Patient Discharge Coordinator (Behavioral Health) (Bachelor's Level)

McClendon Center • Washington, DC

2d • $51,395 - $55,678

About The Position

McClendon Center, founded in 1980, is a certified community based service provider operating under the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health. As a leading not-for-profit organization in Washington, DC, the McClendon Center provides outpatient behavioral rehabilitation to the mentally ill by fostering creativity, promoting friendship, instilling independence, and providing an outlet for emotional growth and greater participation in the community.
McClendon Center operates programs in two locations, a day program near Metro Center and an outpatient service clinic in DC. The Center has revenues of approximately $9 million, with contracts from DBH, three Managed Medicaid Organizations, and grants from various foundations.
McClendon Center is a respected and highly rate agency in the District of Columbia. The Center was the first independent mental health agency in the District to be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
MUST have a valid drivers license and vehicle.
• Respond to admission notifications 24 hours per day, 7 days per week on a rotating basis.
• Travel to inpatient units within required time frame to engage with clients post-admission.
• Obtain signed release forms and other required documentation from clients and coordinate appropriate follow-up care with the client’s outpatient providers.
• Conduct brief psychosocial intake, entering and scanning notes/documents into the electronic medical record.
• Liaison with clients’ outpatient providers, communicating all relevant information relating to the admission and discharge to the client.
• Maintain daily telephonic contact with the inpatient unit, visiting the unit as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
• Observe clients pre and post-discharge, communicate with the inpatient treatment team, obtain updated medication lists, and firm discharge dates, where appropriate.
• Complete discharge document(s) and all required reports, uploading them into the client’s electronic medical record.
• Transport clients to fill prescriptions, review reasons for taking medication and provide transportation to clients’ place of residence.
• Schedule interval visits to clients’ home or place of residence, as assigned, following the discharge date until the psychiatric appointment has been kept.
• May perform other duties as assigned.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
• Coordinate behavioral health care, substance abuse, and health care services informed by evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, including prevention of mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Coordinate access to preventive and health promotion services.
• Coordinate access to chronic illness management, including self-management support to individuals and their families.
• Advocates for and supports the client, engage with community agencies/health care providers and others on his or her behalf to ensure access to services needed to increase wellness self-management and reduce emergency room visits and/or hospitalizations.
• Provides clinical support to the Team by providing consultation, education, information around psychosocial and/or substance abuse conditions, interventions and resources to maintain focus on outcomes and best practices.
• Provides interventions for consumers, including but not limited to: skills development; crisis intervention; substance abuse assessment, education, and referral; financial management; household management and preventative maintenance; preventive health; preventive mental health; educational/vocational assessment and planning; resource generation.
• Develops linkages with other support systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of relevant experience.
• Possession of a valid drivers' license and working vehicle at all times, with minimum insurance coverage as required by state law.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hospital discharges and community integration preferred.
• Experience working in a psychiatric setting in a hospital or clinic highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Respond to admission notifications 24 hours per day, 7 days per week on a rotating basis.
• Travel to inpatient units within required time frame to engage with clients post-admission.
• Obtain signed release forms and other required documentation from clients and coordinate appropriate follow-up care with the client’s outpatient providers.
• Conduct brief psychosocial intake, entering and scanning notes/documents into the electronic medical record.
• Liaison with clients’ outpatient providers, communicating all relevant information relating to the admission and discharge to the client.
• Maintain daily telephonic contact with the inpatient unit, visiting the unit as assigned by the Clinical Manager.
• Observe clients pre and post-discharge, communicate with the inpatient treatment team, obtain updated medication lists, and firm discharge dates, where appropriate.
• Complete discharge document(s) and all required reports, uploading them into the client’s electronic medical record.
• Transport clients to fill prescriptions, review reasons for taking medication and provide transportation to clients’ place of residence.
• Schedule interval visits to clients’ home or place of residence, as assigned, following the discharge date until the psychiatric appointment has been kept.
• May perform other duties as assigned.
• Coordinate behavioral health care, substance abuse, and health care services informed by evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, including prevention of mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Coordinate access to preventive and health promotion services.
• Coordinate access to chronic illness management, including self-management support to individuals and their families.
• Advocates for and supports the client, engage with community agencies/health care providers and others on his or her behalf to ensure access to services needed to increase wellness self-management and reduce emergency room visits and/or hospitalizations.
• Provides clinical support to the Team by providing consultation, education, information around psychosocial and/or substance abuse conditions, interventions and resources to maintain focus on outcomes and best practices.
• Provides interventions for consumers, including but not limited to: skills development; crisis intervention; substance abuse assessment, education, and referral; financial management; household management and preventative maintenance; preventive health; preventive mental health; educational/vocational assessment and planning; resource generation.
• Develops linkages with other support systems.

Benefits

• A competitive salary range of $51,395 - $55,678 annually, based on relevant work experience.
• Professional support and career development.
• A package of comprehensive benefits including health and wellness, four weeks of combined sick and vacation leave, 403(b) retirement contributions, and life insurance.
• The latest technology and work tools including a laptop and iPhone.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level