Job Description

JobThe Behavioral Health Intake Nurse will serve as the primary person to provide clinical intake screening and determines the eligibility and benefits of all coming referrals. All referrals and inquiries will be attended and responded in a timely and professional manner. The Intake Nurse will also provide clerical services, maintain the clinical records and ensure an effective flow of communication to the unit. The Behavioral Health Intake Nurse will conduct initial assessment and may place a patient on an involuntary hold if a patient meets criteria. Will formulate appropriate resource disposition supporting patient’s needs and safety requirements.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Essential Functions:

• Adheres to all hospital and department policies and procedures and the unit safety protocols.
• Ensure appropriate intake referrals are collaborated accordingly and responded promptly.
• Always maintain courteous and professional interactions with customers. Greets each patient, families and visitors with a smile and acknowledges them in timely manner.
• Assist staff in communication with the Physicians and patients.
• Assist patients/families/caregivers with their needs and help problem solve in your capacity.
• Determine eligibility and benefits from insurance companies on referrals coming directly to intake.
• Confirm financial responsibilities with patients. Collaborate with the Admitting department to register admission in the system and coordinate with business office. Maintains all insurance records and updates related to patients.
• Provides clerical support to the nursing team, patients and their families.
• Coordinate with finance and billing departments all admissions and discharges.
• Communicate admission to staff and other members of the team by providing basic and pertinent information.
• Comply with the hospital policies on maintaining safety and reporting incidents promptly.
• Use effective time management and organizational skills.
• Processes paperwork for new patients and in accordance with protocols.
• Promptly answers telephone calls and screens inquiry calls and emails.
• Collects data to help with the admission process.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with all members of the Hospital while working to support a team-oriented work environment.
• Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential and adhering to the standards of the Health Insurance and Portability Act (HIPAA).
• Perform record keeping, medical record maintenance, report writing, data collection, audits and other reports as directed by the Program Director.
• Maintains a positive and respectful work environment.
• Abide and follow the guidelines in the code of conduct, shares accountability and responsibility for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with the hospital mission, vision and values.
• Maintain a downtime papers for use in emergency when computer system is down.
• Order supplies on a weekly basis, report work requests for broken equipment.
• Performs administrative duties assigned by the Program Director.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Standards:

• Exhibits customer and service-oriented behaviors in everyday work interactions.
• Demonstrates a courteous and respectful attitude to internal workforce and external customers.
• Understands and promote the mission, vision, and values of the behavioral health services and population in the workplace and in the community

Communication/Knowledge:

• Excellent reading, verbal & written communication skills are necessary. Must have outstanding guest relations skills.
• Possess knowledge of psychiatric and medical terminologies.
• Knowledge of intake process, skills and methods of relating to referral sources, patients and families.
• Proficiencies with computer programs, which may include Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and others.
• Demonstrate the ability to use standard office equipment such as telephone, fax, eFax, copiers, EHR documentation and other computer programs
• Organized and possesses the ability to adjust to the constantly changing workloads.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Responsible for extensive knowledge of programs/insurance & access/eligibility guidelines & applications (including Medi-Cal, CHDP, CPSP, Presumptive Eligibility, Family Pact, Sliding Scale)
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to effectively and respectfully handle dissatisfied patients.
• Sensitivity to the needs and situation of multi-cultural population from a variety of income levels

Collaboration/Teamwork:

• Contributes toward effective, positive working relationships with internal and external colleagues.
• Demonstrates cooperation, flexibility, reliability, and dependability in all daily work activities and a willingness to collaborate with others for the good of the customer and the organization.
• Must have a positive attitude, be a team player, and be able to take directions from supervisor.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Eighteen (18) months recent experience in acute psychiatric inpatient setting.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of psychiatric nursing.
• Must be able to work under moderate stress.
• Must be able handle difficult situations in a discreet and professional manner.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadline.
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks and job assignments.
• Handles difficult situations in a discreet and professional manner.
• Critical thinking, service excellence and good interpersonal communication skills, ability to read/comprehend written instructions, strong organizational skills, ability to follow verbal instructions, and PC (computer) skills.
• A capacity to learn, synthesize, make critical judgments, work independently, place patients and families first, and collaborate with the team members who are recognized leaders within health care.