SUD Intake Coordinator SW in Searcy, Arkansas at Unity Health

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Must be licensed to practice social work in the state of Arkansas. Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) or ADC desired.
2. Training and Experience: 2 years’ experience working in treatment of substance use disorders or admissions for residential SUD treatment preferred. Prior experience working with court involved populations is highly desired. Must have or obtain current SAFE certification. If in recovery, five years post-recovery/sobriety from drug and alcohol addiction is preferred but a minimum of 2 years is required.

1. Job Knowledge: Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment protocols in the delivery of behavioral health care. Knowledge of assessment of patient health. Knowledge of health promotion principles, techniques, and patient learning measurements. Knowledge of access to resources and systems of care.

1. Skills: Must possess effective communication skills and must demonstrate leadership ability and interest in professional growth. Must be readily adaptable to changing program demands, without deterioration under stress, and must have a basic concept of budgeting, scheduling, and counseling. Must possess demonstrated knowledge, training and skills necessary and appropriate to the patient-specific population. Must be able to set priorities and effectively delegate/coordinate interdisciplinary care based on the needs of the patient, case load, and program needs.

1. Safety Sensitive: YES

In the interest of protecting the health and safety of all patients, associates, and guests, Unity Health has classified some positions as “safety sensitive.” A “safety sensitive” position is any job position in which impaired performance could result in harm to the health and/or safety of self or others. Any associate that is actively engaged in the use of medical marijuana, even if in possession of a valid medical marijuana card, will be excluded from employment in a “safety sensitive” position.

DESCRIPTION:

Core Responsibilities:
The associate will be responsible for performing the nonclinical nursing tasks and the receptionist role for the SUD unit, utilizing discretion and always protecting the confidentiality of patient information. Efficiently utilizes the supplies and equipment on the unit to facilitate the timely and effective delivery of patient services. Must work effectively under pressure and manage frequent interruptions while supporting daily intake operations. This role helps maintain quality control processes that promote efficient use of bed capacity and facilitates appropriate reimbursement from insurance payers.

Collaboration and Clinical Knowledge:
The associate works closely with therapists, nursing staff, the Program Director, and utilization review team members as needed. The position requires strong knowledge of behavioral health patient care and substance use disorders, as well as the regulating bodies for this unique program.

Insurance and Authorization Duties:
The associate must have working knowledge of, or be able to learn, insurance requirements and criteria needed to justify ASAM Level 3.5 placement for incoming applicants. Responsibilities also include completing pre-authorizations with insurance companies, especially Medicaid and PASSE providers, for incoming patients.

Intake Process:
The position is responsible for daily intake-related activities, including:

• Reviewing referrals
• Completing pre-admission screenings
• Scheduling intake assessments
• Communicating incoming referrals to the Treatment Team in real time to determine program appropriateness

Communication and Administrative Skills:
The associate must demonstrate strong time-management, communication, phone, computer, and multitasking skills. Because this role is the primary contact for the main phone line when available, the associate must provide professional customer service to patients, guardians, and collaborating partners. Administrative duties may also include: scanning, printing, faxing, emailing, and typing on a daily basis.

Additional Duties:
The associate may also be asked to complete intake assessments and facilitate substance use education groups on the residential program. The list of job responsibilities and tasks listed above are not exhaustive and the associate may also be asked to complete other reasonable tasks, not listed here, to ensure the program operates smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis.