Discharge Planner

This position is responsible to provide patients and their families with available options for discharge planning and will act as a liaison between medical and nursing staff, patients and their families, and governmental agencies in planning for the optimal benefit to the patient. Responsibilities includes assessment, identification of specific needs, and social service intervention or referral, maintaining awareness of services available to patients and their families, determining patient needs on basis of diagnosis; prognosis and social support system. Upon individual interaction, staff referral and direction from the Licensed Social Worker and/or QI/Care Continuum Manager, the discharge planner will contact the appropriate agency to meet the patient’s social, emotional and spiritual needs. Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

• Two (2) years of hospital experience or previous experience as a discharge planner.

• Excellent communication skills to effectively and tactfully communicate with patients and their families and guests, co-workers, managers, providers and other hospital personnel on a one-to-one basis using appropriate grammar, vocabulary and word usage. 
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to carry out duties in a professional manner and relate to all levels of the public and personality types. 
• Ability to negotiate effective working relationships and positive resolutions to conflict. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with fellow employees, customers and community members at large.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to work in the EMR and proficiently perform computer applications related to department operations and job function.
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Strong organizational skills in order to manage multiple issues simultaneously combined with ability to effectively prioritize. 
• Ability to be discreet and protect the integrity of any confidential matter or information encountered during the performance of job duties.

• Mostly works in typical office environment. 
• Occasionally visits clinical environment with risk of exposure to blood, body fluid or other potentially infectious materials.
• May be at risk for electrical hazards or hazardous materials. 
• Works with protected health information. 
• Ability to work extended hours, holidays or weekends based on the needs of the department.

• Use of computer and other standard office equipment. 
• Extreme concentration and attention to detail. 
• Lift standard office supplies and equipment.
• Lifting, pushing, pulling, walking sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling or stooping to perform duties in a safe manner.