Assessment Specialist

Memorial Physician Practices; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

PTO

Tuition assistance

401(k) with match

Wellness programs

Job summary

Cottonwood Springs Behavioral Health in Olathe, KS is seeking an Assessment Specialist RN to join our fast‑paced behavioral health team. You will receive inquiries, schedule face‑to‑face assessments, coordinate with the clinical team to determine level of care, and ensure timely pre‑certification with insurers while delivering compassionate care to adults facing mental health and addiction challenges.

This role reports to the Assessment Manager/Supervisor and requires empathy, strong

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 obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Experience: Prior psychiatric health care facility experience with chemical dependency, dual diagnosis, psychiatric and geriatric patients preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate response to a request for services, including the initial response, the assessment, and referral process, designation of the appropriate level of care, admission into services, and appropriate follow‑up activity.
• Conduct initial evaluation, initiate the assessment, document patient symptomology, functioning, and needs, and provide information to MD for LOC determination.
• Demonstrate 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.
• Maintain all pre‑admission and admission paperwork with accuracy and complete all pre‑certification with insurance companies.

Education

Associate's Degree in Nursing or 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 are 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 receives inquiry calls and assists 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. They 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; and 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 patients and families to help reduce fear and other attitudes obstructing acceptance of care and continuation of treatment, and complete the administrative processes of admission and pre‑certification of care with external payers, as necessary.

Reports to: Assessment Manager/Supervisor

What Will You Do In This Role

• Facilitate response to a request for services, including the initial response, the assessment, and referral process, designation of the appropriate level of care, admission into services, and appropriate follow‑up activity.
• Conduct initial evaluation, initiate the assessment, document patient symptomology, functioning, and needs, and provide information to MD for LOC determination.
• Demonstrate 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.
• Maintain all pre‑admission and admission paperwork with accuracy and complete 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 obtained 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 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, 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well‑being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, 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.

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community‑based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post‑acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.