Application Guide

How to Apply for Central Intake Admissions Specialist

at Otterbein

🏢 About Otterbein

Otterbein is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with over 100 years of service in senior living, offering a supportive culture that values compassion, innovation, and community. Employees enjoy a mission-driven environment with opportunities for growth and meaningful work.

About This Role

As a Central Intake Admissions Specialist, you'll be the first point of contact for referrals, managing the entire admissions process from initial inquiry to move-in. Your work directly impacts census growth and resident satisfaction, making you a crucial link between the organization and the community.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day starts by checking for new referrals in the CRM, prioritizing by urgency and payer source. You'll spend time on the phone with referral sources, hospitals, and families, coordinating clinical and financial evaluations. Afternoons involve data entry, obtaining authorizations, and updating internal teams to ensure a smooth admission process.

🎯 Who Otterbein Is Looking For

  • Has experience in healthcare admissions, preferably in long-term care, and understands the urgency of timely referrals.
  • Possesses strong knowledge of payer sources (Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care) and can quickly assess financial viability.
  • Is tech-savvy with EMR and CRM systems, able to manage data entry and documentation efficiently.
  • Exhibits excellent communication and relationship-building skills to maintain referral source partnerships.

📝 Tips for Applying to Otterbein

1

Highlight any experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, MatrixCare) in your resume, as Otterbein likely uses these for tracking.

2

Emphasize your knowledge of long-term care payer sources and give examples of how you've navigated authorizations.

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention Otterbein's mission and how your values align with their faith-based, nonprofit approach.

4

Use quantifiable achievements in your resume, such as 'managed 50+ referrals per week with a 90% conversion rate.'

5

Check Otterbein's website for specific software they use (e.g., PointClickCare) and mention familiarity in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your ability to manage the entire admissions process with urgency and attention to detail.', 'Experience with payer sources and financial assessments for long-term care.', 'Strong relationship management skills with referral sources and internal teams.', "Alignment with Otterbein's mission of serving seniors with compassion and integrity."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review Otterbein's history and mission statement to understand their faith-based, nonprofit values.
  • Look at their current services and locations to understand the scope of their senior living continuum.
  • Check for recent news or awards, such as 'Best Places to Work' or quality ratings, to mention in interviews.
  • Explore their career page for any specific initiatives or values they highlight for the admissions team.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you prioritize referrals when multiple come in at once?
2 Describe a time you handled a difficult referral source or patient family.
3 How do you ensure documentation is accurate and compliant with regulations?
4 What strategies do you use to build and maintain relationships with referral sources?
5 How do you stay updated on changes in Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Otterbein or the specific role.
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of payer sources or the urgency required in admissions.
  • Overlooking the importance of relationship management with referral sources, focusing only on administrative tasks.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Otterbein!