Discharge Planner -Full-Time

CorrectHealth Career•Lawrenceville, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

CorrectHealth is seeking a full-time Discharge Planner to join their team in Lawrenceville, GA. This role focuses on providing evidence-based patient care to ensure a successful transition from a correctional setting. The Discharge Planner, under the supervision of the Director of Nursing (DON) and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, will manage patient discharge, including access to medication, follow-up appointments, and coordination with community-based organizations for continuity of care post-release. The position requires maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations, including accurate medical records and HIPAA. The Discharge Planner will initiate and coordinate discharge planning for incarcerated patients with various health needs, identify patients at risk for interrupted care, and arrange continuity appointments with community providers. They will also facilitate the handoff of health information, ensure patients have necessary medications or prescriptions upon release, and provide patient education within the LPN scope of practice. Accurate documentation of all discharge planning activities is essential. The role involves participating in quality improvement activities and advocating for patient access to necessary post-release health services. The Discharge Planner will support patient self-management and communicate unresolved discharge needs to supervisors. Other related nursing duties may be assigned, and the individual may be floated to other clinical areas as needed.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited LPN/LVN or RN Nursing program
Current Licensed Practical/Vocational Nursing (LPN/LVN) or RN License required
Current BLS (Basic Life Support) required
Minimum two (2) years of nursing experience
Experience working with diverse populations
Critical and analytical thinking
High degree of confidentiality
Ability to communicate (oral and written) with all levels of staff

Nice To Haves

Experience in Corrections, Emergency or Psychiatry preferred

Responsibilities

Initiate and coordinate discharge planning for incarcerated patients with identified medical, mental health, substance use, or chronic care needs in accordance with NCCHC continuity of care standards.
Identify patients at risk for interrupted care upon release, including those with chronic illness, pregnancy, infectious disease, serious mental illness, or ongoing medication needs, and prioritize timely discharge planning interventions.
Coordinate continuity of care for individuals released to the community, including referrals to community clinics, health departments, mental health providers, opioid treatment programs, and emergency resources.
Arrange continuity appointments with community providers, clinics, public health departments, substance use treatment programs, and mental health services as indicated, consistent with NCCHC Access to Care and Discharge Planning standards.
Facilitate timely handoff of key health information (e.g., medication lists, recent treatments, followâ€‘up needs) to patients and receiving providers when feasible, recognizing jail release constraints.
Assist in ensuring patients are released with an appropriate supply of medications or prescriptions, as ordered by a licensed provider, to prevent gaps in treatment following release.
Provide patient education regarding medications, follow-up care, warning signs, and how to access community health resources, within LPN scope of practice.
Verify that discharge instructions are clear, culturally appropriate, and documented accurately in the health record.
Accurately document discharge planning activities, referrals, patient education, and continuity-of-care arrangements in the health record in alignment with NCCHC 2026 Supporting Survey Documentation requirements.
Participate in quality improvement activities related to discharge planning outcomes, missed appointments, medication continuity, or readmissions as assigned.
Adhere to NCCHC standards, facility policies, and state Nurse Practice Act requirements while performing discharge planning functions under appropriate supervision.
Advocate for the patient access to necessary post-release health services and assist patients in understanding how to navigate community health systems upon discharge.
Support patient self-management by reinforcing education on chronic disease care, infectious disease follow-up, and preventive health needs prior to release.
Communicate unresolved discharge needs to supervisor or providers when release occurs before full planning can be completed.
Performs other related nursing duties as assigned and may be floated to other departments or clinical areas as operational needs arise.