Discharge Planner

Western Missouri Medical Center•Warrensburg, MO

About The Position

The Discharge Planner collaborates with the Case Management department to facilitate appropriate post-acute patient placement, using hospital and community resources to support continuity of care. The role assists with discharge assessments and arrangements, provides information and advocacy to patients and families, participates in multidisciplinary care planning, and supports department documentation, metrics, and performance improvement activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a similar field.
Current AHA or Red Cross BLS certification.
Ability to work independently and take direction.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Self-motivation and ability to work within hospital or clinic policies, procedures, and practices.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
1–3 years of hospital-based acute care experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with initial discharge planning assessments to establish patients’ and families’ post-discharge needs.
Assist with post-acute patient placement and discharge needs, including skilled nursing facility referrals, transportation, home medical equipment, home infusion therapy, hospice referrals, and home health services.
Facilitate the second issuance of the Important Message for Medicare patients and document issuance in the patient record.
Identify patients who need help obtaining medications for post-acute care and arrange procurement.
Participate in multidisciplinary team rounds to review plans of care, discharge planning, and utilization management, collaborating to address patient needs and desired outcomes.
Provide patients and families with information about post-hospital care placement options, ensure patient choice, and obtain required consents for referrals.
Maintain expertise regarding community resources.
Advocate for patients and families throughout the episode of care and facilitate communication among providers so patients and families can make informed decisions.
Assist with documentation and capturing department metrics as directed by the UM Plan, including avoidable days, delays, and interventions.
Adapt to workload demands, prioritize work effectively, and maintain productivity.
Cooperate with changes in staffing schedules to achieve department productivity standards.
Participate in department-based performance improvement activities and other department activities, providing input when appropriate.
Contribute to developing competencies related to job functions and participate in competency evaluations.
Demonstrate attendance patterns that reflect commitment to job requirements and patient care needs, and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
Apply working knowledge of HIPAA guidelines in all communications with patients and families.
Perform other essential duties as assigned.