PIW is committed to improving the behavioral health care within our community by going beyond the traditional. We will continue to develop diverse and dynamic treatment programs and establish partnerships with others to understand and serve people where they live. Together we will build upon our strengths and human spirit to create a different future. PIW s Values (Guiding Principles) We will deliver the highest quality behavioral health care services to the patients at PIW in a responsible, reliable, and cost-effective manner. We will be responsive, sensitive, and professional in all our relationships. We will be a leader in providing a continuum of behavioral health care services in the Washington area. We will practice good corporate stewardship within our community. We will pursue growth while being mindful of the economic realities necessitated by being an independent organization. We will treat all employees and staff of PIW fairly. BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for supervising and providing direct patient care related to the intake and admission of children, adolescents, and adults from the ages of 5-65+ that is congruent with the philosophy and standards of practice defined by the Clinical Assessment Center and Nursing Department. Provides supervision for the provision of all nursing care provided in the Clinical Assessment Center and participates in the hospital admission system for the purpose of coordination of patient intakes, assessments, and admissions. Internally, the incumbent will interface with hospital management, physicians, staff, and patients. Externally, the incumbent will interface with licensing and accrediting agencies, family members, and healthcare treatment agencies as well as referral agencies and Emergency Departments. CORE COMPETENCIES: Knowledge of hospital and understanding of management principles. Knowledge of intake and admissions processes, admission criteria, patient throughput, and census/bed management. Practices methods, techniques, and skills in integrating management systems within an intake/admissions department of an acute behavioral health care delivery setting. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to senior management, physicians, groups of employees of varied technical support staff, and community organizations. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relationships with patients, employees, and general public. Ability to handle all telephone calls, fax referrals, and walk-ins to the hospital requesting mental health and addiction disorder services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Directs activities necessary for efficient functioning of all systems and personnel in the CAC. Coordinates resources from other disciplines and departments in the delivery of patient care in the CAC and in transitioning patients efficiently and effectively to the treatment units. Ensures that diagnostic, consultative, and medical services for patients are provided promptly as ordered to include interpreter services if required. Investigates all patient and staff grievances in a prompt manner, informing the Director of the CAC, AOC, the hospital Nursing Supervisor, the CEO and Director of Nursing as needed. Takes action to problem solve with knowledge of interdepartmental relationships. Monitors CAC staffing to ensure that it is safe and within staffing guidelines established. Provides professional consultation to CAC colleagues and other hospital staff and seeks assistance from peers as needed. Actively participates in CAC, nursing, and hospital committees, as assigned by the Director of the CAC. Verbalizes knowledge of professional issues and willingness to accomplish assigned tasks. Develops professional goals and objectives and evaluates progress with the Director of the CAC. Participates in CAC staff Meetings and assists with planning and teaching staff development programs. Provides inservice training to CAC staff on the designated shift. Obtains authorization for CAC staff overtime, if needed. Knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to the scope of Patient Assessment and Admissions and Standards of Nursing. Ability to function as an advisor to the Director of the CAC and other senior management as needed. Completes all paperwork appropriately. PERFORMS INTAKE AND ADMISSIONS FUNCTIONS, TO INCLUDE: Responds to calls in a manner that is professional, courteous, organized, directive, and caring. Sets appointments within 24-hour time frame with callers for diagnostic evaluations with appropriate clinicians. Performs needs assessments on all appointments scheduled, and makes appropriate dispositions based on individuals clinical needs and resources. Tracks and updates admissions, discharges, transfers and bed availability timely for every shift. Reports follow up need on a case-by-case basis every shift. Prepares summary reports of previous day Intake activities for admission/discharge meeting. Has knowledge of and is able to communicate about benefits provided by common insurance providers. Develops and maintains close working relationships with Program Directors/Nurse Managers around admissions, patient satisfaction, and patient orientations. Functions as Admission service in terms of census tracking and admissions during assigned shift. Represents Intake Services at census meetings as assigned. Assists with collection of QA data as assigned. Reviews QA data and participates in strategizing solutions to problem identified. Accepts responsibility for professional growth and development. Demonstrates a professional attitude and supports the objectives of the hospital s marketing and guest relations philosophy through internal and external communications and interactions with all levels of staff, patients, family members, guests, community, and referral sources. Demonstrates the ability to work with a variety of individuals regardless of racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or sociological backgrounds. Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Job Requirements MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: BSN from an accredited program or currently enrolled in BSN program. Current license to practice nursing in the District of Colombia. Current CPR Certification. Four years experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting with clinical and administrative responsibilities, two of which are in a supervisory position. Intake and admissions experience preferred. Ability to work in high stress work environment and maintain high energy level to attend to varied tasks. Ability to prioritize. Demonstrated ability to establish rapport quickly and confident use of skills for interviewing, crisis intervention, and clinical assessment.