JOB SUMMARY

The Admissions Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the admissions process for prospective, planned and emergency admissions into MCH's residential programs. Responsibilities include receiving admission inquiry calls, reviewing applications for placement, gathering and reviewing records, conducting interviews and tours with children and parents/managing conservators/legal guardians, and making placement recommendations and community referrals. The Admissions Coordinator is supervised by the Director of Admissions and Family Engagement.   

This position requires strong organizational skills and involves frequent contact with children in need of out-of-home care and their families, as well as Child Protective Services staff, Juvenile Probation Officers, schools, MCH Family Outreach offices, community agencies and other referral sources.

The Admissions Coordinator must exhibit the intellectual and emotional maturity required to work in a ministry dedicated to helping children and families facing challenging life circumstances. This position requires respect and compassionate understanding for the children/parents/managing conservators/legal guardians served and knowledge of community outreach and family services. The Admissions Coordinator must maintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behavior consistent with the agency's mission and core values. The Admissions Coordinator must possess effective verbal and written communication skills. This position requires the ability to work collaboratively with families, referral sources and MCH staff in all departments and programs. The Admissions Coordinator must have a thorough understanding of and demonstrated competency in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and other trauma wise interventions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage inquiry calls and applications for admission promptly and professionally;
• Interview applicants and their parent/managing conservator/legal guardian in a timely manner;
• Gather pertinent information on each applicant;
• Assess and identify applicants appropriate for placement;
• Identify and review applications viewed as sensitive with the Director of Admissions and Family Engagement;
• Present applicants suitable for placement to the screening committee;
• Refer applicants who are not accepted for placement to other community resources;
• Coordinate placement of child accepted into care with the assigned Case Manager;
• Attend admission meetings of accepted children and complete admission assessments and plans of service based on the needs of the child and family in accordance with program guidelines;
• Participate in community meetings and develop relationships with referral sources;
• Stay current with the practices, procedures and protocols of the MCH residential programs;
• Maintain compliance with agency policies and procedures;
• Maintain compliance with applicable licensing and accreditation standards;
• Manage agency funds, resources and equipment according to agency policy and procedures;
• Work collaboratively in a proactive and positive manner with other departments;
• Participate in program evaluation and continuous quality improvement process;
• Represent program at agency and community functions, activities and events; and
• Complete required documentation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a professional position that may require more hours than the normal 40-hour work week.  Presence during normal business hours of the agency is required to be available for consultation and to perform job responsibilities. Responsibilities include occasional work in the evening and on weekends. Availability to work out of town and overnight travel are required. An automobile for in town and out of town travel is required. Mileage reimbursement is provided for use of personal automobile for approved business purposes. A cell phone is required and a technology stipend is provided to offset the business use of the cell phone. 

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field is required with a Master's Degree preferred.  Relevant experience in a licensed residential program is preferred. 

TRAINING

Training hours must be completed annually to comply with licensing and accreditation standards, as well as MCH policy. The employee's supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth. Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment.

OTHER

The Admissions Coordinator must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas Driver's License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children's Home, no criminal history and acceptable references. 

CLOSING STATEMENT

I have reviewed the job description for the position of Admissions Coordinator and understand I must be able to perform the duties outlined above. The Physical Demands/Requirements of the position are provided in another document and discussed at hire. I understand that due to the complexities of the position all duties and responsibilities may not be outlined in this job description and the duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change.