Discharge Planning Specialist, Full Time

The Discharge Planning Specialist will function as a program manager - assisting Social Workers, Case Managers, and inpatient operations teams in complex discharge planning. This role will lead overall program management for transitional care programs including guardianship, dialysis, complex care, homelessness, decanting and long length of stay. A primary focus of this role will be on transitions of care. Responsibilities of this role and potential supports include (but not limited to): complex familial situations, support with insurance applications, and post acute authorization. The Discharge Planning Resource Specialist will collaborate with Clinical Social Workers, Nurse Case Managers, BMC Hospital Leadership, and post-acute care facilities to assist with identifying and fulfilling safe and appropriate discharges for patients.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Discharge Planning Resource Specialist (Substance Use) will function as a program manager - assisting Social Workers, Case Managers, and inpatient operations teams in complex discharge planning.  The Substance Use Discharge Planning Specialist will undertake a range of responsibilities aimed at optimizing the discharge process for patients with substance use needs.

Responsibilities of this role and potential supports include (but not limited to): complex familial situations, support with insurance applications, collaborating with Post Detox Facilities, Methadone Clinics, and identifying appropriate patients for admission and discharge from the Inpatient Service at BMC.  The Discharge Planning Resource Specialist will collaborate with Clinical Social Workers, Nurse Case Managers, BMC Hospital Leadership, and Post Detox Facility Leadership to assist with identifying and fulfilling safe and appropriate discharges for patients.

Position: Discharge Planning Specialist

Department: Care Management

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Works with patients as assigned on safe discharges.  This could include working with families on plans to get their loved ones home, working on Medicaid upgrades for long term care including assisting with obtaining necessary documents and forms to obtain services, resources, or payer for community and facility care.
• Assists with delivery of Medicare notices
• Provides assistance with the patient follow-up if barriers develop with the care plan
• Participates in discharge planning activities in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide linkage with post-discharge care providers
• Provides consultation to Care Mangers and Social Workers when coordination with significant or intensive community resources is necessary to achieve desired treatment outcomes for program participants
• Meets with patients and families, as needed
• Collaborate with case managers, social workers, physicians, and post-acute care providers to gather necessary documentation for transitions of care.
•  Conducts difficult conversations with families on discharge planning options and addresses issues of choice
• Partners with patients and families and the Patient Finance Service team to collaboratively complete Medicaid applications, etc.
• Participates in meetings/initiatives including appropriate quality improvement and education activities, or if unable to attend non-mandatory activities, accepts responsibility to review meeting minutes and becomes knowledgeable of issues discussed.
• Assists management in the operation of a quality department by participating in department programs and complying with department policies and procedures.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
• Utilizes hospital’s cultural beliefs as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital’s mission and goals.
• Responsible for training the patient population on BMC services and how to gain exposure to community services.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Responsible for networking with our community to better leverage delivery of care.
• Performs other duties as requested or needed.
• Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• BSW or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field.  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• None

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years of previous program/project management experience, with specific experience related to healthcare in a clinical setting preferred

   Demonstrated experience working with diverse at–risk populations.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse and at-risk populations.
• Previous experience with Medicaid applications and qualifications very helpful.
• Excellent critical thinking and communication skills with ability to manage multiple projects at various stages and work cross functionally
• Ability to be very detail-oriented, track data and deliver high quality work products strongly preferred.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations.  Cultural competence is very important. Bicultural/Bilingual competency a plus.
• Computer literacy with ability to use standard word processing, spreadsheet and database programs and e-mail (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and web browsers and search engines. Ability to become proficient quickly in EPIC, Microsoft Office, and THRIVE database.
• Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic work environment (sense of humor is important).
• Familiarity with community resources, particularly services available to patients who are new to Boston and/or the US.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, problem solving and analytical skills in interactions with physicians, nurses, social workers and case managers as well as other health team members.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with hospital colleagues collaterals; ability to manage conflict and deal tactfully with others
• Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic work environment (sense of humor is important).
• Familiarity with community resources, particularly services available to patients who are new to Boston and/or the US.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and negotiation skills in interactions with physicians, nurses, social workers and case managers as well as other health team members.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with hospital colleagues collaterals; ability to manage conflict and deal tactfully with others

Compensation Range:

$22.84- $31.97

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being. 

NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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