Discharge Planner

Position Summary

Responsible for the coordination and implementation of case management strategies pursuant to the discharge process. Provide efficient, quality discharge planning services to patients and their families from initial intake to discharge; serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team supporting the organization's treatment program and philosophy and assure the deliverance of quality treatment to patients and their families. Participates in performance improvement activities and attends 80% of staff meetings.

Position Responsibilities

• Evaluates patient care plans on a regular basis and updates the care plans when needed.
• Faxes aftercare plans to referrals within 24 hours of discharge.
• Plans patient care in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team.
• Consults with other departments to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Works with all members of the healthcare team to assure a collaborative approach is maintained in care and treatment of the patient.
• Works closely with social worker to integrate psychosocial management of patient/family needs.
• Attends treatment team daily and coordinates care plan with patient, MD, therapist and RN.
• Formulates initial discharge plan and notes it on psychosocial assessment form within 72 hours of admission.
• Assists the Utilization Management Department with all utilization activities as requested and directed.
• Participates in education on and implementation of clinical guidelines and protocols.
• Ensures documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Maintains optimal continuum of patient care through efficient and effective planning, assessing and coordination of healthcare services.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Develops and coordinates an individualized discharge plan for the patient by utilizing treatment team and written chart information to determine the patient's aftercare needs.
• Accesses by phone or written correspondence family or community resources such as nursing homes, group homes, or private mental health practitioners to meet patients' aftercare needs.
• Coordinates with team members to incorporate discharge planning in all phases of patient care by discussing written progress notes from charts and communicating any state or local agency legal requirement for referral/discharge planning with the interdisciplinary team.
• Documents treatment provided to patient in medical record.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members.
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• Ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required.
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior.

Integrity

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital.
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership.
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand.
• Desire to go above and beyond for others.
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences.

Qualifications

Education: Required: Bachelors degree in a behavioral health field or business administration. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification. Preferred: LPN, LVN, LCSW, LMSW, LPC, or RN preferred. May substitute experience for education.

Experience: Required: One or more years acute hospital, home health, hospice, inpatient mental facility experience required (as applicable). Preferred: Prior discharge planning experience preferred.