What are the responsibilities and job description for the Discharge Planner position at Starlite Recovery Center?
We are looking for a full-time Discharge Planner to join our team
For over 67 years, Starlite Recovery Center has been providing adult and adolescent clients in the heart of the Hill Country in Center Point, Texas, with caring and highly effective drug rehab for substance abuse, alcohol addiction, and co-occurring issues.
Starlite Recovery Center is part of the Acadia Healthcare system, a provider of addiction, behavioral and mental health treatment facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico.
BENEFITS:
- Time Off Accruals
- Acadia Healthcare 401(k) plan
- Excellent training program
- Professional growth opportunity that is second to none in the industry. Join a team with defined career paths and a national family of hospitals and facilities as part of the Acadia Healthcare family
SCHEDULE:
Full-Time: Scheduled days TBD with Supervisor
- Onsite
Position Summary:
The Discharge Planner is responsible for coordinating safe, effective, and person-centered discharge plans for clients in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. This role ensures continuity of care by working closely with the clinical team, outside providers, and clients' support systems to facilitate aftercare services, referrals, and transition plans that support long-term recovery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct discharge planning assessments to identify clients' treatment needs, recovery supports, risks, and barriers.
- Collaborate with therapists, case managers, medical staff, and the client to create individualized discharge plans.
- Ensure treatment plans and discharge plans align with ASAM criteria and facility policies.
Care Coordination and Referrals:
- Coordinate referrals to appropriate aftercare services such as outpatient treatment, MAT programs, primary care, mental health providers, transitional housing, or community support.
- Communicate with external providers to schedule intake appointments and transfer relevant documentation.
- Ensure clients have necessary prescriptions, safety plans, and follow-up appointments before discharge.
Documentation and Compliance:
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of all discharge-related activities in the electronic health record.
- Prepare discharge summaries and ensure all required forms are completed.
- Maintain compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards (e.g., HIPAA, Joint Commission, CARF).
Client Support and Education:
- Provide clients with education on recovery resources, relapse-prevention tools, and community supports.
- Assist clients with practical needs related to discharge (transportation coordination, insurance issues, placement paperwork, obtaining records).
- Conduct or participate in family meetings when appropriate to support a safe transition.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Participate in clinical staffing, case conferences, and treatment-team meetings.
- Communicate regularly with therapists, nurses, and case management to monitor client progress and discharge readiness.
Qualifications: Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or related field OR (4 or more years of experience in lieu of a degree)
- Experience in substance use treatment, mental health services, or case management required (1–2 years preferred).
- Knowledge of ASAM levels of care, community resources, and recovery support systems.
Licensure/Certification
(Adjust depending on state requirements)
Licensure/Certification:
- CPR/First Aid certification may be required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and recovery principles.
- Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with electronic health records and documentation standards.
- WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Typically, within a residential, detox, or outpatient treatment setting.
- Occasional off-site coordination with partner agencies or appointments.
- May involve crisis intervention and safe discharge planning under time-sensitive conditions.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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