Assessment Specialist

Lifepoint Health®; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Cottonwood Springs Behavioral Health in Olathe, KS, seeks an Assessment Specialist RN to join Lifepoint Rehabilitation, part of Lifepoint Health. The role involves handling inquiries, scheduling assessments, and coordinating with the clinical team to facilitate appropriate care for patients seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

This full-time days position emphasizes compassionate care, teamwork, and adherence to regulatory requirements, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Education and licensure aligned with state requirements (clinical, social work, or RN).
• CPR and de-escalation certifications required or obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Experience in a psychiatric healthcare facility with exposure to chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric and geriatric patients is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates response to service requests, conducts initial assessment and referrals, and coordinates admission steps.
• Performs initial evaluation, documents symptoms and needs, and informs MD for level of care determinations.
• Demonstrates strong customer service when assisting patients, physicians, visitors, and coworkers.
• Maintains preadmission and admission paperwork with accuracy and handles pre-certification with insurers.

Education

Associate’s Degree in Nursing

Master's degree in Social Work/Counseling

Job description

Facility Name: Cottonwood Spring Behavioral Health

Position: Assessment Specialist

Schedule: Full-time Days

Your Experience Matters

Lifepoint Rehabilitation is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As an Assessment Specialist RN joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More About Our Team

Cottonwood Springs is a behavioral health hospital located in Olathe, KS, part of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. We provide inpatient and outpatient programming for those facing mental health and addiction challenges. Our programs offer caring, compassionate treatment for adults (18+) and include inpatient mental health and addiction treatment and detox, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). Our BH is a very fast‑paced yet fun environment with endless opportunities to learn and grow!

What we're looking for

We are looking for a dynamic assessment specialist that is passionate about helping people and is a team player.

Position Summary

The Assessment Specialist is responsible for receiving inquiry calls and assisting the caller with scheduling a face‑to‑face assessment or triage to the appropriate community referral. They assess or ensure assessment by a qualified mental health professional of patients who present for assessment, screen for medical and behavioral emergency conditions, perform a comprehensive assessment and provide quality therapeutic care to patients seeking treatment for substance abuse, dual diagnosis, or psychiatric or emotional disorders; coordinate with the clinical team/on‑call physician to ensure these needs are met either at the facility or other appropriate community providers. They interpret treatment to patient and family to help reduce fear and other attitudes obstructing acceptance of care and continuation of treatment and complete the administrative processes of admission and precertification of care with external payers as necessary.

Reports to: Assessment Manager/Supervisor

What Will You Do In This Role

• Facilitates response to a request for services, including the initial response, the assessment, and referral process, the designation of the appropriate level of care, admission into services, and appropriate follow up activity
• Conducts initial evaluation, initiates the assessment, documents patient symptomology, functioning, and needs and provides information to MD for LOC determination
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills in assisting patients, physicians, visitors, and coworkers in a prompt and courteous manner
• Possess clear knowledge of Emergency Detention paperwork and processes and EMTALA
• Maintains all preadmission and admission paperwork with accuracy, and completes all pre‑certification with insurance companies

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s Degree in Nursing is required or Master's degree in Social Work/Counseling is required.
• License: Current clinical, social work, or RN license as required by state regulations.
• Certifications: CPR and De‑escalation certification required or obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Previous experience in a psychiatric health care facility, with direct experience working with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric and geriatric patients preferred. Experience in patient assessments, family motivations, treatment planning and communication with external review organizations or comparable entities is strongly preferred.

Why Join Us

• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage - tailored benefit options for part-time and PRN employees, and more.
• Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well‑being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym membership, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

EEOC Statement

Cottonwood Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottonwood Springs is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment.