Observation Unit Case Manager

General Summary:

This position coordinates and facilitates the delivery of quality, cost-effective patient care within the observation setting. This role ensures timely transitions of care by collaborating with physicians, nursing, and interdisciplinary teams to manage patient flow, ensure appropriate level of care, and plan for safe discharge or admission as indicated.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

General Requirements:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

All duties performed will be done accurately and in a timely manner.

1. Assess clinical and psychosocial patient needs.
2. Develop and implement individualized care transition plans.
3. Communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, patients, and families.
4. Navigate complex situations with professionalism and critical thinking.
5. Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
6. Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Conduct timely assessments of patients admitted to the Observation Unit and Urgent Care to determine appropriate level of care and potential discharge needs.
2. Collaborate with providers to ensure observation status is clinically appropriate and complies with regulatory guidelines.
3. Facilitate communication between medical staff, nursing, ancillary departments, and external agencies to support continuity of care.
4. Develop and implement individualized discharge plans based on patient needs, available resources, and insurance requirements.
5. Coordinate post-acute services including home health, DME, outpatient follow-up, and transportation.
6. Educate patients and families regarding care plans, expected outcomes, and community resources.
7. Partner with nursing leadership to identify and resolve barriers to patient flow.
8. Serve as a resource to clinical staff regarding observation criteria and discharge planning.
9. Set clear performance goals aligned with department objectives.
10. Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching for professional growth.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Education and Training:

A graduate of an accredited RN or LVN program and possess a current TX RN or LVN License, or related associate’s degree from an accredited vocational institution or military equivalent training required.  CPR/Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification required. Knowledge of case management, laboratory service, quality management, utilization management and risk management preferred.  Must be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms.

Experience:

Experience in a clinic, doctor’s office or hospital with a minimum of one-year experience preferred. 

Other Requirements:

Computer Skills: Skilled in use of computer/EMR systems. Knowledge of Word processing software, spreadsheet software, Internet, and database software. Required to provided bed-side nursing when needed or during peak volume hours.

Work Environment: 

Clinic environment. Exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

Mental / Physical Requirements: 

Requires manual dexterity, sitting, standing, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching, bending, walking, lifting up to 40 lbs. without assistance. Close vision and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work efficiently under pressure.

Additional Information:

Gonzaba Medical Group is seeking team members who contribute as A-Players, demonstrate a strong work ethic, are committed to the culture and our core values.

Other Duties As Assigned:

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Team members will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.  Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and work environments may change as needs evolve.