There are many different care coordinator roles, and each works to make sure the entire addiction treatment process goes smoothly for all involved.
About Addiction Specialists
Addiction treatment facilities are made up of many moving parts. From patient intake and assessment to day-to-day operations, keeping a facility running smoothly requires a variety of staff members who specialize in specific administrative roles. The best way to keep a facility efficient is to adopt a system of coordinated care.
Coordinated care helps reduce confusion in what can otherwise be a complicated health care system. Delegating each part of the addiction treatment process to certain coordinators makes it so no one department is stretching itself too thin. The result isa highly organized systemthat keeps vital information and records exactly where they need to be.
Through an organized system of coordinated care, physicians can easily access information, which allows patients to transition through treatment processes more easily. For a patient, this makes for more effective treatment, a smoother recovery journey and a lower chance of stressful interactions with staff.
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Examples of Care Coordinators
To ensure no one is carrying too much of the load, many care coordinators are located within each treatment facility. While the specific coordinators may vary from one facility to another, the following are examples of the most common types you’ll find in a treatment center.
Clinical Coordinator / Physician Coordinator
Physician Services Coordinator
Intake Coordinator
Patient Care Coordinator
Therapeutic Activities Coordinator
What Are Some Important Skills and Qualities for Care Coordinators?
Aside from related experience and education, the most important skills and qualities needed for most care coordinator roles include:
- The ability to work as part of a team
- A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Excellent leadership abilities
- The ability to use and manage technology processes, such as data entry and financial programs
- The ability to empathize with patients struggling with substance use disorders and other co-occurring conditions
How To Pursue a Career in Care Coordination
Mostcare coordinator roles require a bachelor’s degreeand related health care or administrative experience. However, some facilities may hire candidates with an associate’s degree, certification or years of experience in lieu of education.
A good path to becoming a care coordinator is to attend a bachelor’s degree program related to medical, business or health care administration. Coursework may include classes in health care law, long-term care, medical terminology and health information systems. Toward the end of their program, students can apply for internship roles to begin building work experience. Many facilities require at least two years of health care-related experience, which can be attained through internships during college or entry-level positions after graduation.
It can also be beneficial to complete a certification program after receiving a bachelor’s degree. This helps show that a candidate has proficient knowledge of medical coaching, advocacy, laws, ethics, insurance, care goals and similar items. A well-rounded resume typically includes a bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience and certification.
