Director of Patient Throughput & Strategic Discharge Planning

PAM Health Corporate Office•Enola, PA

About The Position

The Director of Patient Throughput & Strategic Discharge Planning is a system-level leadership role responsible for optimizing patient flow across the continuum of care at PAM Health. This position leads enterprise strategies that improve patient throughput, reduce avoidable length of stay (LOS), and ensure timely, safe, and high-quality discharges—particularly for clinically, socially, and operationally complex patients. The role provides system-level oversight and escalation support for complex discharge barriers, partnering with hospital and system leadership to resolve challenges related to placement, payer authorization, medical readiness, social determinants of health, and post-acute care availability. The Director works collaboratively with executive leadership, hospital operations, nursing, physicians, case management, therapy, and external partners to align throughput initiatives with organizational quality, financial, and patient experience goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 5–7+ years of progressive leadership experience in hospital operations, patient flow, or case management.
Demonstrated success improving LOS metrics and managing complex discharge populations.
Executive presence with the ability to influence across multidisciplinary teams.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and escalation management skills.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and negotiation abilities.
Ability to balance operational efficiency with patient-centered care delivery

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution
Develop and implement system-wide patient throughput and discharge planning strategies across LTACH and IRF settings.
Lead LOS optimization initiatives with a focus on reducing avoidable days and delayed discharges.
Standardize discharge planning workflows to support safe, timely transitions of care.
Monitor throughput metrics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
Complex Discharge Management & Care Continuum Oversight
Provide enterprise-level oversight and escalation support for high-risk and complex discharges.
Address discharge barriers related to payer authorization, placement availability, social determinants of health, and medical readiness.
Partner with post-acute providers, payers, and community resources to improve access and continuity of care.
Lead complex discharge reviews and interdisciplinary case conferences to drive timely resolution.
Collaboration & Clinical Leadership
Partner with executive leadership, nursing, physicians, case management, therapy, and ancillary services to align throughput goals.
Facilitate interdisciplinary throughput, LOS, and discharge barrier meetings.
Serve as a subject matter expert on best practices in patient flow and care transitions.
Performance Management & Analytics
Establish and monitor KPIs related to LOS, avoidable days, discharge efficiency, and readmissions.
Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and report performance to executive leadership.
Support hospitals in translating data insights into targeted improvement plans.
Quality, Compliance & Care Transitions
Ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and payer requirements related to discharge planning.
Promote evidence-based initiatives that reduce readmissions and improve post-discharge outcomes.
Align throughput initiatives with patient safety, quality improvement, and patient experience priorities.
Leadership
Inclusiveness: Promotes cooperation, fairness and equity; shows respect for people and their differences; works to understand perspectives of others; demonstrates empathy; brings out the best in others and in his/her team
Managing Staff: Coaches, evaluates, develops, and inspires staff; sets expectations; recognizes achievements
Stewardship and Resource Management: Demonstrates accountability and sound judgment in managing company resources; appropriate understanding of confidentiality and company values; adheres to and supports company policies, procedures and safety guidelines
Problem-Solving: Identifies problems and involves others in seeking solutions; conducts appropriate analysis and searches for best solutions; effectively and efficiently implements appropriate responses to correct problems; responds promptly and effectively to new challenges
Decision-Making: Makes clear, consistent decisions; acts with integrity in all decisions; distinguishes relevant from irrelevant information; makes timely, appropriate decisions.
Strategic Planning and Organizing: Understands company vision and aligns priorities accordingly; measures outcomes; uses feedback to redirect as required; evaluates alternatives; appropriately organizes complex issues to desirable resolution
Communication: Connects with peers, subordinate employees and all customers; actively listens; clearly and effectively shares information; demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills; negotiates effectively.
Quality Improvement: Strives for efficient, effective, high-quality performance in self and in the department; delivers timely and accurate results; resilient when responding to matters that are challenging; takes initiative to make improvements
Leadership: Motivates others; accepts responsibility; maintains high morale in department; develops trust and credibility; expects honest and ethical behavior of self and staff
Teamwork: Encourages cooperation and collaboration; builds effective teams; works in partnership with others; is flexible; responsive to the needs of others
Development: Maintains up-to-date skills through involvement with professional organizations and/or continuing education
Customer Service
Maintains the highest level of customer service via courtesy, compassion and positive communication.
Promotes the mission and vision of PAM Health within the work environment and the community.
Respects dignity and confidentiality by adherence to all applicable policies and procedures.
Health and Safety
Works in a manner that promotes safety; wears clothing appropriate to the performance of the job.
Participates in OSHA required training.
Follows universal precautions as appropriate for position; complies with Employee Health requirements for continued employment.
Reports unsafe practices to management.
Knows own role in case of an emergency.

Benefits

If you’re looking for a schedule that fits your lifestyle; then ask us about our comprehensive benefits package!
Some things that our hospital can offer YOU as a full-time employee:
Medical Benefits: EPO/HDHP/HSA options, including prescription coverage, Rx ’n Go, and Teladoc
Comprehensive dental and vision benefits
Employee Assistance Program, including counseling, legal, and financial service
Flexible spending (FSA) and health savings (HSA) accounts
Life and Disability insurance benefits
Education/In-Service Opportunities including continuing education and tuition assistance
Supplemental benefits: Accident, critical illness, cancer, pet, and identity theft protection insurance options
Auto, Home, Cell Phone, and Gym Membership discount offerings
Personal Travel Discounts
401(k) plans and discretionary employer match
Generous Paid Benefit Time