Job Abstract

Handles telephone inquiries and makes decisions determining which calls are appropriate for New Bridge Medical Center and which need to be referred to PESP for emergency screening, or for outside referral. Educates clients about services.

Maintains thorough knowledge about admission criteria for inpatient units and outpatient programs in order to complete appropriate referrals.

Facilitates admissions from outside hospitals to New Bridge Medical Center inpatient units by providing them complete information regarding requirements for both voluntary and involuntary admissions.

Completes initial screening contact forms for behavioral health services, which may include crisis intervention, information, referral or scheduling appointments for initial assessment.

Performs admission and unit transfer assignments and discharge functions for BHS inpatient units.

Maintains accurate bed census and statistics for BHS and ATU.

Explains hospital policies regarding personal items

Ensures appropriate information hand –off to the next individual who will interact with the potential client/ family and/or referral source.

Provide basic financial information to uninsured clients regarding requirements for Charity Care applications

For ATU clients, verifies Medicaid and Medicare status.

When problematic/outlier situations occur, discusses the situation with supervisory staff for guidance.

Schedules intake appointments for inpatient and outpatient services and makes appropriate collateral phone calls to other agencies to facilitate referrals.

Contacts and maintains cooperative relationship with private and public social agencies in the community.

Works effectively with utilization review, providing necessary information to facilitate the patient’s referral and authorization for treatment.

Works closely with PESP staff to ensure patient linkage to needed services.

Displays an ability to work a flexible schedule including working evenings, nights and weekends.

Maintain familiarity with community resources to assist clients in locating services, which best meet, their needs.

Conducts medical record utilization review, as directed.

Works cooperatively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and with other departmental and medical center staff to optimize clinical and operational effectiveness.

Maintains department records and files.

Identifies problems and obstacles affecting the delivery of services to customers and brings them to the attention of supervisor.

Actively attends and participates in departmental meetings and committees, as appropriate.

Utilizes supervision in an appropriate manner.

Utilizes the hospital computer system as it pertains to job responsibilities and in accordance with hospital policy.

Assists other personnel, as needed.

Assumes additional responsibilities in absence of the program manager.