Access & Admissions Coordinator (Behavioral Health)

Chestnut Health Systems; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement with company match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking an Access and Admissions Specialist in Bloomington, IL to connect individuals with behavioral health and substance use services through timely admissions support. You will manage waiting lists, coordinate scheduling, and communicate with clients and care teams for accurate records.

The role requires strong customer service, solid data-entry skills, and the ability to handle complex projects.

Qualifications

• Excellent telephone and customer service skills, including the ability to handle a high volume of calls.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, sound judgment, and conflict resolution skills; ability to respond calmly in emotional or challenging situations.
• Good keyboarding and data-entry skills; familiarity with databases, electronic health records, or electronic billing systems.
• Knowledge of standard office procedures, word processing, and use of common office equipment.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities and complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple ongoing Access operations projects, including planning, execution, and file system maintenance.
• Maintain accurate waiting lists and coordinate admissions and scheduling for residential and outpatient substance use, outpatient mental health, and domestic violence services.
• Contact clients about service recommendations, schedule initial and follow-up appointments, and confirm required pre-appointment steps and documentation.
• Communicate appointment details clearly, including provider names and locations.
• Collaborate with clinical departments and external agencies to improve access and address service needs.
• Collect, analyze, and report admissions, discharges, utilization, and service demand data.
• Maintain accurate documentation in electronic health records and related systems in compliance with regulatory, contractual, billing, and privacy requirements.
• Support Central Access by answering incoming calls and conducting in-person or telephone screenings to gather demographic, referral, and payer information; complete clinical screenings when appropriate.
• Verify insurance coverage through web-based systems and document findings.
• Provide professional, compassionate customer service to clients, families, colleagues, and community contacts.
• Participate in required training, meetings, and process improvement initiatives; stay informed about service offerings, provider availability, and workflows.
• Support new employee onboarding and provide peer assistance and team coverage as needed.
• Use trauma-informed, recovery-oriented communication grounded in hope, respect, empowerment, wellness, and connectedness.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Data entry

Electronic health records

Education

Bachelor’s degree in counseling/related field

Bachelor’s degree with clinical experience

Master’s degree in a helping profession

High school diploma with experience in admissions

Tools

Databases

Electronic health records

Electronic billing systems

Office equipment

Job description

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking an Access and Admissions Specialist in Bloomington, IL to connect individuals with behavioral health and substance use services through timely admissions support. You will manage waiting lists, coordinate scheduling, and communicate with clients and care teams for accurate records.

The role requires strong customer service, solid data-entry skills, and the ability to handle complex projects.