Access and Admissions Specialist

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

Overview

Compensation

Starting pay: $20.00 to $21.00 per hour

Starting pay is based on experience, qualifications, education, internal equity, and local market conditions.

Overview

Help people take the first step toward care.

When someone reaches out for help, the first conversation matters. Chestnut Health Systems is seeking an Access and Admissions Specialist in Bloomington, Illinois, to help individuals connect with behavioral health and substance use services through timely, compassionate, and well-coordinated admissions support.

In this role, you’ll manage waiting lists and scheduling across multiple programs, communicate with clients and care teams, maintain accurate records, and help improve the processes that connect people to services. You’ll also take the lead on Access projects and provide support to Central Access operations as needed.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Make a meaningful difference by helping individuals and families connect with needed services.
• Combine direct client support with coordination, data analysis, and process improvement.
• Work closely with clinical teams and community partners to reduce barriers to care.
• Take ownership of complex projects while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Join an organization committed to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care.

Qualifications

Education & Experience - qualify through one of the following pathways:

• High school diploma or GED and at least five (5) years of experience in admissions, scheduling, or intake screening within mental health or human services; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or a related human services field; OR
• Bachelor’s degree in another field with at least two (2) years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting; OR
• Master’s degree in a helping profession or related administrative area.

Skills & Knowledge

• 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.

Additional Requirements

• Evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Ability to remain seated for an entire work shift while answering calls using a headset and performing data entry.

Benefits

Chestnut offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include

• health, dental, and vision insurance
• retirement with company match
• paid time off
• tuition reimbursement
• opportunities for professional development and career advancement

check out our benefits here!

About Chestnut

Since 1973, Chestnut Health Systems has been improving lives through integrated behavioral health, primary care, substance use treatment, prevention, research, and community partnerships. Today, more than 800 compassionate employees serve individuals and families throughout Illinois and Missouri. Our teams work together to make high-quality, recovery-oriented care more accessible.

Additional Information

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

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.