Discharge Planner/Outcomes

Description

The discharge planner performs duties such as getting Discharge Plans or Continuing Care Plans signed, completing Discharge Summary, calling referrals, helping clients to connect with community services and mailing/sending necessary documents to the appropriate people and assuring there is an appropriate release of information.

Essential Functions:

• Will learn, understand and utilize American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to document and interpret client chart information.
• Will understand ASAM summary documentation to outline areas of progress or barriers that need addressed in post discharge care.
• Will work with counseling staff to facilitate completion of discharge planning and discharge summary information.
• Will complete predischarge plans, transition planning, and appointment coordination with client and in collaboration with counseling staff.
• Will maintain community relationships in various geographic locations and understand accessibility to post discharge resources.
• Coordinate with various providers to ensure relevant and appropriate discharge plan needs for the client.
• Responsible for creating documents regarding client care in coordination with the primary counselor.
• Responsible for assuring the policies, procedures and activities necessary for discharge documentation are carried out.
• Assists the primary counselors and follows directions and recommendations outlined by the counselor.
• Works with health care professionals, has good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong technical computer skills to work within Electronic Health Record (EMR).
• Understands confidential, state, federal and HIPAA laws.
• Documents in the client file all requests and releases of data to outside sources.
• Coordinates with departments and counselors regarding the process of entering data into The Walker Center’s Electronic Health Record (EMR).
• Contact discharged clients to gather survey results at 30 day, 6 months and 1-year intervals and complete documentation of successful or unsuccessful contact for both residential and outpatient.
• Ensures confidentiality of all client records and personal data in the use of files and the appropriateness of phone inquiries or conversations.
• Makes and introduction during Family Program to both clients and their families to familiarize both stakeholders and those served with person calling and intent of calls.
• Facilitates contact with clients within 5 business days of an unplanned discharge.
• Makes post discharge contact with clients to assess adherence to discharge appointments and provided resources to clients post-discharge when barriers are identified regarding continued care needs.

Walker Center Citizenship:

• Accepts, follows, and sets an example that represents The Walker Center’s policies, philosophy, mission and values.
• Demonstrates excellent service in all interactions to all those we come into contact with (coworkers, clients, families, venders, general public).
• Adheres to an established work schedule.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises good judgement about what to say and when to say it.
• Is a self-starter, exhibits initiative necessary to complete tasks.
• Possesses ability to prioritize tasks to ensure completion according to significance.
• Able to work calmly and handle stressful situations which occur during busy periods of time.
• Consistent in checking accuracy of own work; keeps errors to a minimum and accepts personal responsibility for work.
• Contributes to a positive work environment through interactions with others.

Requirements

• Experience working in a treatment center serving chemically dependent individuals preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and general computer systems with the ability to learn and maintain Electronic Health Records (EMR).
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer, printer, photocopier, facsimile machine, and telephone.
• Able and willing to learn and understand American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and attend trainings related to client care.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position including walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing and repetitive motions.
• If in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder, must have a minimum of two (2) years of sobriety from substances of abuse.
• Must pass pre-hire requirements including a criminal background check, urinalysis (UA), and TB test.
• Must obtain CPR certification within ninety (90) days of hire.