Access and Admissions Specialist

Chestnut Health Systems™ is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Access and Admissions Specialist to join our team in Bloomington, Illinois. This position plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals seeking services receive timely, accurate, and compassionate support through every stage of the admissions process. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional customer service, manage scheduling and screening for multiple service areas, and maintain accurate records in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Chestnut Health Systems™ is a leading provider of integrated health care services. Since 1973, Chestnut has grown to more than 800 committed, compassionate employees providing substance use, mental health, and primary care treatment to patients in Illinois and Missouri. We provide fully integrated care for all our patients by combining behavioral health care services with our community-based primary care health centers. Chestnut also conducts research and training throughout the U.S.A.

• Serve as project lead for multiple ongoing and complex initiatives related to Access operations, demonstrating strong organization and attention to detail.
• Maintain accurate waiting lists and coordinate scheduling for Residential Substance Use, Outpatient Substance Use, Mental Health, and Domestic Violence services to ensure program census goals are met.
• Contact clients to communicate recommendations for services, schedule appointments, and confirm that pre-appointment requirements are met.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to improve access processes and address service needs effectively.
• Collect, analyze, and report data related to admissions, discharges, utilization, and service demand.
• Ensure documentation meets all regulatory, contractual, and internal standards, maintaining data integrity in electronic health records and related systems.
• Support Central Access operations by answering inbound calls and conducting screenings to gather demographic, referral, and payer information.
• Verify insurance coverage through online systems and accurately document findings.
• Provide exceptional customer service through every interaction, ensuring professionalism and empathy in all communication.
• Participate in training, meetings, and departmental initiatives to stay current on updates, workflows, and service changes.
• Assist in onboarding new staff and serve as a supportive, solution-focused peer within the team.
• Promote trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care principles including hope, empowerment, respect, and wellness in all communications.

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED with 5 years’ experience in admissions, scheduling, or intake screening within mental health or human services;
   OR a Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education, or related human services field;
   OR a Bachelor’s degree in another field with 2 years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting;
   OR a Master’s degree in a helping profession or related administrative area.
• Excellent telephone and customer service skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of calls professionally and calmly.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in keyboarding, data entry, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) or electronic billing systems preferred.
• Availability for weekend and evening hours as required/
• Must be able to sit through an entire work shift while answering a telephone wearing a headset and perform data

Are you intrigued by this job but don’t meet every single requirement? Chestnut is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about any of our posted positions but your experience doesn’t line up perfectly, please apply anyway! We’d love to explore the possibilities with you.

Chestnut Health Systems is a leader in the effort to achieve health equity, providing high-quality health and human services in underserved communities. We deliver trauma-informed, fully integrated care by combining behavioral health with community-based primary health care. Chestnut’s research division is nationally recognized for its contribution to evidence-based practices. Our empathic and innovative employees live our mission of making a difference.

Chestnut offers a new salary structure and robust benefits!

EOE – Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. Chestnut welcomes applications from qualified individuals with recovery experience.

The anticipated starting pay for new hires for this position is between $21.00 - $22.00 an hour. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base pay, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education, experience, local market conditions, and internal equity. Check out additional benefits here!