Discharge Planner

About Company:

We’re officially a Great Place To Work®! We’ve always believed that supporting our team is just as important as supporting our patients. Now, we’re proud to share that we’ve earned Great Place To Work® Certification - based entirely on feedback from our own employees.

Read more here: https://ow.ly/YQ1C50WuRH1

This certification reflects the culture we’ve worked hard to build - one rooted in trust, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership.

At Bradford Health Services, we are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients while fostering a supportive and rewarding workplace for our employees. We believe that taking care of our team allows them to take better care of others, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being.

Our benefits include:

• Medical Coverage – Three new BCBSAL medical plans with better rates, improved co-pays, and enhanced prescription benefits.

• Expanded Coverage – Options for domestic partners and a wider network of in-network providers.

• Mental Health Support – Improved access to services and a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) featuring digital wellness tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modules and wellness coaching.

• Voluntary Coverages – Pet insurance, home and auto insurance, family legal services, and more.

• Student Loan Repayment – Available for nurses and therapists.

• Retirement Benefits – 401(k) plan through Voya to help employees plan for the future.

• Generous PTO – A robust paid time off policy to support work-life balance.

• Voluntary Benefits for Part-Time Employees – Dental, vision, life, accident insurance, and telehealth options for those working 20 hours or more per week.

At Bradford Health Services, we don’t just invest in our patients—we invest in our people.

About the Role:

The Discharge Planner plays a critical role in coordinating and facilitating the safe and efficient transition of patients from healthcare facilities to appropriate post-acute care settings. This position ensures that each patient’s discharge plan is comprehensive, addressing medical, social, and emotional needs to promote optimal recovery and prevent readmissions. The Discharge Planner collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and external care providers, to develop individualized care plans that comply with regulatory requirements and payer guidelines such as Medicaid. By assessing patient needs related to long-term care, dialysis, and mental health services, the Discharge Planner ensures continuity of care and access to necessary resources. Ultimately, this role contributes to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction by managing complex case coordination and advocating for patient-centered care transitions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in discharge planning, case management, or social services within a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of Medicaid policies and procedures related to discharge and post-acute care.
• Familiarity with long-term care, dialysis treatment protocols, and mental health support services.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), Nursing (MSN), or Healthcare Administration.
• Certification in Case Management (CCM) or Certified Discharge Planning Specialist (CDPS).
• Experience working with diverse patient populations and complex medical cases.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and discharge planning software.
• Training in trauma-informed care or behavioral health interventions.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ medical, social, and emotional needs to develop effective discharge plans.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, social services, and community resources to arrange appropriate post-discharge care, including long-term care and dialysis services.
• Ensure compliance with Medicaid and other insurance requirements during discharge planning and documentation processes.
• Provide case management support by monitoring patient progress and addressing barriers to successful discharge and follow-up care.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with patients, families, and care teams to facilitate smooth transitions and address any concerns.
• Document all discharge planning activities accurately in the medical record and prepare necessary reports for regulatory and quality assurance purposes.
• Support mental health and emotional stability considerations in discharge planning to promote holistic patient care.

Skills:

The required skills such as discharge planning, Medicaid knowledge, and case management are essential for developing and implementing effective patient transition plans that meet regulatory and clinical standards. Expertise in dialysis and long-term care enables the Discharge Planner to coordinate specialized services tailored to patients’ ongoing medical needs. Social services and mental health skills are applied daily to assess psychosocial factors and emotional stability, ensuring comprehensive support for patients and families. Emotional stability is crucial for managing sensitive situations and providing empathetic communication during stressful discharge processes. Preferred skills like certification and EHR proficiency enhance the efficiency and accuracy of documentation and interprofessional collaboration, ultimately improving patient outcomes.