Emergency Services Coordinator

Responsibilities

Emergency Services Coordinator Responds to inquiry calls regarding services.  Provides appropriate information and referrals.  Oversees the admission process including appropriateness of the admission, completion of all required admission paperwork, pre-certifications and benefit verifications and coordination with the Physician, Social Worker, U.R. Coordinator and treatment team.  Obtains billing and insurance information, unit/program assignment, etc.  Knowledgeable and able to explain Hospital programs and services.  Understands and considers basic growth and development needs specific to the age and population served.  Provides accurate and complete information to Hospital Administration and physicians regarding admissions, referrals, discharges, etc.  Conducts tours of the Hospital.  Trains other staff in the admission process, policies and procedures.  Assures compliance with all applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations that pertain to psychiatric admissions.  Maintains all data/records regarding the intake and admission process.  Obtains, organizes and has current information regarding discharges, bed availability, admission times, etc., level of care assessments as needed.  Has a strong understanding of the department computer systems.  Assures that maintenance of a safe and sanitary environment.  Conducts the initial assessment which includes prior treatment history, previous medications, health screen, family dynamics and risk factors.

Qualifications

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

Education:  Masters Degree in Psychology or Social Work required

Experience:     Two years of psychiatric experience preferred.

Licensure/Certification:  Licensure or eligibility for licensure preferred. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois also preferred.

Knowledge:    Working knowledge of Illinois Confidentiality Act, Illinois Mental Health Code, EMTALA and ILPA progress.  Detailed understanding of psychiatric criteria for various levels of care.  Thorough understanding of DSM-IV criteria. Computer training/experience, crisis intervention and risk assessment, customer service skills, leadership skills.

Supervision Received:    Director of Emergency Services, Assistant Director, and/or Supervisor

Supervision Exercised:   None

Line of Promotion:          Assistant Director or Supervisor

Working Conditions:      Works in the Emergency Services area, the inpatient units and other areas of the Hospital.  Hazards include risk of exposure to communicable disease and risks associated with managing psychiatric patients with the potential to lose control and risks associated with the use of electrical equipment.

Physical Requirements: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.  Physical agility to manage patients. Push, pull and lift up to 40 pounds. Intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping. 

The physical requirements described here are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

Job Classification:           Non-Exempt

This job classification in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The Emergency Services Counselor will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by the Director of Emergency Services, Assistant Director, and/or Supervisor.