to patient units. Confers with supervisor and/or PA as needed if client is a questionable admission based on admission criteria.
• If a client is determined not appropriate for admission, using community resource list and/or National Directory resource books, client is referred to an appropriate agency. May also facilitate admission of walk-ins when necessary. If client is unable to place a call to the referral agency, Intake Specialist I will place the call on behalf of patient.
• Interview patient to determine their ability to pay. Verifies Medicaid, Medicare and Managed Care Insurances on patients before their admission.
• Verifies insurance for patients being admitted to Detox and/or Rehab Unit as per E-PACES Procedure. Assists patients in a professional manner who may be responsible for any charges, i.e., have patient sign a self-pay agreement and a NYS Financial Aid Application. Call referent and/or patients if patient does not show up for scheduled admission. Informs patient of documentation they need to bring if applying to Medicaid prior to admission.
• Promptly greets patients, families and referents to explain hospital procedure, i.e., visiting hours, telephone callsand program.
• Admits patients to Detox and/or Rehab Unit. Detox patients are admitted within ½ hour and Rehab patients within 1 hour. Promptly contacts referents to advise of client’s admission and to ascertain referents future needs.
• Accurately obtains patient signatures during admission process for billing purposes, releases for disclosure of information and patient valuables. Completes admission forms accurately.
• Attends unit and facility in-services, business meetings to maintain and enhance current knowledge of treatment, facility practices. Completes all mandatory in-services and competencies in established time frames.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Performs duties of Admissions Coordinator in his/her absence.
• Serves as brand ambassador by upholding the WMCHealth Mission, Vision, and CARE values and promoting excellence in the patient experience, during every encounter.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EXPERIENCE

• Preferred 2 years experience in a busy office setting where responsibilities included multiple tasks.
• Preferred 2 years experience in alcohol, and substance abuse setting.

EDUCATION

• Preferred Associates/Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or Business.
• Basic data Management skills and knowledge of general office equipment.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Preferred NYS Qualified Health Professional (QHP, CASAC).

OTHER

• If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Ability to deal with multiple tasks in a busy office environment.
• Proven skills in problem solving and interpersonal relationships.
• Able to function as a team member.