Discharge Planner, Behavioral Health

Memorial Health•Springfield, MA

7d•$29 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Discharge Planner is responsible for leading and coordinating the discharge planning process for patients admitted to an inpatient psychiatric setting. This role ensures continuity of care, reduces risk of readmission, and promotes patient stability by developing comprehensive, individualized discharge plans that address clinical, psychosocial, environmental, and financial needs. The Discharge Planner works as an integral member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and serves as a Liaison between the hospital, community-based providers, patients, and families. This position requires strong clinical judgment, knowledge of behavioral health systems of care, and adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., CMS Conditions of Participation, Joint Commission).

Requirements

High School Diploma required
Strong knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses, treatment modalities, and levels of care
Familiarity with community mental health systems and social service resources
Understanding of insurance processes, medical necessity criteria, and utilization management
Excellent assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution abilities
Ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities in a almost-paced environment
All licenses must be in good standing and maintained in accordance with state regulations

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, social services, or related field or graduate of an accredited nursing program (LPN, RN, or BSN) preferred
Clinical licensure in a behavioral health field (e.g., LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC, LMFT, or equivalent) or nursing license (RN or LPN) in the State of Illinois preferred
Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in behavioral health, with inpatient psychiatric experience preferred

Responsibilities

Initiate discharge planning at the time of admission and reassess throughout the patient’s stay
Complete or contribute to discharge planning assessments, including psychosocial needs, barriers, and risk factors, within scope of practice
Develop, implement, and update individualized discharge plans in collaboration with the treatment team
Identify and address barriers to discharge, including housing, transportation, insurance, and access to medications/services
Identify appropriate levels of care post-discharge (e.g., outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), residential treatment, or long-term care)
Coordinate transitions to community-based services
Ensure continuity of psychiatric care, including medication management and therapy services
Ensure patients are provided with freedom of choice in selecting post-discharge providers and services
Ensure follow-up appointments are scheduled within recommended timeframes (e.g., within 7 days of discharge)
Assess patient readiness for discharge, including evaluation of safety, stability, and support systems
Identify high-risk patients (e.g., suicidality, homelessness, substance use, frequent readmissions) and implement enhanced discharge planning Interventions
Collaborate with clinical staff to ensure discharge plans align with treatment goals and risk mitigation strategies
Participate in daily treatment team meetings, case conferences, and utilization reviews
Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and other clinical staff to ensure coordinated care
Serve as a central point of communication for discharge-related planning and problem-solving
Educate patients and families on discharge plans and aftercare services
Involve support systems in discharge planning when appropriate
Provide support around transitions, barriers to care, and community reintegration
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources, including mental health providers, housing programs, substance use treatment services, and social services
Coordinate referrals to community agencies and ensure warm handoffs whenever possible
Document all discharge planning activities in the medical record in conformity with hospital policy and regulatory standards
Ensure documentation supports medical necessity, level of care decisions, and continuity planning
Comply with all applicable regulations, including CMS Conditions of Participation, Joint Commission standards, HIPAA, and state-specific requirements
Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and performance metrics related to discharge planning and readmissions