Job Summary:

The Discharge Planner will provide appropriate and timely discharge planning from the hospital, arrangement for follow-up health care, assess financial resources available for patients, and make referrals to appropriate community resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides discharge planning to patients and families determining which hospital or community resources should be included in the patient's discharge plan and requesting the determination of the level of patient care for nursing home or group placement.
• Accurately assesses patient's financial resources, makes referrals to community, and coordinates transfers to extended care facilities (ECF), group care homes, or other acute hospitals.
• Documents discharge plan in medical records, completing final documentation within two working days of discharge.
• Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary case management team.
• Administers the patient satisfaction survey.
• Participates in continuing education programs to maintain skills and social work licensure.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of social work skills, theories, and intervention.
• Knowledge of discharge planning and community resources.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, charting skills, and familiarity with a medical setting.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with physicians, patient, and family.
• Ability to provide counseling and address social issues to resolve problems encountered in discharge planning.
• Ability to work as a part of a multidisciplinary team and to facilitate close working relations and cooperation with community resources.
• Ability to use initiative and independent judgment.
• Skills to assess financial and discharge problems and provide referral to appropriate resources.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social work or closely related field required.
• One year of experience in the social services field require. Applicants with experience in a health care setting will be given preference.
• Valid state social work license.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.