What are the responsibilities and job description for the DISCHARGE PLANNER position at BEACON BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES?
About the Role:
Our discharge planner at our Inpatient Behavioral Health Facility in Bunkie plays a critical role in ensuring patients transition smoothly and safely from the behavioral hospital setting to appropriate post-discharge care environments. This position involves comprehensive assessment and coordination of discharge plans tailored to each patient's medical, emotional, and social needs, with a focus on long-term care and community resources. The Discharge Planner collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams, including medical providers, social workers, and external agencies, to facilitate access to services such as Medicaid, dialysis, and mental health support. By effectively managing case plans and addressing barriers to care, the Discharge Planner helps reduce readmission rates and promotes positive health outcomes. Ultimately, this role supports both patients and their families through education, advocacy, and resource linkage to ensure continuity of care after hospitalization.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, nursing, or a related healthcare field.
- Experience in discharge planning or case management within a behavioral health or long-term care setting.
- Knowledge of Medicaid policies and procedures.
- Strong understanding of mental health conditions and medical management related to these conditions.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in social work (MSW) or Healthcare Administration.
- Certification in Case Management (CCM) or Certified Discharge Planner credentials.
- Experience working in behavioral hospitals or specialized dialysis care coordination.
- Familiarity with community resources and social service networks in the Bunkie, HSPBU region.
- Training in trauma-informed care and emotional stability techniques.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ medical, psychological, and social needs to develop individualized discharge plans.
- Coordinate with healthcare providers, social services, and community agencies to arrange appropriate post-discharge care, including long-term care facilities and outpatient services.
- Facilitate Medicaid eligibility verification and assist patients in accessing financial support programs relevant to their care needs.
- Monitor and document patient progress and discharge outcomes, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
- Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and families to prepare them for discharge and ongoing care management.
Skills:
The Discharge Planner utilizes their expertise in discharge planning and case management daily to assess patient needs and develop comprehensive care plans that address both medical and social factors. Proficiency with Medicaid processes ensures patients receive necessary financial support and access to services such as dialysis and long-term care. Strong knowledge of mental health and medical management allows the planner to collaborate effectively with clinical teams and external providers. Emotional stability and counseling skills are essential for supporting patients and families through potentially stressful transitions. Additionally, social services knowledge enables the planner to connect patients with community resources, ensuring continuity of care and improved health outcomes.
Beacon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
