Discharge Coordinator

Job Summary

The Discharge Coordinator is a part of multidisciplinary treatment team, guiding and directing

patients through the discharge process via collaboration with the treatment team, patient,

families, and outside referral sources. Discharge coordinators are skilled patient advocates who

play a critical role in helping current patients develop continuing care plans by organizing an

effective post-treatment strategy for patients to be successful in their recovery treatment plan.

The discharge coordinator will make certain that patients are adequately prepared for recovery

after discharge from a continuum of possible services. Discharge coordinators evaluate patient

needs, discuss their condition with clinicians, plan their homecoming or transfer and arrange any

follow-ups needed. A discharge coordinator will require being people-oriented with excellent

communication skills. Coordinators should have the speaking and listening abilities to understand

clients' needs and collaborate with the treatment team on suitable discharge plans. Strong

organizational skills are imperative to properly record the facility and insurance documentation

needed upon each patient's release. Discharge coordinators should have the time management skills

to balance meetings with a number of clients and medical providers. Empathy, compassion, and

friendliness are important to soothe individuals through the recovery process and ensure

best chance of success.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Protecting patient health and well-being by devising personalized recovery plans after

treatment.

• Responsible for processing discharge documentation and forwarding documents to appropriate

clinicians and programs as needed.

• Auditing of EMR documentation to ensure compliance with institutional guidelines.
• Maintaining data integrity for electronic medical records.
• Verifying medical insurance information for patient prior to transition and schedule continuing

care within their payor constraints.

• Meeting one-on-one with clients to instruct them on proper continuing care and answer any

questions.

• Management of an assigned case of patients.
• Answering phone and email inquiries.
• Performing clerical work, such as filing, copying, or faxing.
• Provide referrals for clients to counseling, psychiatric, or medical care as needed for improved

long- term health outcomes.

• Complying with the regulations and policies of the facility.
• Obtaining all pertinent ROI’s for all referrals.
• Scheduling of discharging client transportation as needed.
• Communicates with the referral source(s) and Axiom Care treatment team the necessary discharge

information.

• Exemplary customer service skills to inspire patients commitment to continued care through

outreach and encouragement with patient and their loved ones, educating on the benefits of

substance abuse treatment in a supportive and compassionate tone.

• Maintains consistent communication with all parties regarding pertinent discharge information

via the designated organizational platforms.

• Keeps clients safe by following safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Protects organization reputation by keeping information confidential and demonstrating

consistent professionalism.

• Maintains a schedule that meets the needs of the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Great communication skills.
• Proficient computer literacy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, challenging, and dynamic environment.
• Experience in patient intake or medical office administration preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to maintain a positive

collaborative relationship among all constituencies.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and

Outlook.

• Working knowledge of HIPAA PHI security requirements.
• Must be able to prioritize, multi-task, and problem-solve efficiently.
• Prior experience working in a behavioral health or recovery setting in either case management or

discharge planning role preferred.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services field preferred.
• Current CPI training certification required within 30 days of hire.

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.