DISCHARGE PLANNER

Responsibilities

The Discharge Planner is responsible for planning and coordinating activities related to discharge planning. Developing and implementing a plan of care designed to meet the patient’s post hospitalization needs while ensuring continuity of care.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE CATEGORIZED UNDER THE JCAHO STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE. THIS POSITION WILL BE EVALUATED BASED UPON SOCIAL SERVICES PRACTICE / COMPETENCIES, AS WELL AS THERAPEUTIC PRACTICES COMPETENCIES AS LISTED BELOW.

Performance

• Communicate with referral source within the first 24 hours of admission.
• With assistance from the Care Center, social workers, and nursing identify all outside professionals currently working with the patient so that appropriate discharge plans can be completed and facilitates appropriate patterns of communication to minimize duplication.
• Identifies needs of referrals sources and / or professionals during the period of hospitalization.
• Oversees the tasks of continued communication of treatment progress, discharge plans, and time of discharge to outside interested parties as well as facilitating the transfer of required documents to the outside agents.
• Interfaces with the Business Development Department to assist with the determination of customer satisfaction and problem identification and solutions.
• Responsible for discharge plans including scheduling of appointments and communication with parents and significant family contacts.
• Assists with chart audits and completion of medical records.
• Inform patients and families on discharge planning options based on diagnoses, prognoses, resources, and preferences related to home care services.
• Document findings, discharge plans, and actions taken on medical record according to departmental guidelines; prepare reports and maintain records as required.
• Act as an educational resource and provide consultation to hospital personnel regarding discharge planning process and applicable federal, state, and local regulations; identify benefits, implications, limitations of continued care as appropriate.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meeting regarding the planning and implementation of patient care; facilitate communication and problem solving related to discharge planning.
• Performa a variety of clerical activities associated with the discharge planning procedures and the transfer and replacement of residents into facilities and community services agencies such as mental health programs, substance abuse programs, and outpatient programs.
• Assist patients with transfer and discharge procedures in providing information and instructions regarding accommodations, finance, and insurance.
• May be trained and assigned to perform the Patient Advocate duties as needed.

Intervention

Treatment Planning

Teaching

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Education : Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university, in Social Work or a clinical related mental health field preferred.

Experience : Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a psychiatric health care facility with direct experience in discharge planning.

Additional Requirements : Crisis Prevention Certification Trainings (Handle with Care) within 30 days of employment and prior to assisting with a restraining procedure. Certification training is offered during new hire orientation.