Admissions Specialist (Full-Time) (Irvine, CA)

Phoenix House Orange County, Inc.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix House Orange County, Inc. in Irvine, CA is seeking an Admissions Specialist to manage admissions administration and support assessments/intakes.

You will report to the Admissions Supervisor and handle electronic health records, insurance verification, and referrals for clients entering treatment. The role requires strong organizational skills, familiarity with DHCS/SPAC guidelines, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, on-site setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with AOD registration or DHCS certification.
• One year of related experience; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in substance abuse or mental health is preferred.
• Knowledge of governing bodies (SPAC/DMH) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical assessments for admissions and determine eligibility and appropriateness.
• Interview prospective patients and families to obtain data for intake.
• Create electronic health records and manage patient charts and reporting.
• Complete admissions paperwork and coordinate transportation as needed.
• Communicate with the clinical team and participate in meetings and supervision.
• Verify insurance benefits and assist with referrals to ensure admissions.

Skills

MS Office

Electronic medical records

SPAC/DMH Licensing

Time management

Communication

Boundaries with patients

Adaptability

Rapport with patients

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AOD Counselor registration or DHCS certification

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience in Substance Abuse or Mental Health preferred

Job description

Admissions Specialist (Full-Time) (Irvine, CA)

Job Category: Residential

Requisition Number: ADMIS001514

• Posted : October 8, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site
• Rate : $25 USD per hour

Locations

Showing 1 location

Irvine, CA 92618, USA

Description

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday; 1:30pm-10:00pm

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Admissions Supervisor, the Admissions Specialist is responsible for the management of the administrative functions for the Admissions Department and provide support with conducting assessments/intakes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to all components of the above position summary the following "Essential Duties and Responsibilities" are essential to successful performance in this position.

• Performs clinical assessments for admissions to Phoenix House programs; performs assessments and evaluations in keeping with Phoenix House policies and procedures.
• This includes but is not limited to interviewing prospective patients and relatives to obtain necessary and pertinent personal and financial data to determine eligibility and appropriateness of treatment and admission.
• Completes progress notes, and documents provisional diagnosis and medical necessity for treatment in client’s Electronic Health Record and County systems, as applicable.
• Performs crisis intervention sessions for families who are seeking treatment.
• Completes the admissions process (which may include transportation) for assigned intakes with approval by their authorized representatives.
• Creates the patient’s Electronic Health Record, as part of the admission process and responsible for data management related to assigned county, in-network insurance provider, and/or private pay patient individual charts.
• Maintains and provides a list of referrals for patients who do not meet the admissions criteria.
• Participates in both daily admission meetings and bi-weekly individual supervision meetings with Program Director.
• Communicate and coordinate with Program Director regarding prospective intakes.
• Actively establishes and maintains contacts and communications with various organizations and agencies to increase referrals.
• Verify insurance benefits of potential clients including the scope of coverage, health insurance, & share of the cost.
• Maintain all required reporting functions and assure 100% completion of all admission paperwork as required by the agency, county, and other regularly bodies.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal confidentiality laws and regulations.
• Communicates pertinent clinical information to the clinical team that will assume care for the patient.
• Attends all required staff training sessions in accordance with Phoenix House and state licensing requirements, completes all training on time.
• Attends and participates in program and all staff meetings.
• Adheres to and promotes the Phoenix House Mission, Vision, and Values while acting as a role model for others.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent in this position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS

• The Registered Admissions Specialist shall possess a
  • High school diploma or its equivalent; and be registered as an Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Counselor recognized by The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), or
• The Certified Admissions Specialist shall possess a
  • Minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent; and be Certified as an Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Counselor recognized by The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
• Minimum of one-year prior experience in a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Experience in Substance Abuse or Mental Health preferred
• Experience with SAPC, DMH, Community Care Licensing, and other governing bodies preferred.
• Must maintain a valid credential (if required for your position) during the course of your employment.
• Must obtain TB test clearance and update on a yearly basis.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

To perform this position successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Demonstrated commitment and adherence to Phoenix House Mission, Vision, and Values: I CARE For- Integrity, Collaboration Appreciation, Respect, Excellence, and Forward-Thinking.
• Proficiency in MS Office systems.
• Ability to utilize an electronic medical record.
• Proficiency with SPAC, DMH, Community Care Licensing, and other governing bodies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced changing environment.
• Ability to establish and consistently enforce appropriate boundaries with patients.
• Ability to model positive behavior and demeanor.
• Understanding of addiction, co-occurring models, and treatment modalities.
• Understanding of adult/adolescent development and family systems.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to be flexible; problem solver, self-directed; customer service-oriented, and collaborative.
• Skills and ability to engage and develop a rapport with patients and families of various backgrounds.

Mental Demands

Ability to actively engage with clients in a substance abuse and mental health treatment environment. Stress tolerance; working in rural and/or urban environments, participating in client treatment outcomes. Memory and learning; ability to maintain in a constantly changing environment. Emotional intelligence; includes crisis intervention. Work environment: travel may be required (varies by location), in-office work.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift and move object as much as 25 pounds with or without assistance, can require extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, or being on your feet especially in the clinical and residential settings. May need to participate in outdoor or recreational activities with clients. Occasional repetitive tasks. Ability to conduct First Aid and CPR in the event of an emergency. Required to undergo regular health screenings such as but not limited to TB test, Covid testing, vaccinations, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.