Admission Counselor

BENEFITS:

• 3 mental health days per year
• growth opportunities

JOB SUMMARY:

Facilitates admissions to the Addictions Receiving Facility and identifies alternative interventions when unable to admit. Communicates properly with internal and external customers. Thoroughly documents required communications, accurately completes intake documents. Assists with admissions to other treatment components as appropriate.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s Degree in the Human Services field.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Accurate documentation skills, knowledge of Marchman Act processes, crisis intervention skills.

POSITION DUTIES:

• Answers incoming calls to the Addictions Receiving Facility in a professional manner, gathers pertinent screening information, consults with admitting nurse, schedules admissions only with approval from admitting nurse.
• Thoroughly documents all calls, contacts, and information. Collects and compiles statistical data as required.
• Completes intake documentation in EHR with clients being admitted to the Addictions Receiving Facility and facilitates admission to other treatment components as appropriate. Form completion is accurate and timely.
• Identifies alternative interventions to referring entities if unable to admit. Maintains listing of alternative interventions.
• Is knowledgeable of all involuntary placement procedures.
• Provides general program information on the Addictions Receiving Facility to potential clients, family members, and referral sources.
• Communicates frequently with all medical, clinical, and support staff to maintain up to date information regarding scheduled admissions and discharges.
• Accurately completes admission log, completes end-of-shift report, providing all required information for ongoing communication of shift events.
• Completes daily census, as requested.
• Keeps supervisor informed of all issues concerning job functions.
• Assists with other duties, as assigned.
• Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential, following established confidentiality policy and procedures, and maintaining professional boundaries with clients.
• Maintains inter- and intradepartmental workflow by fostering a spirit of cooperation.

FIRST STEP COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrates Dependability: 

• Arrives to work on time according to FSOS policy
• Uses leave time according to FSOS policy
• Completes documentation/paperwork and projects within deadlines

Demonstrates Flexibility & Initiative: 

• Assumes additional responsibilities and a willingness to assist colleagues
• Works different shifts when necessary
• Recommends program changes and improvements

Demonstrates Teamwork: 

• Maintains an overall work attitude of cooperation and professionalism in all interactions with agency staff and community professionals
• Attends and participates in required staff meetings and agency-wide committees
• Receptive to direction and feedback from supervisor

Demonstrates Professionalism:

• Conducts self in professional manner with colleagues, peers, and clients
• Recognizes the rights of clients; and will protect client’s privacy at all times by following FSOS State, and Federal mandated privacy procedures and regulations  
• Adheres to FSOS Code of Ethics at all times
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, laws, and regulations under which First Step operates

First Step of Sarasota, Inc. (FSOS) is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.  We are dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our staff and clients. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees. FSOS also conducts pre-employment drug screening (to include medical marijuana) as a Drug Free Workplace pursuant to the Drug Free Workplace Program under Florida's Workers' Compensation Law.