The National Director of Admissions and Intake provide strategic leadership and oversight of all intakes, admissions, and referral management functions across the organization. This role ensures timely, compliant, and client-centered access to services while optimizing workflows, improving conversion rates, and maintaining high-quality standards across all regions and programs.
The Director partners with clinical, operations, and external stakeholders to streamline access to care, enhance the client experience, and support organizational growth.
🎯 Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and execute a national intake and admissions strategy aligned with organizational goals
- Standardize intake processes across all sites and programs
- Establish KPIs (referral-to-admission rate, intake cycle time, no-show rates, etc.)
- Lead continuous quality improvement initiatives
2. Admissions & Intake Operations
- Oversee all referral, intake, eligibility, and admissions processes
- Ensure timely response to referrals and efficient client onboarding
- Manage capacity tracking and placement coordination
- Implement standardized workflows and documentation practices
3. Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with:
- State and federal regulations
- Licensing and accreditation standards
- HIPAA and confidentiality requirements
- Monitor audits and maintain documentation integrity
- Develop and enforce intake policies and procedures
4. Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise and support regional intake managers and teams
- Provide coaching, training, and performance management
- Build a high-performing, client-centered intake culture
- Develop staffing models to meet demand
5. Data & Performance Management
- Analyze intake and admissions data to:
- Identify trends and gaps
- Improve conversion rates
- Reduce wait times
- Create and present regular performance reports to leadership
- Utilize dashboards and reporting tools
6. Systems & Technology (EHR/CRM)
- Oversee intake-related systems (EHR, CRM, referral platforms)
- Partner with IT to optimize workflows and automation
- Ensure accurate and timely data entry and reporting
7. Stakeholder & Referral Partner Relations
- Build relationships with:
- Schools
- Regional centers
- Hospitals
- Community partners
- Ensure strong referral pipelines and communication
- Support outreach and growth initiatives
8. Client Experience
- Ensure a welcoming, efficient, and trauma-informed intake process
- Reduce barriers to access
- Address client and family concerns promptly
📊 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Referral-to-admission conversion rate
- Intake response time
- Admission cycle time
- Client satisfaction at intake
- Referral source growth
- Compliance audit results
Requirements
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, Social Work, Psychology, or related field
- 5–8+ years of experience in intake, admissions, or healthcare operations
- 3–5+ years in a leadership role
- Experience in behavioral health, IDD, or healthcare services
- Strong knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements
Preferred:
- Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MSW, or related)
- Experience managing multi-site or national programs
- Familiarity with EHR systems (e.g., Credible, Epic, etc.)
- PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma experience
🧠 Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking and execution
- Operational excellence
- Data-driven decision-making
- Leadership and team development
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Problem-solving and process improvement
Work Environment
- Hybrid or remote with travel (20–40%)
- Fast-paced, mission-driven environment
❤️ Why This Role Matters
This role is critical in ensuring timely access to care, improving client outcomes, and supporting the organization’s growth and community impact.
Department: Operations / Clinical Services
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (or VP of Operations)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- 401k
- Salary Range: $110,000 – $140,000.