Academic Admissions Coordinator

By joining the San Diego Center for Children, you will empower children and families through transformative mental health care and educational services. Our vision is to inspire a world where children and families live joyful, healthy lives. We serve over 1,000 people every day - are you ready to make an impact?

Join us - and work with purpose!

POSITION BENEFITS

• Team-oriented, Multidisciplinary Approach
• Ongoing, High-Level Learning and Development Opportunities
• Culturally Diverse Environment
• Joint Commission Accredited Organization
• Comprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet)
• Retirement Savings Plan: 403(b) - With Employer Match Up To 3%
• Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)
• Wellness Programs
• EAP - Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discounts For Those Pursuing a Higher Education
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Recognition Program
• Opportunities for Career Advancement
• May Be Eligible For State or Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs For Work With Underserved Populations
• All Offsite Programs Have a Bonus Structure

SUMMARY

The Academic Admissions Coordinator is responsible for managing and coordinating the admissions, intake, enrollment, and transition processes for students referred to the San Diego Center for Children Academy. Serving as a key liaison between referring school districts, families, internal departments, and community partners, this position ensures a seamless, timely, and trauma-informed admission experience while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and regulatory compliance.The Academic Admissions Coordinator conducts initial referral screenings to determine program appropriateness, coordinates campus tours and trial placements, gathers and reviews educational, medical, and clinical documentation, and oversees the completion of all required enrollment materials. The position collaborates closely with Academy administration, clinical services, nursing, education staff, and the Residential Treatment Center (RTC) to facilitate successful student admissions, transitions, and planned discharges while supporting appropriate program census and continuity of care.

This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including California Department of Education (CDE), Community Care Licensing (CCL), Joint Commission standards, FERPA, HIPAA, contractual requirements, and agency policies and procedures. The Academic Admissions Coordinator exercises sound judgment, maintains strict confidentiality, and promotes a positive, family-centered experience that reflects the mission and values of the San Diego Center for Children. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive and process incoming referrals in coordination with the Admissions Manager/designee.
• Assist in the collection and review of required intake documentation, including psychological evaluations, IEPs, immunization records, and consent forms.
• Coordinate intake appointments, assessments, and tours with families, referral sources, and internal departments.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic records and tracking logs.
• Communicate with county agencies, school districts, caregivers, and other referral sources to ensure smooth coordination.
• Greet and support families during intake appointments with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
• Prepare admission packets and ensure all required forms and consents are completed.
• Collaborate with clinical, residential, and educational teams to support transition planning for new admissions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements including CCL, CDE, and Joint Commission standards.
• Support internal reporting on referral trends and admissions data.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Admissions Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and FERPA requirements.
• Serve as liaison between external referral sources and internal treatment teams.
• Participate in internal quality improvement activities and clinical leadership meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge of all relevant regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services throughout the admissions process.
• Provide general orientation to students and family to the Academy by providing tours, family/student handbooks, and answering questions; or referring to the appropriate staff member when indicated to ensure potential students and their families feel welcomed and informed.
• Travel and represent the Center in promoting community relations through educational presentations or outreach programs in the community and areas in which we provide services.

Other Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all safety protocols are followed and immediately report any unsafe conditions or incidents to the appropriate supervisor.
• Contribute to overall program development and improvement initiatives, ensuring the program meets the highest standards of care and compliance.
• All duties as assigned.

Crisis Intervention & Support:

• Assist emotional and behavioral concerns when needed by providing de-escalation and safety planning interventions (calling PERT etc.).
• Assist when needed to support a crisis and maintain a safe in a therapeutic environment.

On The Job Mandatory Ongoing Trainings:

• Maintain all certifications and licenses required for the role, ensuring they remain current.
• Complete and stay up-to-date with all mandatory trainings as specified by the San Diego Center for Children, including but not limited to: Residential Counselor Training, Intervention Toolbox, CPR and First Aid Certification S.P.A. Certification, False Claims, HIPAA, Safety, Trauma Informed Care, Annual Block Trainings and other trainings, as assigned.

Restraint and Safety Training Requirements:

• Must pass a two-day SPA training that focuses on safely initiating a physical hold with youth presenting as a danger to themselves or others.
• It is recommended that staff be able to support up to 50 pounds.

Apply Safe and Positive Approaches (SPA) restraint techniques, which may involve:

• Lifting or holding a child in standing, sitting, or ground-level positions.
• Separating clients who are acting in an unsafe manner to ensure the safety of both clients and staff.
• Prolonged standing, bending, and transitioning youth from standing to a seated position.

Behavioral and Emotional Challenges:

• Due to the emotional instability of the clients, the employee may be subjected to physical aggression, including but not limited to: Kicking, hitting, punching, biting, and hair pulling.
• Vision Requirements: Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Pandemic Conditions:

• Must be able to perform job duties during a pandemic (e.g., COVID-19).

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents; Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents; Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; Ability to effectively present information to management and public groups

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, Stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk and hear. Frequently run, walk, sit, and drive a vehicle. Move and/or lift a child when clinically necessary and follow a child who is attempting to elope, either by walking or running at a comparable pace.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The San Diego Center for Children is committed to:

• Actively recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse staff at all levels of the organization.
• Ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the development and implementation of policies, practices and services and that individuals feel empowered to advance our mission within an atmosphere of trust, safety, and respect.
• Encourage and provide access to professional development in order to deliver equitable and culturally informed services to the population we serve.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Counseling, or a related field (working with Individual Educational Services)
• Minimum 1 year of experience in admissions, case management, or clinical coordination in behavioral health or Special Education setting
• Must be 21 years of age or older

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Cultural humility and sensitivity when working with diverse populations