Nurse Care Coordinator

Description

Organization: Quality Healthcare Development

Location: Charleston, SC

Employment Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt (Professional Exemption)

Reports To: Quality Director

Position Summary

Quality Healthcare Development is seeking a Nurse Care Coordinator responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive care coordination program in partnership with the Quality Director. This role focuses on engaging and supporting patients within the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) population to improve care quality, enhance patient outcomes, and reduce the overall cost of care.

The Nurse Care Coordinator works closely with patients, families, providers, and the healthcare team to coordinate services and resources across the continuum of care. This role promotes patient engagement, self-management, and shared decision-making while improving health literacy for patients and caregivers. The position also serves as a liaison between patients, providers, and community resources to ensure coordinated, efficient, and patient-centered care.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Care Coordination Program Development

•  Participate in program development, evaluation, and improvement initiatives.

Patient Care Coordination

•  Perform key functions related to the success of the Care Coordination Program including patient outreach via telephone and occasional office encounters.
•  Maintain regular communication with patients in the assigned caseload.
•  Coordinate patient activities and ensure appropriate utilization of healthcare services.
•  Support care gap closure and ensure appropriate follow-up care.

Patient and Family Engagement

•  Include patients’ family members, caregivers, and support systems in care coordination activities when appropriate.
•  Promote patient engagement, self-management, and shared decision-making.
•  Ensure patients and caregivers understand condition management, medications, tests, referrals, and recommended services.

Care Planning and Collaboration

•  Work collaboratively with patients, providers, and healthcare teams to develop care plans that maximize health outcomes and cost-effective care.
•  Consult with providers and healthcare team members to address care issues and barriers to treatment.

Care Transitions and Resource Coordination

•  Coordinate care across the continuum including post-discharge follow-up calls for hospitalized patients.
•  Assist patients in accessing community resources and financial assistance when appropriate.
•  Identify and address barriers to treatment plan adherence.

Patient Education and Health Literacy

•  Utilize motivational interviewing and other strategies to promote patient engagement and improved health outcomes.
•  Assess and implement strategies to improve patient and caregiver health literacy.
•  Provide education and resources necessary to support informed healthcare decisions.

Monitoring and Documentation

•  Monitor the effectiveness of care plans and revise as necessary in collaboration with patients and the healthcare team.
•  Document all patient care coordination activities accurately and in a timely manner.
•  Serve as a patient advocate throughout the care coordination process.

Compliance and Quality Improvement

•  Participate in quality improvement initiatives and care coordination program evaluations.
•  Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements.
•  Demonstrate awareness of and responsiveness to cultural and demographic diversity within the patient population.

Required Knowledge & Skills

•  Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
•  Ability to work independently, take initiative, and identify opportunities for professional growth.
•  Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
•  Ability to quickly assess and prioritize patient needs.
•  Experience engaging patients through telephone outreach and care management activities.
•  Comprehensive knowledge of chronic health conditions and clinical assessment parameters.
•  Strong knowledge of healthcare systems and care navigation.
•  Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic healthcare environment.
•  Proficiency in basic computer applications and electronic medical record systems.

Education, Experience & Licensure

Education

•  Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required.

Experience

•  Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a clinical or outpatient setting preferred.
•  Experience in care coordination, case management, population health, or value-based care preferred.

Licensure/Certification

•  Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of South Carolina required.

Technical Skills

•  Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer systems required.
•  Experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems preferred.
•  Experience with Aprima, ECW, Athena, Greenway, Allscripts or other population health platforms is a plus.

FLSA & OSHA Compliance Guidelines

FLSA Status: Exempt

This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) under the professional exemption criteria. The employee is paid on a salary basis and primarily performs work requiring advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning (Nursing) customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction. Independent judgment and clinical discretion are regularly exercised in this role.

Physical Demands (FLSA/ADA compliant)

To perform the essential functions of this job successfully, the employee must be able to:

•  Frequently sit for extended periods while utilizing a computer and telephone system.
•  Occasionally walk, stand, bend, and reach during occasional office encounters.
•  Communicate clearly and effectively (speaking and hearing) over the telephone and in person.
•  Possess adequate visual acuity to read electronic screens, medical records, and printed documents.
•  Lift and/or carry lightweight office items up to 10-15 lbs occasionally.

Work Environment & OSHA Standards

Quality Healthcare Development is committed to providing a safe workplace in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

•  Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office/clerical environment with a moderate noise level.
•  Ergonomics: The role requires extensive computer use; workstations are designed to meet OSHA ergonomic guidelines.
•  Exposure Category: This position is generally classified as OSHA Category III (minimal to no exposure), as primary duties are telephonic and administrative. However, due to "occasional office encounters," employees must adhere to standard safety precautions and infection control protocols when interacting with patients in a clinical setting.
•  Employees are required to complete annual mandatory safety, emergency action plan, and HIPAA compliance training.

Quality Healthcare Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.