Discharge Planner

Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care•Kent, WA

About The Position

Valley Cities has recently been designated as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), reflecting compliance with stringent national standards in behavioral health care. This status enables broader service availability, improved integration of mental health and substance use treatment, enhanced crisis intervention capabilities, and ensures services are accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. We are excited about the future ahead. We’re looking for people who want to make a real difference in behavioral health while growing alongside a mission‑driven team. Employees joining Valley Cities at this time will become part of an impactful organization dedicated to advancing community behavioral health, that is grounded in compassion, equity and community impact. Join us to make significant contributions during pivotal moments in the lives of others! The Discharge Planner will function as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing recovery-oriented, person-centered care at Recovery Place Kent - Inpatient Services. The primary responsibilities of the Discharge Planner are to assist residents with connecting and gaining access to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and/or Mental Health (MH) services, as well as medical, social, educational, and other services upon discharge from treatment. This may also include direct assistance with accessing services, coordinating care, and linkage towards appropriate service needs. The Discharge Planner will utilize a harm-reduction approach when delivering services to inpatient residents and collaborate with program staff to support resident goals.

Requirements

Minimum High School degree
Obtain Agency Affiliated Counselor registration within 30 days of hire
Understanding of and familiarity of Behavioral Health
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of professionals and a diverse client population
Experience working in a Behavioral Health setting
Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries
Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care principles and service provision
Good communication skills, teamwork, and attitude
Multicultural awareness
Pass required background checks
Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and reliable transportation with current insurance

Responsibilities

Provide support and resources to residents to help them meet goals included in individualized treatment plans
Provide assistance in identifying and linking residents to appropriate community-based services and supports (primary care, mental health and/or substance abuse treatment, housing, financial benefits, etc.)
Provide liaison functions with hospitals, clinics, private practitioners, and managed care systems
Provide ongoing coordination of case management services, treatment planning, resource identification and development, environmental assistance, advocacy, and clinical services as appropriate
Work with multi-disciplinary care team members, including mental health and medical providers, as part of a comprehensive therapeutic environment, to assess and address resident issues throughout the workday
Collaborate with clinical and residential staff to identify and support residents’ goals
Provide services in 1:1 and group settings as determined by resident and program needs
Demonstrate effective engagement skills with individuals who have experienced trauma, homelessness, and related challenges
Manage the administrative work of an assigned caseload as determined by agency policy
Keep client records in compliance with WAC, Medicaid, and other contracts
Mediate and/or de-escalate resident conflict as needed
Assist residents in safety planning
Provide feedback to clinical staff regarding residents’ policy adherence and progress toward goals
Attend in-service trainings and meetings as required