Discharge Planner Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Nursing, or related field.
• State criminal background check and Federal (if applicable), as required for regulated areas.

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year experience in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Participates as an integral professional member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Collects and records data that is comprehensive, accurate, and systematic in the assessment form and in progress notes.
• Assesses and documents in the medical record the discharge planning needs of the patient.
• Contacts the referral source(s) and appropriate health professionals involved in the patient’s discharge status and to obtain any additional information that might facilitate the treatment process.
• Advocates on behalf of the patient to maximize available services.
• Assists treatment team by coordinating planning effort. Assists in determining appropriateness of admissions and receives referrals for discharge planning intervention.
• Establishes and maintains a collaborative environment in coordination with the patient and other healthcare providers.
• Assists patients and families in achieving a satisfying and productive discharge plan through health teaching and documents teaching according to hospital policy.
• Performs discharge planning as developed with the treatment team from day of admission. Acts as liaison for patients and their families to various community agencies, hospital consultants and services.
• Participates in improving organizational performance and other means of evaluation to assure quality of nursing and discharge planning services provided for patients.
• Attends continuing education seminars and in-services as necessary to maintain professional licensure, competency, and to satisfy hospital-required educational standards.
• Coordinates post-acute care planning including referrals to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home health, or durable medical equipment providers.
• Provides education to patients and families to support discharge readiness and ensure understanding of post-discharge instructions and available services.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance guidelines relevant to post-acute services and transitions of care.
• Provides timely documentation of discharge planning activities, patient/family communications, and care coordination in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory standards.
• Collaborates with case managers, utilization review, and third-party payors to support timely transitions and resolve coverage or authorization issues.
• Assists patients and families in navigating community-based resources, including transportation, housing, or medical support programs.
• Participates in weekend or holiday rotations as needed to ensure continuity of discharge planning services if applicable for your assigned unit.