Intake Clerk

SUN Behavioral Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

SUN Behavioral Houston is seeking an Admissions Coordinator to manage patient admissions for Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. You will interview patients, collect information, verify insurance, and enter data into the computer system, ensuring compliance with hospital policies.

This role requires strong communication, accuracy, teamwork, and a compassionate approach. You’ll support CQI activities, handle financial arrangements with the Business Office, and protect

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; CPR and de-escalation certification required.
• 1 year of experience in a behavioral health setting.
• CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification required.

Responsibilities

• Accept admissions for hospital services and preregister patients.
• Coordinate referrals and pre-admissions from physicians and EDs.
• Verify insurance eligibility and obtain patient signatures.
• Enter patient information into the computer database; maintain records.
• Communicate policies, patient rights, HIPAA and CQI activities.
• Secure or return patient valuables as appropriate.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Ability to work under stress

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in Science

Tools

Computer data entry

Job description

Position Summary:Arranges for the efficient and orderly admission of inpatients, and outpatients to our Partial Hospitalization and Intensive outpatient programs. Ensures that the patient information is collected and that patients are aware of hospital policies and procedures. Interviews incoming patient or representatives and enters information required for admission into computer database. Distributes appropriate information to ancillary departments. Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.Position Responsibilities:Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)Responsible for accepting admissions for hospital services.Coordinating referrals and admissions from a physician’s office, local Emergency Rooms and other community referrals and pre-admitting these patients.Responsible for preregistering patients for scheduled admissions and outpatient programs and checking insurance eligibility.Responsible for interviewing patients or their representative for obtaining personal information or verifying information already on file, including emergency numbers and insurance information.Responsible for obtaining signatures on Conditions of Admission, all other admission forms/consent and initiating the advance directive process. Communicates with Nursing Services when no advance directive is available.Responsible for starting Q15 checks on all patients.Provides information to the patient/representative about the complaint process, patient rights, HIPAA and visiting hours. Distributes hospital specific literature.Responsible for insuring that a patient’s valuables are taken home by a family member or secured in the safe.Communicates appropriately and clearly to supervisor, nurse managers, co-workers and physicians.Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.Responsible, when previous arrangements have been made or a co-payment is required, to work with Business off to collect such payments, record payment and forward to the Business Office staff.Responsible for knowing hospital policies and being familiar with hospital services that are available.Refers patient to the Business Office when financial arrangements need to be made.Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function well in stressful situations.Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity; ensures confidentiality of patients’ records.Maintain tracking of pending transfers and contact Telehealth Clinician within 15 min if there are at least two patients waiting for assessments.Monitor on-site assessments that likely won’t be able to be started in the next 15 minutes and then contact telehealth clinician for completion of assessment.Understand the clinical collateral process (e.g. obtaining clinical for a transfer, responding to a fax request, etc.)Perform other duties as assigned by Director.Safety (15% of performance review)Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family membersFollows all safety rules while on the job.Reports “near misses”, as well as errors and accidents promptly.Corrects minor safety hazards.Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.Teamwork (15% of performance review)Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as requiredDemonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.Adheres to the Standards of BehaviorIntegrity (15% of performance review)Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospitalAdheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadershipExemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.Compassion (15% of performance review)Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping handDesire to go above and beyond for othersUnderstanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differencesEducationRequired: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.Preferred: Associates’ degree in ScienceMaintains education and development appropriate for position.ExperienceRequired: One year of experience in a behavioral health setting